CHAMPIONS! Congratulations to the Lionesses – A victory for the ages! You’ve made the nation proud once again!

Pretty much every single player is in tears on that pitch; there is barely a dry eye in sight.

It’s like they have all just watched Marley & Me. And don’t lie and say you didn’t cry at that movie; everyone does.

Chloe Kelly was in tears of joy after burying her penalty, as were her team-mates as they swarmed her.

And the Spain players are in bits too, but for a very different reason.

Many of the England players are now consoling the Spanish, as they know how this feels. They were in opposite positions two years ago.

England are European champions once again, wow!

I told my colleagues that I was worried Chloe Kelly would miss in the shootout, but what was I thinking?

Never. In. Doubt.

She and the Lionesses have made history. They are the first England senior side to win a tournament on foreign soil.

Sweet Caroline is currently belting out of teh speakers in Basel, and the England players are jumping all over each other.

The mentality monster have done it again.

Chloe Kelly to make history for the Lionesses…

SHE’S DONE IT!!!

England go back-to-back!!!!

Salma Paralluelo to bring Spain level… she’s put it wide!

Time for the captain to step up… but Cata Coll denies Leah Williamson.

It’s another battle of the goalkeepers.

Now it’s time for the best player in the world to step up.

Aitana Bonmati places the ball down, steps back, and… IT’S SAVED AGAIN!

Hannah Hampton the hero!

Now Niamh Charles steps up for England.

What a penalty that is, nerves of steel!

Mariona Caldentey scored Spain’s opener in normal time, can she score from teh spot?

NO SHE CAN’T… Hannah Hampton makes a huge save.

Alex Greenwood up next for England.

She missed against Sweden, but she BURIES this one into the bottom corner.

Guijarro now up for Spain, can she take advantage.

You bet she can, straight down the middle.

Beth Mead gets to go again… and it’s saved.

What a stop from Cata Coll.

Beth Mead to go first…

Ooooft, she slips but scores. Now that is lucky.

But wait a minute, she hit it twice… and she will have to take it again.

That’s good news.

Leah Williamson has won the toss, and the penalties will be taken in front of the England fans.

There is a huge roar from those in the stands as they realise the kicks will be taken in front of them.

It’s certainly helpful for England.

Now, who is going to take a penalty?

Chloe Kelly is the only player left on the pitch who scored in the shootout against Sweden.

Not ideal, is it?

Even Kelly missed against Italy in extra-time, so she isn’t exactly perfect.

I have no idea who is going to step up.

England and Spain can’t be separated.

That was a painful 30 minutes to watch from an England perspective, but they have made it through.

So, now it’s time for penalties, and we know what happened the last time the Lionesses took part in a shootout.

It was torturous and extraordinary.

Ohhhh, I thought Beth Mead was in.

It looks as though the ball breaks for her in the box, and the whole stadium holds its breath.

But in what seems like slow motion, Cata Coll leaos out and smothers the ball.

That should be that.

If it wasn’t squeaky bum time before, it certainly is now.

England need to survive for two more minutes to force penalties.

Erm… what?

Michelle Agyemanag has just been penalised for absolutely no reason while colliding with a Spain defender while chasing a ball.

She can’t believe it, Sarina Wiegman can’t believe it, and neither can I.

Where is the foul there? There isn’t one.

The shots just keep coming in from Spain.

Vicky Lopez has a pop yet again, but this time it’s a tame header at the back post.

Hannah Hampton simply gobbles it up and tries to slow down this final.

Concede now, and it’s game over.

Well, there’s your answer.

Georgia Stnway walks off and goes straight to the bench to take her seat.

Grace Clinton is on for the final few minutes here. Can she make an impact here late on?

England are clinging on for dear life hear, this is an agonising watch.

Spain are peppering the Lionesses’ goal and this time it’s Vicky Lopez who comes close.

But her effort flies just over the bar, and then Georgia Stanway drops to the floor.

Is that a tactical ‘injury’, or is she really struggling?

Jeez, this is getting hella nervy now.

Excuse my Gen Z terms, but we are just at that point in this game where they slip out.

The ball drops to Salma Paralluelo in teh box following a corner, and the Lionesses’ fans hold their breath.

But she fails to connect with the ball and England clear.

Niamh Charles to the rescue.

Aitani Bonmati is away down the right and you are thinking, ‘here we go’.

She pulls the ball back for Claudia Pina, who looks set to sweep home a lovely move, but Charles anticipates the cross and gets to it first.

It’s wave after wave of Spanish attacks now.

I imagine the Lionesses have their heart set on penalties now; they just want to survive.

That’s always a dangerous game, though.

Defending in your box in extra-time usually ends in tears, well, it has during my years of reporting.

Lucy Bronze has finally tapped out.

The defender was fighting through a multitude of problems in extra-time there, and she can fight no longer.

Niamh Charles is on in her place.

Meanwhile, Leila Ouahabi is on for Spain as Olga Carmona comes off.

And there goes the whistle.

England have survived the first 15 minutes of extra-time, but boy, by the skin of their teeth.

Now they have to just put all hands to the pump to make it to penalties.

Oh my word… how have Spain not scored there?

The ball is flashed across the six-yard box and Salma Paralluelo simply has to tap home.

But she tries a weird flick for some reason and doesn’t connect properly.

England survive.

I have no idea where they have plucked two minutes from here.

Oh wait, yes I do, Lucy Bronze’s injury…

Sorry, I’m thinking out loud in this blog; I always do.

Michelle Agmeyang is box office.

Even when she is not doing anything with the ball, she’s pure entertainment.

She thinks she has won teh ball on the slide, but the referee gives a foul against her. The striker’s face is just priceless when she realises.

The type of face you make when you realise there are no cookies left in the cookie jar.

England just can’t get out of their own half here.

The Spanish are running all over them, and if anybody is going to get a winner, it’s the world champions on this viewing.

Claudia Pina lets fly of a ripper from the left, and it just flashes past the post.

What was I thinking?

This is Lucy Bronze we are talking about, she needs to be dragged kicking and screaming off that pitch.

She shakes her legs, tells the medical staff to go away, and races back onto the pitch.

What a warrior. Silly decision, but still a warrior.

Surely Lucy Bronze can’t continue now.

The defender can barely walk and is down for some time receiving treatment.

I know she hates going off, but she would be silly to continue.

It’s all gone a bit mental.

Both teams have just gone into ‘chase the ball’ mode like a bunch of young kids learning how to play football.

Aitana Bonmati rushes an effort from miles out while being swarmed by England players, and her shot is blocked.

But yeah, that was chaotic. Shows what tired legs can do.

It feels like the first half all over again.

It’s all hands to the pump for England all of a sudden and Spain are putting the pressure on.

Not that they are creating any chances, mind.

Oi oi oi oi…

That would have been the worst possible start to extra time for England had that gone in.

Vicky Lopez does brilliantly down the right, makes her way to the byline, and smashes a wicked ball across the box.

But it flashes past Claudia Pina, and England survive.

Are you ready for your emotions to be put through the wringer again?

Well, you have no choice.

Beth Mead has got this extra time underway here in Basel, so let the entertainment commence again.

Ellen White, England Euro 2022 winner, on BBC One:

I think we have that sense of belief that we can do it and that we can score a goal. Chloe Kelly has made a big difference – the space has started to come more open and there are spaces for England to occupy.

England still have their Euros crown right now because of this goal, and what a goal it was.

Chloe Kelly was always going to have her say in this final, and what a cross she whipped in for Alessia Russo.

And the header, wow. Beautiful.

Off to extra-time we go.

This is England, they were never going to get it done in 90 minutes, but they are still in the fight thanks to Alessia Russo.

Don’t go anywhere yet; lots more drama is still to come.

Looks like another batch of extra time.

I’m annoyed because if you guys read my stuff a lot, you will know how much I hate extra time.

Why can’t we just go to pennos??

Just as I say that, Vicky Lopez tries to ensure that neither are a possibility, but blazes over.

Is that it?

After a goal and a few injuries, I was certain we would get like eight minutes of added time.

Well, we get half that.

That’s the last we will see of Athenea del Castillo.

Salma Paralluelo replaces her and instantly looks to get in behind with her first attack.

But Jess Carter sweeps across and puts the ball behind for a corner.

England under the cosh again late on.

Brilliant defending from England.

Athenea del Castillo races away down the right, and it spells danger for the Lionesses.

But Leah Williamson deals with it and eventually England clear their lines.

Ella Toone’s work is done.

What a tournament the midfielder has had; she’s grown game by game throughout it.

But now she is replaced by Beth Mead with less than five minutes of normal time remaining.

Sarina Wiegman is having a crack late on.

Ohhh, I thought Michelle Agyemang was through there.

Chloe Kelly tries to slide the striker in behind, and for a second, it looks like the perfect ball.

But just as Agyemang’s eyes light up, the interception is made by Spain, and the chance goes away.

Phew.

Both players are on their feet and look OK, so the game is getting going again.

We are now entering squeaky-bum territory. Nobody enjoys squeaky-bum territory. If you do, you’re mental.

Concede now, and it’s game over.

Lucy Bronze is up, and there is no wincing now.

But wait, now Hannah Hampton is down and needing medical treatment. Not good.

We are going to get a lot of injury time, I feel.

Lucy Bronze looks in a bit of a pickle here.

She’s on the floor, holding her ankle, and wincing. She doesn’t look like she can continue.

But this is Lucy Bronze we are talking about; she would continue with two broken legs.

No way she gets substituted here…

Where are the England attackers?

Leah Williamson combines with Lauren Hemp and then races to get to the ball in the Spain box.

She slides the ball across the six-yard box, and it’s begging to be tapped into the back of the net.

But nobody is there…

Oh, you’re joking?

There is making a meal out of contact, and there is what Irene Paredes has just done.

Jess Carter barely touches her, but she goes down as if she has just been sniped from the stands.

And she gets the foul!!!! Crazy.

OK, Claudia Pina, I was not familiar with your game.

Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised with this pocket rocket coming on, as she nearly gives Spain the lead.

She knocks the ball past Lucy Bronze and then blasts one toward teh roof of the net.

But guess who denies her? Hannah Hampton, of course.

Here she comes!

Michelle Agymenag is one of the reasons England are in this final, and she receives a hero’s welcome as she replaces Alessia Russo.

I’m not used to her coming on this early, but am not against it.

Meanwhile, Spain make a bit of a surprising change as Alexia Putellas is replaced by Claudia Pina.

That is a monster save from Cata Coll!

She may be pants when using her feet to pass, but my word, is she good with her feet when making a save.

Chloe Kelly does brilliantly down the left and prods an effort across Coll and it looks set to nestle in the bottom corner.

But Coll gets her toe to the ball and diverts it wide.

I reckon if there was another goal next to England’s, that still wouldn’t have gone in.

OK, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic, but Athenea del Castillo has just smashed an effort well wide.

Not even worth worrying about for Hannah Hampton, she could have chilled in a deck chair as that ball was struck.

Oooooh, now that’s what you call nervy.

Cata Coll decides she wants to be like Robert Sanchez and forgets how to use her feet.

She is very nearly closed down, but she gets away with it… just.

England are all over Spain now, the momentum in this game has completely switched.

England have definitely woken up, and of course, Chloe Kelly is the reason why.

She once again races down the left and clips in a teasing ball, which is begging to be headed home.

But Lauren Hemp isn’t exactly the tallest of players… and doesn’t meet it.

Ciaran Foreman at Box Park:

That goal nearly took the roof off this place! They were muted for most of this night, but Alessia Russo’s goal has sparked Croydon’s Box Park back into life. This crowd are believing again. They’re singing, roaring on the Lionesses now at every tackle, every touch of the ball.

Hannah Hampton has just been chilling in this half, no joke.

She ends up with the ball in her mitts again following a Spain free-kick, but she barely had to move for it.

I hope I haven’t just jinxed her, but Spain aren’t causing the stopper too many problems at the moment.

Ooooh, it’s getting feisty now.

That goal has made this game come alive, and now the two teams are going at it. We love a bit of needle, don’t we?

Boy, did England need that, and boy, did this final need it too.

THE WOMAN FOR THE BIG OCCASION!

Chloe Kelly is the definition of clutch; she delivers the goods once again when England need her.

It’s one hell of a cross into the box and bang, what a header that is from Alessia Russo.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a game on our hands now.

Another minute passes, and another shot from distance for Spain.

This reminds me of when PSG just took shots from all over the pitch against Liverpool a few months ago.

This time, it’s Alexia Putellas who decides to have a dig from outside the box, because why not?

Well, that’s why. Miles and miles wide.

Mariona Caldentey is at it again; this girl just loves a pot shot.

This time she has a pop from distance as she looks to bag a brace, but it’s another easy save for Hannah Hampton.

Spain are having a lot of shots on goal, but none that are really challenging Hampton.

Oh, come on…

Alessia Russo is screaming for a penalty as the ball hits Laia Aleixandri in the area. Nothing doing, and that’s because it hits her stomach and is nowhere near her arm.

That’s what you call desperation.

The early signs here are that it’s normal service has resumed for Spain.

Not good if you are an England fan.

They continue to push the Lionesses back, and Aitana Bonmati manages to fashion some space to shoot.

But the effort goes straight down the throat of Hannah Hampton.

Why can’t assistants just wack their flags up when a player is clearly offside?

That rule always hacks me off!

Esther Gonzalez is miles off, but they let Spain play on for another minute before the flag goes up when Mariona Caldentey shoots wide.

It’s a joke.

Jeez, that was a quick half-time break.

England are going to have to produce some of their comeback magic again if they are going to get out of this hole.

Can they do it?

Well, we are about to find out as we are back underway here in Basel.

Ciaran Foreman at Box Park:

Not the half that anyone had hoped for here in Croydon. But Lionesses fan, Mary Barnet, 61, is urging the team ‘not to give up hope’ as she believes England can take this tie to extra time. Admitting she has been impressed by the Spanish outfit, she said: ‘We knew they were a very dominant team but our players are not forcing them further up the pitch.

‘They’re in our half all the time and although we’ve gave it a go, we can’t get up the pitch. If I was in the dressing room I’d say “don’t give up hope, keep pushing them and try and press them more”. They’re an excellent team but we can’t still do it.’

Not sure why picture is sideways, but hey-ho, I can’t change it.

Is it just me, or do the England players just look tired out on that pitch?

It looks as though the back-to-back comebacks and extra time has taken it out of their legs.

After an early burst in this final, the Lionesses were chasing shadows and looked absolutely knackered.

If I were Sarina Wiegman, I’d bring on some fresh legs ASAP.

A bruising first half for England, despite a few chances coming their way. After scoring, Spanish had Wiegman’s players chasing the ball with counterpressure which was so good – too good – and left England simply unable to get out.

They needed time on the ball just to get a rest, but that didn’t come. Kelly’s immediate energy offers a flicker of hope but it’s going to a battle to get back into this.

This is when the game changed.

England had been fairly decent up until the 25th minute, but then Mariona Caldentey hit them where it hurt.

I have to say, it was one hell of a header, but teh defending leaves a little to be desired.

Hannah Hampton had no chance.

England have some work to do.

These Lionesses never do anything easily; they like to make us sweat, and they are certainly making hard work of this final.

After a bright start, England have been second best by far to the Spanish, and being one behind flatters them.

It’s not over yet, though.

Nearly time for a little break, and you can all get yourselves a bevvy or a cuppa, whatever you prefer.

I’m going to get some water, as I am working.

Ciaran Foreman at Box Park:

40 minutes on the clock here and England fans haven’t had much to cheer about. That is until the camera panned to Chloe Kelly. Sadly for Lauren James, she’s off with an injury, but that substitution has rejuvenated this crowd here in south London.

Lauren James hasn’t looked right all this half. Under immense pressure to offer some kind of defensive component as well as an attacking dimension but she’s just not seemed fit. Kelly, now on the field, will surely offer more

Chloe Kelly is already making a difference.

It felt as though the Lionesses hadn’t made a foray forward in an age, but it’s taken Kelly just a matter of minutes to get them back on the front foot.

She cuts inside off the left, has a little shimmy, and then tries to drill the ball in at the near post.

But the ball veers wide.

England are living a charmed life. Has Harry Potter put a spell on their goal, or something?

Well, obviously not as they are a goal down, but you catch my drift.

Anyway, Esther Gonzalez comes close to adding a second as she gets on teh end of a teasing cross, but she heads wide.

That’s a chance, a real chance.

There are those Chloe Kelly skips.

She normally does them when gearing up for a penalty, but this time she does them as she runs onto teh pitch to replace Lauren James.

Earlier than expected, but can she still make an impact?

Oh dear…

This looks like it could be the end for Lauren James.

There were worries about her fitness after the semi-final, and now she has gone to ground and undone her laces. A real shame.

Chloe Kelly is getting ready…

Spain are just deliciously good on the ball, I could watch them for hours.

The way that they sew together a move around England is just so elegant, and they never look like losing the ball.

While they aren’t creating much right now, it’s not like England look like going up the other end and threatening.

Pletny of hands to heads.

This is how fans at Box Park in Croydon reacted to England going a goal behind.

As you can see, there are no pint glasses thrown into the air by rogue Spain fans.

I like that because I don’t like the whole pint-throwing facade.

It’s all Spain now.

The world champions have England pinned back, and the Lionesses simply can’t get out.

It’s wave after wave of attack. England lump it clear, and Spain just come right back.

Pretty ominous.

England need to calm down here.

They are rushing things now that they have gone behind, and look rather panicky at the back.

They just need to settle down and get playing their stuff again; otherwise, this final will run away from them.

A big 10 minutes coming up.

Journalist’s curse with my last post. No sooner had I said it was a promising start… A poor goal from England’s perspective. Players dragged out to the left of the area and Lucy Bronze failed to mark Mariona Caldentey. Bronze was left standing with her hands on her head for good reason

Here we go again. Georgia Stanway was outmuscled by Aitana Bonmati in the build-up and then Ona Batlle was able to tee up Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey who headed home from close range. England made that far too easy for Spain, and they’re behind for the third time in a row. Now we can see if these Lionesses are really worth their mettle against the world’s very best.

Rachel Brown-Finnis, former England goalkeeper, on BBC One:

There’s nothing that Hannah Hampton could have done about that. It is such a simple ball – nobody from England there to affect the cross. It is the perfect ball. When Mariona Caldentey reaches it, she redefects the pace of the ball uncontested.

England have been here before; there is no need to panic.

This side have gotten used to going behind in the Euros, so they won’t get too worried just yet.

This is Spain, though. They are a different beast, and now they are starting to purr.

What a header that is!

The world champions hit the front, and my word, what a lovely goal that is.

Del Castillo finds Batlle, who clips a teasing ball over to Mariona Caldentey, and she does the rest.

Spain had found their groove in the last few minutes, and now they lead in the final.

Nothing new for England, mind.

A really encouraging first 20 minutes here for England. Going quite long as we thought, with Hemp the channel down the left, Russo coming into play as a threat, and Wiegman’s defence holding firm against the inevitable Spain threat.

Lauren James the weak link so far, casual in possession and unable to get the ball from under her feet a few times in the box. Hope we don’t come to rue that untaken gift Spanish keeper Cata Coll offered to Hemp.

Now that is Spain at their very best, wow.

They flow through England with one-touch passes and lovely little touches, before the ball is popped out to Mariona Caldentey.

She tries to bend one into the top corner, but it swerves just past the post.

It would have been the cherry on top of a beautiful move.

Lauren Hemp… that was your moment!

How is it not 1-0? I can’t believe it.

Cata Coll gives the ball away in her own box under pressure, and Lauren Hemp pounces.

You just expect her to score, but Coll makes up for her mistake and gets a leg to Hemp’s low bending effort.

Massive save.

Ciaran Foreman at Box Park:

Spain keeping control of possession has quietly knocked some confidence out of this anxious crowd in south London. But whenever England get a hold of the ball, this place is roaring.

It’s chances galore in this final, what is going on?

Now Georgia Stanway has a pop from teh edge of the area, but the ball ends safely in Cata Coll’s gloves.

Honestly, this is not the final I thought we would get, there has been no holding back from either team.

Refreshing, to say the least.

The first half of the men’s final last season was absolutely rubbish; I was so bored.

I was expecting this game to start cagey, as both teams try to feel each other out, but I have been pleasantly surprised. Both teams have started with intent – first with that Alessia Russo attempt, and now with that shot from Esther Gonzalez. It’s only been 10 minutes but it’s looking like we have a match on our hands.

OK, England aren’t on top anymore, whatsoever.

Spain has suddenly come alive and Esther Gonzalez is in the thick of the action.

She pulls the trigger once again, but this time she can’t hit the target, so Hannah Hampton can chill.

England will just have to ride out these next few minutes.

Hannah Hampton the hero. What’s new?

Esther Gonzalez beats Jess Carter to a ball over the top, takes it away from teh defender, and lets fly.

But guess who is there to meet her? That’s right, Hampton.

The goalkeeper rushes out of her goal very quickly and smothers the striker’s effort.

Well, this is the start England fans wanted to see.

Most of these Euros we have seen the Lionesses struggle early doors, but not here.

They look very threatening up top and are having joy in behind Spain here. Promising.

If only Alessia Russo could have found the net, though.

In fact, Lauren James has taken up a position on the left with Hemp on the right. Slightly unexpected that. James played on that flank in the Nations League game against Spain at Wembley in February which England won 1-0.

Ohhhhh, that’s a massive early chance.

I was just about to stay that it’s been a cagey start, but then I looked up to see Alessia Russo racing away.

She is clear down the right, she just has the keeper to beat from a tight angle. But Cata Coll reacts and pushes the ball away.

Well, sort of… Lauren James looks to follow up, but just couldn’t sort her feet out.

Massive, massive opportunity.

Look out for the England left as a possible line of attack here. Lauren Hemp has had the better of the match ups against Ona Batlle during Manchester derbies, when Batlle played for United and Hemp, now at Barcelona, was with City.

The key is getting Hemp in behind Batlle to find crosses which can target the 34-year-old Spanish captain Irene Parades, whose lack of pace can be exploited. If she get those crosses in, Alessia Russo comes into play.

Strap yourselves in, guys, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

The players have had their final huddles, they take to their positions, and off we go.

Can the Lionesses do it again, or will the world champions become European champions?

Nerves, what nerves?

The England fans are loud here in Switzerland, but they are also just as loud over at Box Park in London.

My colleague Ciarean Foreman managed to catch this video a few minutes ago, and the spirits seem high.

Will these be teh scenes in 90 minutes time?

OK guys, it’s getting real.

The banging tunes have faded away, the teams are out, and it’s time for the national anthems.

Spain go first, and well, it’s not quite as funky of an anthem as the Italy one we heard last time out.

One colleague of mine said, ‘Is that the Spanish national anthem? It’s well boring.’ Bit harsh, so I won’t name them.

Now it’s time for God Save The King, and it’s belted out by not just the players, but thousands of fans too.

It’s clear this is an England-heavy crowd.

He was never going to miss this, was he?

The Prince of Wales has just taken his seat at St. Jakob-Park, and he is currently listening to the DJ play Blinding Lights by the Weeknd.

I wonder if it’s a tune he likes? You never know, maybe a Weeknd super fan.

We don’t know who he does support, mind. The Lionesses.

Brenda Sampare, former England star, speaking to Mail Sport:

The women’s game today is unrecognisable. When we played we had to pay fees just to play. I always follow the Lionesses now, it’s a dream. I never thought I’d see tonight, not in our lifetime. We never thought we’d see what we saw in 2022, and to see it again is incredible.

We used to buy our boots, our travel. The pitches we used to play on were awful. No showers, barely any grass, bur we did it for the love of the game and the camaraderie. It’s got to be 2-1 to England. The Spanish will score definitely but I reckon we’ll score more than them.

How are we all feeling?

I imagine if you want the Lionesses to win tonight, then you are bricking it as you read these words.

Am I close? Thought so.

The two teams have just finished their warm-ups, and the Lionesses ended theirs with high fives and hugs all around.

They seem in incredibly high spirits ahead of this final. Encouraging.

Sarina Wiegman, England boss, speaking to BBC One:

The thinking for Italy is that we needed Esme [Morgan] with what we were expecting from Italy. Tonight, Spain will show some different things to what Italy showed. Tonight we need Jess [Carter] in the starting line-up.

It shows, of course, what she can do. She has a very strong personality. So, we kept playing football, we kept doing the training sessions, and she kept showing up so she is ready to go tonight.

These are the games that are the most spectacular and you want to be involved in. Yes, we will give it a try. We want to win. It will be a very tight game. Let’s hope it is a little less nerve-racking.

It wouldn’t be a Lionesses team without Lucy Bronze; she is the stalwart of this side.

Tonight, Bronze is making her 36th appearance at a major tournament (World Cup/EURO), the outright most of any England player.

This could well be her last European Championship at 33 years old, but I wouldn’t put it past her being back in four years’ time.

Can she bag another trophy for her cabinet on this special occasion?

Let’s talk a little more about Chloe Kelly.

Many footballers would moan at the fact that they are not getting starts in a tournament like this, especially when they are playing well. But that’s not Kelly.

She just puts her head down and gets on with it. Sarina Wiegman made her role clear, and she has bought into it… and some.

Kelly is an impact player, and boy, has she been the difference for the Lionesses in this tournament. That two-minute spell against Sweden, the penalty against Italy; without those cameos from Kelly, England would be out.

If things aren’t going well for teh Lionesses in this final, you just know Kelly could come on and turn it around.

If she doesn’t come on, though, it’s been a good day for England.

Ian Herbert at St. Jakob-Park:

As the teams are read out here, the biggest response from England fans is for the names of Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly, both on the bench again this evening. Without them and their heroics, England would simply not have beaten Italy to be here.

Has there been a more consistently willing and influential substitute in England women’s or men’s tournament squads over time than Kelly? I really don’t know of one. For me, she is the absolute superstar.

‘And here we go again, we know the start, we know the end…Masters of the sceneeeeee.’

You know the song!

The DJ in St. Jakob-Park knows the vibe, and boy, are they smashing it. They are playing some absolute bangers.

As I type this, Voulez Vous by ABBA is blaring out of the speakers and I am bobbing along and singing the lyrics. I love that song.

I have watched both Mamma Mia and Mamma Mia 2 in the past week, so these are the kind of tunes I want to hear. I have listened to them while running all week.

Vibes are immaculate here.

St. Jakob-Park is really starting to fill up now, and there are a sea of St. George’s flags in the stands.

There is a lot of love for England here in Basel, that’s for sure.

Plenty of fans have painted their faces with the England flag, but nothing beats a bald man painting it on their head.

That’s one of my favourite things about international tournaments, seeing a St. George’s cross on a bald head.

Football heritage.

I give you, in one advert on the stadium big screen, a sign of how these Lionesses players’ worlds have changed in the past few years. Leah Williamson, Lauren James, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez appearing together in the same Walkers Crisps ad!

Ciaran Foreman at Box Park:

Ramped up by the performance of the DJ on the main stage, England fans are in high spirits and increasingly hopeful Sarina Wiegman’s side are bringing the trophy home for a second consecutive time. The road to the final has proved bumpy – not least that last-gasp equaliser by Michelle Agyemang that meant the Lionesses snuck into extra-time in the semi-finals against Italy.

And those nerves have continued into today, with Lauren Andrews, 31, saying she has been ‘anxious all day’ in the run-up to kick-off. ‘I just hope we can do it,‘ she said. ‘They’ve been keeping us on the edge of our seats. It’s been mad. I’m working tomorrow but hopefully I can work from home if we win! I just want it done in 90 minutes but no game so far has been. For my sanity and everyone else’s I hope it is, but that’s not what we seem to be doing.’

Mollie Andrews, 31, says she thinks it’ll be a close-fought 1-0 win to the Lionesses. The consensus that this will be a close game rings true for most of this crowd here in Croydon, even those who are enjoying the boisterous atmosphere.

England are aiming to make history tonight.

Look, most of you reading this will be England fans; you all know the amount of hurt that this country has gone through when it comes to football.

It’s not like we are used to glory.

But the Lionesses changed the narrative three years ago, defying the odds to lift the Euros. Now they have the chance to do it all over again.

No England senior side has ever defended a major trophy.

The kids did it last month out in Slovakia, but the Lionesses could be the first senior team to do it tonight.

Is it coming home… again?

Brilliant fanzone here in Basel has been buzzing since mid-morning. A lot of England fans and a lot of Swiss fans supporting England.

I’ve been in Switzerland for four weeks now, and there’s been a real sense of the Lionesses sweeping the nation. There was a huge group of fans speaking German to each other all wearing the latest edition Leah Williamson shirts on the tram earlier.

Ever since Switzerland got knocked out (to Spain) the home support have turned their allegiances to England, and all day fans from all over the world have been dominating the streets of Basel, showing their support for the reigning champions.

This is not Sarina Wiegman’s first rodeo, far from it.

Many of you may be wondering why she seems so relaxed on a day like today. I mean, she is about to lead her team out in a European Championship final, surely she should be bricking it.

Well, this is just another day at the office for good old Sarina.

During her time as a head coach, she has led teams in five international tournaments, three for England and two for the Netherlands. She has made the final in each of the five.

I know, it’s quite a mental record. In fact, no other manager in either the men’s or women’s international game has managed it. Unprecedented, unbelievable, remarkable.

We all know what happened in the latest of those finals; is it time to run it back?

Ian Herbert at St. Jakob-Park:

A striking sense of how much more relaxed Sarina Wiegman has become in this her fifth tournament. Strolling on the pitch she was waving at fans in our direction.

A few journalists waved back cheerfully, not expecting a reaction, but they got one. That would never have happened before her previous finals

Reins well and truly taken!

Thanks for steering the ship while I was away, Dan. Reading your posts has already got me excited.

Not that this game needs any introduction…

The Lionesses are bidding for European glory for the second time on the spin. Yep, this is like Mamma Mia Here We Go Again, but hopefully, unlike that film, this is better than the original.

We have less than an hour until kick-off now, I hope you are all as buzzing as me.

It’s going to be a belter!

Right, folks. That’s my power hour in the hot seat done.

Please give a warm round of applause and welcome Harry Bamforth, who will be taking the reins for the rest of the evening.

Enjoy the game – or at least try to.

Karen Carney, speaking on ITV:

What we’ve seen with Sarina, she likes to pick experience. She likes to go with her tried and trusted.

That’s why she’s gone with Jess Carter.

Wow. That’s a strong side. Gulp.

It’s two changes for Spain. Athenea Del Castillo and Laia Aleixandri start ahead of Claudia Pina and Maria Mendez.

No real surprises again from Sarina Wiegman.

It’s just the one change. Jess Carter has been given the nod over Esme Morgan in defence, while Lauren James is fit enough to start.

Those big game changers are on the bench again.

The favourites have also taken a look at the pitch, and they appeared similarly relaxed. Is anyone feeling the nerves before this final?

That pitch has certainly had a good watering before kick-off, so it should be nice and slick and ripe for passing.

Sarina Wiegman and her players came out a bit earlier to have a look at the surface and to take in their surroundings.

This is their first time at this ground.

They waved to their family and friends already sitting in the stands.

This is the magnificent trophy one team will be taking home tonight.

Spain, of course, will be heavily fancied but in this sport, anything can happen. If there’s anyone that refuses to give up, it’s England.

England have arrived at St. Jakob Park and look in great spirits.

No pressure, eh? We’ve got just under 90 minutes before we get underway and each of those minutes will absolutely crawl by.

Stay right here.

Supporters of both Spain and England are making their way to the stadium and the mood on the ground looks absolutely brilliant.

Even the Basel locals have been watching on from their windows.

Let’s hope those drizzles let off before kick-off.

If you’re lucky enough to be at the final this evening, let us know.

This could be huge.

Lauren James trained yesterday and will be available for the final.

There had been doubts after she was substituted at half-time of the dramatic, nerve-jangling semi-final victory against Italy.

‘We had 23 players on the pitch today and everyone came through,’ boss Sarina Wiegman revealed when asked about James’ condition.

‘If everyone recovers well, then we have everyone fit for tomorrow.’

We’re expecting the team news around 3.45pm BST, so not too long.

Spain head coach Montse Tome, speaking yesterday:

I expect a balanced game. England have a powerful attack line and also in midfield they have a high level.

They are very capable in defence. For all these reasons we will have to pressure and to have a good offence but I expect a balanced game. Lessons learned from Barcelona and Wembley games [in the Nations League].

At Wembley I thought we deserved more, we had occasions with the ball. They are very competitive.

They showed in this tournament that even if they don’t play well they win. In Barcelona the game was quite balanced then we overcame because we put pressure on them. It’s a final and it will be quite balanced.

IAN HERBERT AND TARA ANSON-WALSH: When Sarina Wiegman arrives to discuss the Lionesses’ tilt at retaining their European crown, she sees a familiar journalist in flip flops, taking up a seat in the circle she is about to join. ‘Have you come in from the beach?’ she asks, the glint in her eye revealing that this is not censure.

The levity is a subtle illustration of this intensely private individual’s slight softening, over four years as England manager.

Even her players were surprised when she launched, full tilt, into a rendition of a Dutch song ‘We Gaan Nog Niet Naar Huis’ (‘We’re Not Going Home Yet’) on the pitch after Tuesday’s extraordinary win over Italy. They promptly sprayed her with water.

Click the link below to read the full piece. Trust me, it’s worth it.

From experienced leaders to breakout prodigies, this England squad is packed with personality, flair and, of course, fierce determination.

There’s the ‘cat mum’, the PlayStation queen, and the tattoo addict – plus leaders like Leah Williamson and icons like Lucy Bronze.

Click the link below to meet the Lionesses gunning for glory.

The rain has been pouring down in Basel and the supporters making their way to St. Jakob Park have been getting an absolute drenching.

Inside the ground, the national anthem rehearsals have taken place and the mascots have practiced their walkouts.

This place will be riotously loud at kick-off.

England boss Sarina Wiegman on previous games against Spain:

We’ve played each other a lot over the last couple of years. You always have learnings – they will learn from us and we will learn from them.

Tomorrow is a new situation where we have an opportunity to take out their strengths and exploit the weaknesses.

Group stage

• Spain 5-0 Portugal
• Spain 6-2 Belgium
• Italy 1-3 Spain

Quarter-final

• Spain 2-0 Switzerland

Semi-final

• Germany 0-1 Spain (AET)

Group stage

• France 2-1 England
• England 4-0 Netherlands
• England 6-1 Wales

Quarter-final

• Sweden 2-2 England (2-3 on penalties)

Semi-final

• England 2-1 Italy (AET)

England captain Leah Williamson, speaking yesterday:

Tomorrow, we play a game against the world champions, who continue to prove themselves over and over in the way they play. They’re a fantastic footballing team, they’re the best at what they do and we’re aware of that.

We think we’re pretty good in some areas as well. We need to be at our best to beat Spain, I think they need to be at their best to beat us too.

There;s a lot of respect between the two teams and I’d be hesitant to rule a clear underdog in this scenario.

We’ll prepare as best we can for that challenge.

If this doesn’t get you motivated, nothing will. Have a watch of this.

I won’t lie, I really am.

Welcome along, folks. Today is the day.

England will take on Spain this evening in the Euro 2025 final, a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final (which we don’t talk about).

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the Lionesses, who have lost one game so far and progressed after two very near misses.

It might not be simple – but that’s why we love it.

I’ll begin our coverage before the always brilliant Harry Bamforth steps in to guide you up to kick-off and through every teeth-rattling minute.

Let’s go.