Spain Deserved More After Heartbreaking Euro 2025 Final Loss, Laments Coach 

Spain head coach, Montse Tome has voiced her deep disappointment following her team’s dramatic defeat to England in the final of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, insisting that the reigning world champions deserved more than the heartbreak of a penalty shoot-out loss.

The tightly contested final, held at St Jakob-Park in Basel, ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of intense football. England eventually triumphed 3-1 in the shoot-out, with Chloe Kelly converting the decisive penalty after three Spanish players failed to find the net from the spot.

Speaking in her post-match press conference, Tome praised the character and determination of her players, while lamenting the cruel nature of the result.

“I think this team deserved more,” she said. “We worked so hard for a long time to get here, to the final against a top-level side in England. I thought the team deserved more, or at least to not be left with the feeling we have now.”

Spain had taken a deserved lead in the 25th minute through Mariona Caldentey, who coolly slotted home following a flowing team move.

The Spanish side dominated possession for large spells, dictating the tempo with their trademark passing style. However, England found a lifeline just before the hour mark when Alessia Russo rose highest to head in the equaliser, shifting momentum back in the Lionesses’ favour.

Despite several late chances from both teams and a nervy extra time period, neither side was able to break the deadlock, sending the final into penalties.

Spain’s normally composed midfield faltered under pressure, with Aitana Bonmati recently crowned Ballon d’Or Féminin winner among those who failed to convert.

England goalkeeper, Mary Earps was instrumental, pulling off two crucial saves to swing the balance toward the Lionesses.

Tome, who took over from Jorge Vilda shortly after guiding Spain to their first-ever Women’s World Cup title in 2023, has overseen a period of transition and renewal in the squad.

Under her leadership, Spain reached another major final in just her second year in charge a feat that Tome says is a testament to the team’s resilience and hunger for success.

“We are proud of how far we’ve come. These players gave everything on the pitch. They played with heart, intelligence, and unity. It hurts deeply to lose this way, but I am proud of the journey and confident in what’s ahead,” Tome added.

Despite the disappointment, Spain’s performance throughout the tournament won widespread praise. They navigated a challenging group stage, eliminated hosts Switzerland in the quarterfinals, and overcame a formidable France side in the semis to earn their spot in the final.

England’s victory marks their second European title in three years, further cementing their place as a dominant force in women’s football. But for Spain, the heartbreak of Basel will serve as both a lesson and a motivation as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including Olympic qualifiers and the 2027 World Cup cycle.

Tome concluded by urging her players to keep their heads high:

“Today we are hurt, but we will grow from this. This team has already shown it can conquer the world. Our time will come again.”