The footballing world`s gaze turns to St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, this Sunday, as England`s Lionesses and Spain`s La Roja prepare to contest the UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 final. This highly anticipated encounter is more than just a battle for continental supremacy; it is a profound narrative of evolution, resilience, and tactical mastery, serving as a defining rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup final.
A Rivalry Forged in the Furnace of a World Cup
Two years ago, in Sydney, these two giants clashed on the global stage. Spain emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, claiming their first World Cup title against an England side that had been crowned Euro champions just the year prior. That match, decided by Olga Carmona`s precise finish, set a new benchmark for competitive women`s football and ignited a rivalry that has simmered ever since.
Since that momentous final, both teams have navigated distinct, yet equally challenging, paths to Basel. Their encounters in the 2025 UEFA Nations League offered a glimpse into their ongoing tactical dance, with each side securing a single-goal victory against the other, demonstrating the razor-thin margins that separate them.
England`s Enduring Grit: The Lionesses` Unyielding March
England`s journey to this Euro final has been a testament to their unwavering spirit, earning them the moniker “tournament lionhearts.” Their path has been anything but straightforward, marked by two gruelling extra-time knockout matches – a penalty shootout triumph against Sweden in the quarter-finals and a hard-fought extra-time victory over Italy in the semi-finals. These contests not only tested their physical endurance but also underscored their mental fortitude, often relying on decisive contributions from players stepping off the bench, like Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang.
The Lionesses have navigated this tournament amidst significant personnel changes since 2023. Key figures from their 2022 Euro-winning squad, such as Ellen White, Fran Kirby, Rachel Daly, and most recently, Mary Earps, are notably absent. Furthermore, the squad has grappled with injuries to vital players like Lauren James, Leah Williamson, and Lucy Bronze, adding layers of complexity to their campaign. Head coach Sarina Wiegman, despite facing occasional murmurs of tactical predictability, has consistently steered her team through adversity, validating her approach with compelling results.
For England, this final presents a dual opportunity for history: not only to become the first team in over a decade to successfully defend their Euro title, but also to achieve the remarkable feat of winning the tournament after losing their opening group stage match – a true testament to their rallying capabilities.
Spain`s Technical Brilliance: A Reign Reaffirmed
Spain, reigning World Cup champions, have arrived in Basel demonstrating the technical mastery that defines their football. Their route to the final included a decisive quarter-final victory over host nation Switzerland and a historic semi-final win against Germany, a formidable opponent they had never before conquered. This run further solidified their position as one of FIFA`s top-ranked teams, a significant ascent from their pre-2023 World Cup standing.
The Spanish program has undergone a profound transformation since their World Cup triumph, particularly at the leadership level. The turbulent period following the World Cup, marked by a widely publicized off-field scandal and a change in coaching staff, has given way to a new era under head coach Montse Tome, who took the helm in September 2023. Despite their debut Olympic appearance resulting in a fourth-place finish in 2024, Tome has successfully guided her team to this pinnacle European showdown.
At the heart of Spain`s success lies their unparalleled midfield trio of Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Patri Guijarro, whose possession-based play continues to set the standard. Up front, Esther Gonzalez has been a prolific force, leading the Golden Boot race, while the emergence of Claudia Pina from a bench player to a reliable starter has added another dimension to their attacking prowess. For Spain, this final offers the chance to secure their first-ever Euro title and join an elite group of nations who have immediately followed a World Cup victory with a European Championship.
The Tactical Chessboard: Where the Match Will Be Won
The Euro 2025 final promises a captivating tactical battle. England`s renowned resilience and counter-attacking threat will confront Spain`s intricate passing game and midfield dominance. The key duels will likely unfold in the midfield, where England`s tenacity, led by Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh, will attempt to disrupt Spain`s rhythm and creative flow.
Offensively, both teams have been prolific. Spain`s 17 goals edge England`s 15, highlighting their attacking efficiency. Defensively, Spain has proven remarkably solid with three clean sheets, two in the demanding knockout rounds, conceding only three goals in total. England, while defensively adept, has shown a slightly more permeable defence, conceding six goals and registering one clean sheet in the tournament.
The depth of both squads will also play a critical role, as seen in England`s ability to pull late-game heroics from their bench. Spain, with their consistent starting XI and tactical precision, will aim to control possession and dictate the tempo. The stakes are immense, not only for the trophy but for the narratives of these two formidable teams.
Prediction:
This final is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with very little separating the two sides on the pitch. While England`s “lionheart” spirit and deep reserves of energy have carried them thus far, Spain`s technical superiority and disciplined midfield could ultimately prove decisive. Both teams are likely to find the net, but Spain`s control of the middle third and ability to exploit fatigue late in the game might give them the edge.
Predicted Score: Spain 2, England 1 (after extra time)
Gareth Pendleton