roar

GOALIE Hannah Hampton was England’s penalties hero with two saves as the Lionesses roared to Euros glory over Spain last night.

Hannah starred in the 3-1 shootout win after the sides drew 1-1 in Basel, Switzerland.

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The King hailed their historic victory, three years after winning Euro 2022. He said: “The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!”

They are the first senior England football team to win a major tournament on foreign soil and the first to retain a trophy after victory in 2022.

It was striker Chloe Kelly who sealed the win — repeating her feat from Wembley three years ago when she took off her jersey in celebration.

She brought it home this time by scoring the crucial penalty, sparking scenes of joy in Basel, Switzerland.

Manager Sarina Wiegman — winning her third consecutive Euros after victory in 2017 with the Netherlands — ran on to the pitch punching the air as she joined the mass of players and staff mobbing Kelly.

The Arsenal ace was in tears as she joined thousands of delighted fans singing Sweet Caroline.

Moments later, Kelly said: “I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. I was cool, I was composed.

“I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. Unbelievable. All the staff and Sarina Wiegman — she has done it again! Unbelievable.

“It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.”

Supersub Michelle Agyemang, the breakout star of the tournament, sank to her knees and wept as Kelly’s penalty went in.

In the stands, Prince William and daughter Princess Charlotte roared with delight at the victory.

Just before kick-off, a snap of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s X account with the caption: “Let’s go, Lionesses.”

Jubilant Wills later greeted them, giving skipper Leah Williamson a hug, before they were presented the Euro 2025 trophy on the pitch.

King Charles told the Lionesses: “You have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027, if you possibly can!”

The team will be at a Downing Street reception today hosted by Deputy PM Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock.

Ms Rayner said: “Our Lionesses are absolute champions. Not only are they bringing it home for England again, but they’re inspiring the next generation of champions too.”

PM Keir Starmer added: “The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation.

“Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country.”

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Former England striker and footie pundit Gary Lineker wrote online: “They’ve done it again. She’s done it again. Kelly’s heroes. Fabulous.”

Dutchwoman Wiegman said after the win: “I can’t believe it! We said we can win by any means and that’s what we have shown again today.

“I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible.”

Spain were favourites on the back of an impressive run of ten straight victories in all competitions, scoring 38 goals in the process.

But England, despite a shaky start to the tournament, were confident after seeing off Sweden in the quarters and Italy in the semi-final.

A crowd of 34,203 watched as England enjoyed a bright start, with the first chance after three minutes.

But as the match wore on, Spain began to dominate and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was forced into several crucial saves.

Mariona Caldentey put Spain ahead on 25 minutes, with Alessia Russo heading England level on 57 minutes.

Then, with neither side making a breakthrough in extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout.

Hero Hampton saved twice before Kelly’s trademark hop, skip and run penalty went in to secure the victory.

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Tadhg Furlong pronounced himself ready for the challenges of a third Lions tour ahead of Saturday’s first game on Australian soil against Western Force here in Perth.

The 32 year-old is a veteran of the last two tours to New Zealand in 2017, which ended in a draw, and South Africa four years ago, when the Lions lost.

The Leinster prop, however, was a stalwart of both series playing in all six tests matches and he’d like to extend that run Down Under.

”Would it be cool to say that I played in all three again?

“Yeah, it would. Is it something that motivates me at the minute? No.

“I think obviously after the result last weekend, we’re looking straight ahead for this Saturday, so it’s just about trying to get my best out onto the pitch and trying to get results with the lads,” explained Furlong.

Not so long ago there were doubts Furlong would make the squad. A calf strain was the latest in a long line of injuries that kept him sidelined for most of last season missing Leinster’s URC win a couple of weeks ago.

“There wasn’t a big bang and it was like you’re out for six months and you’re trying to scramble back.

“They’re all kind of short-term injuries, and you’re always trying to get back for this game or that game, and I suppose I was fully invested in the end of the season with Leinster, so it wasn’t ever feeling of you wouldn’t get back fit for something.

“It’s more a feeling of would you get picked, have you done enough?

Furlong will pack down in the front row against Western Force alongside his Leinster team mate and now Lions captain Dan Sheehan.

“I suppose knowing Dan, he doesn’t overthink it a whole lot, and he always plays well, and I think he has the respect of the group.

”I’m delighted for him as a friend and a teammate.

“He was a big old hooker and I remember him coming into a few scrum sessions.

”It’s hard to find your slot, what’s comfortable, what works for you.

“Then it just exploded for him. He’s a freak. I’m not sure at what point, but when he came onto the scene, he came onto the scene quick.”