Why Beth Mead had to retake her penalty in England’s dramatic Euro 2025 shootout win over Spain

Double Touch Drama Costs England's Mead in Tense Final Shootout

England Emerges Victorious Despite Penalty Setback

Beth Mead was denied a dream start to the Euro 2025 final shootout after being forced to retake England’s first penalty due to Uefa's new double-touch rule. The second-half substitute initially fired her kick down the middle of Spain goalkeeper Catalina Coll’s goal, but replays confirmed she had kicked the ball twice – hitting it against her standing foot as her boot slipped on the grass.

Referee Stephanie Frappart immediately flagged the infringement, highlighting the new law that prohibits double touches from the penalty spot.

Previously, such a violation would have resulted in Mead's goal being instantly disallowed. However, following controversy surrounding Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez's disallowed penalty against Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16, Uefa requested a review of these specific instances.

The International Football Association Board (Ifab), responsible for setting football’s laws, issued a clarification to Law 14, acknowledging the potential unfairness of penalizing double touches while recognizing the possible disadvantage it poses to goalkeepers due to altered ball trajectories.

Despite being granted a second chance, Mead’s revised effort was saved by Coll, handing Spain the initial advantage in the shootout. However, England ultimately prevailed 3-1 on penalties to secure their Euro 2025 title.