The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final is set to be a thrilling encounter between England's Lionesses and Spain, taking place on Sunday, July 27, at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland. This match is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain emerged victorious with a 1-0 win.
England's Road to the Final
England's journey to the final has been anything but straightforward. They finished second in Group D after recovering from an opening day defeat against France. The Lionesses then fought back from two goals down against Sweden to send their quarter-final tie to extra time and penalties, which proved dramatic as England won 3-2 after 14 spot kicks. In the semi-final against Italy, Michelle Agyemang netted a 96th-minute equalizer to force extra time, where Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal.
Sarina Wiegman, England's manager, has already created history by becoming the first manager in men's and women's football to reach a fifth consecutive major tournament final. She will be looking to maintain her 100% record in Women's Euro finals, with England bidding to become just the third country to win the competition on multiple occasions. Wiegman admitted to feeling nerves on the sidelines and prepares for different game scenarios.
Spain's Path to the Final
Spain, in contrast to England, are yet to win the Women's European Championships, but that will not stop them from entering Sunday's final as favorites. La Roja topped Group B with victories over Portugal, Belgium and Italy, before they scored two second-half goals to eliminate Switzerland in the quarter-finals. In the semi-final clash against Germany, Aitana Bonmati scored the winning goal.
Spain has been impressive throughout the tournament, scoring a record-equaling 17 goals in three group stage games. They have won each of their last ten matches in all competitions, scoring 38 goals. Spain leads the way at the Euros for goals scored, ball possession, passing accuracy, and clean sheets.
Team News and Key Players
England's Lauren James is doubtful for the final after suffering an ankle injury in the semi-final. Beth Mead is the most likely replacement, with Chloe Kelly likely retaining her role as super sub. Key players for England include Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang, who have both made significant impacts as substitutes.
Laia Aleixandri returns from a one-match ban for Spain. Athenea del Castillo is also pushing for a place on the flanks. Key players for Spain include Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, and Esther Gonzalez. Bonmati's brilliance sent Spain to their first-ever Women's European Championship final. Putellas currently leads the tournament for goal contributions with three goals and four assists.
Tactical Approaches
England will need to be patient when they don't have the ball and comfortable defending. Their off-ball game plan could decide the final. Germany's tactic in the semi-final was to absorb pressure and prevent Spain from building tempo. England may need to adopt a similar approach.
Spain typically look to penetrate with overloads but will switch sides when they cannot progress that way. They are also adept at attacking the space behind the defense.
Predictions
Spain enters the final as the favorite. They have looked the team to beat since the beginning of the tournament. However, England has shown a never-say-die mentality and has found different ways to win.
Martin Green from SportsLine recommends betting on Spain to win and under 2.5 goals. A FOX Sports prediction has Spain winning 2-1. Sports Mole predicts a 2-1 victory for Spain.
The match is expected to be tight and thrilling and could break attendance and viewership records for a Women's European Championship game.
