The stage is set for a thrilling final showdown in the Women’s Euro 2025 as England and Spain prepare to battle it out for the coveted title. The match, a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, takes place on Sunday, July 27, at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, with a scheduled kick-off time of 18:00 CET.
England's path to the final has been a rollercoaster. After losing their opening game to France, they bounced back with dominant wins against the Netherlands and Wales. The Lionesses then navigated tough knockout games against Sweden and Italy, displaying resilience and finding ways to win. Their journey has been marked by late equalizers and a nail-biting penalty shootout. According to England reporter Faye Hackwell, the Lionesses have shown that they "fight until the end".
Spain, on the other hand, enjoyed a more comfortable group stage, scoring a record-equalling 14 goals. However, they faced stiffer competition in the knockout rounds, overcoming Switzerland and Germany to reach their first-ever UEFA Women's EURO final. Spain's coach, Montse Tomé, acknowledges the historical significance of their journey, stating that the team has been "making history" throughout the tournament.
The upcoming final marks the third meeting between England and Spain this year. In February, England secured a 1-0 victory at Wembley in the Women's Nations League. However, Spain responded with a 2-1 win in Barcelona last month, a result that helped them qualify for the finals. These close encounters suggest that the final will be a tightly contested affair.
The Lionesses are aiming to secure back-to-back European glory. Meanwhile, Spain are hoping to add another trophy to their collection, following their 2023 World Cup win and their 2023/24 UEFA Women's Nations League title. Spain's captain, Irene Paredes, emphasizes the team's experience in big games and their ability to handle pressure.
Beyond the team accolades, the final could also influence the race for the Ballon d'Or Féminin. Spain's Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí have both won the award twice, while England's Lucy Bronze and Beth Mead have previously been runners-up. The outcome of the Euro 2025 final could be a decisive factor in determining the winner of this prestigious individual award.
Sarina Wiegman, England's coach, anticipates a close match, acknowledging Spain's strength on the ball. Leah Williamson, the England captain, stresses the need for the team to perform at their best in the final.