England Triumphs Again in Euro 2025 After Dramatic Penalties

England Conquer Europe Again—This Time, the Hard Way

If you thought England’s Euro 2022 triumph was dramatic, Euro 2025 said, “Hold my tea.” In a pulsating final against Spain, the Lionesses lifted their second consecutive European trophy, this time after a nerve-shredding penalty shootout. The 3-1 spot-kick win capped off a tournament that had everything: tactical brilliance, emotional storylines, heroic performances, and even a fractured tibia.

For punters, this was a masterclass in why betting on women's football is not just about the favorites. England looked wobbly after losing to France in the group stage, but they rallied with resilience and tactical flexibility. Those who backed them pre-tournament or even at the quarterfinal stage will be smiling all the way to the bank. I was not one of them sigh!

Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton: Ice in Their Veins

No stranger to scoring clutch penalties, Chloe Kelly once again proved she’s England’s pressure specialist. Brought on earlier than expected due to an injury, she made an instant impact and calmly converted her penalty in the shootout. Her composure and spark off the bench were defining factors in England’s success. For player prop bettors, Kelly is becoming the go-to name in high-stakes matches.

Meanwhile, Hannah Hampton was immense between the sticks. Her distribution was elite throughout the tournament, often starting attacks from the back. And in the final, her saves kept England in the game. While she didn’t get Player of the Tournament, many argued she deserved it. For those who backed her in the Golden Glove or clean sheet markets, this was a tournament to remember.

Defensive Grit and Tactical Guts

Spain dominated possession in the final, but England’s defensive unit stood tall. Jessica Carter was immense, and Lucy Bronze—brace yourself—played through the tournament with a fractured tibia. That’s not just commitment; it’s borderline mythical and every time this coming season I see an EPL player rolling around, bowled over from a gust of wind i'll think about her! Bronze’s presence helped England absorb wave after wave of Spanish attacks.

Tactically, England adapted impressively. Georgia Stanway’s shift into a more defensive midfield role helped plug the gaps exposed earlier in the tournament. Kira Walsh, often tightly marked, finally found space to influence the game, and when she did, it led to England’s goal. For those who study player heat maps and passing networks for betting edges, this was a tactical gem of a final.

Michelle Adjeieman: The Wildcard Who Delivered

Every tournament has its breakout star, and this year it was Michelle Adjeieman. She came into the tournament with limited minutes at club level, but stepped onto the big stage with swagger. In the final, she made a massive impact and nearly scored what would’ve been a fairytale winner. Her humility and popularity within the squad make her a fan favorite, but for bettors, she’s now on the radar for anytime scorer and impact sub markets.

Bombatig’s Bittersweet Moment

Spain’s standout performer, Bombatig, was named Player of the Tournament—but it came with a heavy heart. Having poured everything into the campaign, her walk to the podium, flanked by jubilant England players, looked more like a slow-motion heartbreak. Still, her performances were elite, and for those who saw her value soaring mid-tournament, a player award bet paid off handsomely.

Sarina Wiegman: The Architect of a Dynasty

It’s almost unfair how good Sarina Wiegman is at this coaching thing. That’s three straight Euros titles and five consecutive major tournament finals for the Dutch maestro. Her ability to rotate the squad, maintain cohesion, and instill a winning mentality is unmatched. She’s already under contract until 2027, and you’d be mad not to consider England as early favorites for the next World Cup. Futures bettors, take note. She may not be a British citizen but just make her a Dame already. If she's willing to break long standing traditions and win with an England team then the government certainly should too! For now she'll be given the title of Sorcerer Sarina.

Arsenal Splash Cash, Liverpool Shuffle the Deck

While England were busy making history, the men’s club scene was quietly bubbling. Arsenal made a surprise move by signing Victor Osimhen for up to £64 million. With his lethal goal-scoring record, he adds serious firepower and could tilt the Premier League top scorer odds. Alongside him, Giorgio Chiellini—yes, that Chiellini—brings bite and veteran savvy. Arsenal’s style may get more aggressive, and bettors should watch for early-season value in goals and cards markets.

Liverpool, meanwhile, look to be in a transitional phase. Luis Díaz is reportedly off to Bayern Munich for £65.5 million. The Reds are cash-rich but will need to reinvest wisely. There’s also chatter about Alexander Isak departing, which would leave a sizable attacking void. The uncertainty makes them a risky punt in outright markets, but sharp bettors may find underdog value in individual matches.

And Then There’s Manchester United…

In the preseason Premier League Summer Series, Bruno Fernandes scored both goals in a 2-1 win over West Ham. But United’s preseason performances have been chaotic, and attendance in the U.S. has reflected that. There’s buzz around Rubin Amorim's approach and a few eyebrow-raising quotes from Graham Potter, but nothing to suggest United are ready to challenge just yet. Perhaps a slight improvement on last year. Avoid relegation, top 10 maybe?! Hahaha. Futures odds on United may be inflated; proceed with caution or enjoy it while it lasts. I suspect it won't be long until they are back in the mix.

Key Takeaways

• England’s Euro 2025 win was built on resilience, tactics, and clutch performances—perfect storm for savvy bettors who backed them post-group stage.
• Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton stood out as value picks in player markets, delivering crucial moments when it mattered most.
• Michelle Adjeieman is now one to watch in future impact sub and scorer markets, while Bombatig’s Player of the Tournament win rewarded mid-tournament backers.
• Arsenal’s signing of Osimhen and Chiellini could shift betting dynamics in the Premier League, especially in goal and card markets.
• Liverpool’s big-money exits may destabilize their squad—keep an eye on how they reinvest before laying down futures bets.