THE Archbishop of York’s hopes were fulfilled on Sunday evening when Lioness Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty to clinch an England victory over Spain in the Euros final.
Spain were strong in attacking play, breaking through England’s defence to score in the 25th minute: a header from Mariona Caldentey. England equalised in the 57th minute with another header, this time from Alessia Russo, and it was 1-1 at fulltime. No goals in a nervy 30 minutes of extra time led to an intense penalty shootout.
Beth Mead stepped to score the first, but slipped, and the goal was ruled out by VAR. Her retake was saved. Two saves from England’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and a miss from Spain’s Salma Paralluelo left it to Kelly to score the winner — bringing England to victory, retaining their Women’s Euro title (News, 5 August 2022).
Hours before the match, Archbishop Cottrell had released a short video on Church of England social-media channels, saying: “I know she’s an Arsenal player, but, like the rest of the country, I am hoping that Chloe Kelly does it again and scores the winner for us this evening, and that the Lionesses triumph.
“It just shows that even Spurs fans and Arsenal fans can unite when it comes to England. I really hope it’s a great match, of course I really hope we win, and I hope that, wherever you are, you’ll enjoy watching the game.”
He wrote after the result: “The @Lionesses have done it! Congratulations to the team for a wonderful #WEURO2025 triumph in Basel, and all credit to Spain also.”
Other Bishops were also quick to congratulate England on their victory.
On social media, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, described it as a “great game” — the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Revd Jonathan Frost, as “wonderful”; and the Bishop of Kirkstall, the Rt Revd Arun Arora, sent “Huge huge congratulations”.
The King also sent his “heartfelt congratulations” in a personal statement, saying that, “for more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung the famous chant ‘football’s coming home’. As you return home with the trophy you won at Wimbledon three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. . .
“More than that, though, you have shown through your example over the past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.”
The Prime Minister said: “What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers.”
In another video message before the final, the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Sophie Jelley, sent greetings and good wishes from the diocese. “Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly, what legends you were in the semi-finals, but the way you testified to the whole team working together under such a magnificent coach, we’re really inspired. You’ve been such role models for women and girls throughout the country and such ambassadors for sport and football especially.”
She continued: “The message of hope you carry has been really tangible for all of us, especially to the last minute, you have kept us hopeful. In the Bible, it says that God is a God of hope, who fills us with all hope, as we trust in him. We’re going to be praying for you, we’re going to be rooting for you, we’re going to be cheering you on until our voices can’t take any more.”
Agyemang, 19, who has been named as Euro 2025’s young player of the tournament, has been outspoken about her Christian faith. In an Instagram post of her holding the trophy, she thanked “the fans, manager, staff and my teammates for making this a memorable tournament”, before quoting 1 Corinthians 15.57: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
