England, Spain Prepare for Women’s Euro Final; Top Clubs Begin Preseason Worldwide

This weekend promises a packed schedule for football fans, featuring the Women`s Euro final in Switzerland and major European clubs embarking on their preseason tours across the U.S. and Asia. Here`s a comprehensive look at the upcoming events.

Football Schedule Highlights

(All times U.S. Eastern)

The Euro Final Showdown

England and Spain Set to Clash in Women`s Euro Championship Decider

Less than two years since their encounter in the Women`s World Cup final, England and Spain are set to face off once more in the Women`s Euro final. Both teams are eager to make a statement following intense semifinal victories.

Spain enters Sunday`s final as the favorite, aiming for their inaugural European championship. La Roja had largely dominated the tournament prior to their semifinal clash, scoring 16 goals and conceding only three in their first four matches, showcasing their signature passing and attacking flair. However, they encountered a significant challenge in Wednesday`s 1-0 semifinal win against Germany. Germany`s disciplined defensive strategy held Spain at bay for 120 minutes, despite the Germans battling injuries and suspensions. Spain struggled to break through until the 113th minute, when Aitana Bonmati delivered a moment of individual brilliance with a shot from a difficult angle, catching the otherwise formidable German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger off guard.

Bonmati commented: “The truth is that we had studied it. Well, Marisa, the goalkeeper coach, had told me that [Berger] made certain movements and that sometimes she left the near post clear and that`s how it was. I didn`t think about [taking that shot] twice because I didn`t want it to reach penalties. Scoring in a game like this one is super special and if I can help the team writing history, it`s very special. For the first time we have beaten Germany with the women`s national team, and for the first time we are in the final of the Euros. We have written history.”

England is unlikely to present such a staunch defensive challenge, having reached the final despite exhibiting vulnerabilities at the back. They have conceded six goals in five games and have had to come from behind in three matches. This pattern reveals both their weaknesses and their remarkable resilience. Head coach Sarina Wiegman has effectively utilized her substitutes, notably 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly, who scored in the 2022 Euro final. This highlights England`s inherent attacking capabilities, allowing them to overcome defensive lapses, and their unwavering belief that a match is never over until the final whistle.

Wiegman stated: “[The substitutes are] just ready to go, and they want to have a contribution. And I think everyone accepts her role, whatever role she`s given. I think what we try to do is give as much clarity about that, but also the task on the pitch when you come in and when we make a change, or when we make a shape change, and there`s just so much energy.”

The victor of this final will undoubtedly solidify their position as a leading contender, if not the outright favorite, for the Women`s World Cup in Brazil in two years. In the short term, England aims for consecutive European championships, while Spain seeks their first title and the opportunity to establish a dynastic legacy two years after their World Cup triumph.

Preseason Tours: European Giants Prepare

European Clubs Embark on Global Preseason Preparations

Several of Europe`s premier clubs have commenced their preseason tours in the U.S. and Asia this weekend, offering initial insights into their strategies for the upcoming season.

Liverpool is set to begin their Asian tour on Saturday against AC Milan. This comes shortly after finalizing a deal for forward Hugo Ekitike, potentially valued at over $100 million if all conditions are met. While the 23-year-old might not have a significant impact in Saturday`s friendly in Hong Kong, the Reds will still showcase new faces, most notably Florian Wirtz. Meanwhile, Milan is fresh off a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in Singapore, a match that provided early clues about new manager Massimiliano Allegri`s plans, which, as Francesco Porzio notes, could involve a new role for Christian Pulisic. The U.S. national team star played as a forward alongside Rafael Leao in a 3-5-2 formation, a tactical solution as Milan`s management seeks to address a vacancy at the top.

Porzio observed: “Pulisic played on the left side of the attack, and most of his 34 touches in the first half arrived on that portion of the field, where his natural role is, even if at AC Milan, he mostly played as a right winger in the 4-3-3 over the last two years. This role can also help Portuguese winger Leao to be free to move around the attack with no defensive responsibilities. This could all change if AC Milan sign a new striker or when Gimenez returns, but Leao looked definitely comfortable playing in this role and maybe playing with a proper number nine next to him can improve his performances even more.”

Arsenal, meanwhile, will return to play in Singapore on Sunday to face fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, who might display a surprising new setup. Star striker Alexander Isak has not joined the trip amid reports of his desire to leave, with Liverpool being a potential suitor despite their recent acquisition of Ekitike. As Chuck Booth highlighted, this leaves Newcastle understaffed at a crucial juncture of their preseason, a far cry from the club`s reported earlier vision of having both Isak and Ekitike on their roster; they might end the summer without either.

Booth wrote: “[Newcastle have] done good business, adding Anthony Elanga, but the number nine position lacks true depth behind Isak. William Osula is the only true striker left on the roster with Callum Wilson`s departure. At 21, Osula has talent, but he has only scored one Premier League goal in his career despite making 35 appearances. Even looking at his entire career between Sheffield United, Derby County, and Newcastle, Osula only has 10 goals and three assists in all professional competitions that he has been involved in.”

In New Jersey, Manchester United is preparing for a friendly against West Ham United, an important benchmark for the Red Devils after a challenging 2024-25 campaign. The team has bolstered its squad with new signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeuemo, whose integration will be key as the club embarks on another course-correcting project.

Additional Football News

• Women`s Euro final preview: With Spain as favorites for Sunday`s final, discover what England needs to do to secure a second consecutive European title.
• Ekitike to Liverpool: Explore why Hugo Ekitike is a perfect fit for Liverpool, who aim to become an attacking powerhouse in Arne Slot`s second season.
• Arsenal`s missing piece?: Arsenal`s attacking struggles were evident in their preseason win over AC Milan, reinforcing the idea that Viktor Gyokeres could be the vital missing component for the Gunners.
• Messi skips All-Star Game: Inter Miami`s Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba missed the MLS All-Star Game, potentially risking a one-match suspension for their upcoming game against FC Cincinnati.
• Suker on Morning Footy: Former Croatia international Davor Suker shared his insights on the best players he`s competed with and necessary changes to accelerate soccer`s growth in the U.S.

Betting Insights

Expert Pick

• Women`s Euro final: England vs. Spain, Sunday, 12 p.m.
  
  THE PICK: Esther Gonzalez to score (+135) – Given that both England and Spain possess strong attacking lineups, this final could be a thrilling contest. However, Spain might have an advantage due to England`s defensive inconsistencies throughout the Women`s Euro, where they`ve conceded six goals in five games and fallen behind in three matches. If this trend continues, Spain is well-positioned to capitalize. Their roster includes world-class attackers like Ballon d`Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, but Esther Gonzalez has been their most consistent scorer in Switzerland, netting four goals. Her form is impressive, particularly considering she leads the NWSL with 10 goals in 13 games this season. Sunday presents an opportunity for Gonzalez to shine and play a pivotal role as Spain pursues their first-ever European championship.

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Upcoming Preseason Friendlies

As the new men`s season approaches in Europe, don`t miss the preseason action. This week features major matchups including AC Milan, Arsenal, Liverpool, and more.

• Saturday, July 26, 2025
  • Liverpool vs. AC Milan: 7:30 a.m.
  • Stoke City vs. Wolves: 10 a.m.
• Sunday, July 27, 2025
  • Vissel Kobe vs. Barcelona: 6 a.m.
  • Arsenal vs. Newcastle: 7:30 a.m.