The stage is dramatically set for the highly anticipated 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro final this Sunday, featuring reigning European champions England and the current World Cup holders, Spain. This championship match, two years in the making, brings together two of Europe`s footballing titans vying for the continent`s most prestigious crown. The encounter at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, is more than just a final; it serves as a significant rematch and a benchmark for the contemporary landscape of women`s football in Europe, as Spain and England lock horns once again, a mere two years after their decisive clash in the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup final.
Spain, having claimed the 2023 World Cup title, will showcase their renowned technical mastery, while England, the Euro 2022 champions, will bring their characteristic resilience and unwavering spirit. The margins for error between these two formidable teams are razor-thin, yet each squad approaches the game with considerable confidence in their ability to secure victory.
Throughout this tournament, both sides have demonstrated exceptional attacking prowess, collectively netting an impressive 32 goals—Spain contributing 17 and England 15. A total of 21 different players have found the back of the net for these two nations, with England (11) boasting one more distinct goal scorer than Spain (10). On the defensive front, Spain has recorded three clean sheets, including two crucial shutouts in the knockout rounds, and has conceded only three goals overall. England, by contrast, has allowed six goals and managed a single clean sheet during the tournament.
England`s challenging journey to the final involved two demanding extra-time knockout matches. They secured a quarterfinal victory via a penalty kick shootout against Sweden, followed by an extra-time triumph over Italy in the semifinal, with pivotal contributions from substitutes Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang. Spain, meanwhile, comfortably eliminated host nation Switzerland in the quarterfinal and achieved a historic milestone by defeating Germany for the very first time in their program`s history during the semifinal.
Now, 707 days after their memorable 2023 World Cup showdown, these two footballing powerhouses meet again with another coveted trophy at stake. Spain is aiming to clinch their first-ever Euro title, while England is focused on making history with a potential repeat—a remarkable feat not achieved in over a decade.
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Date: Sunday, July 27
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: St. Jakob-Park – Basel, Switzerland
- TV Coverage: FOX
- Streaming Platform: Fubo
- Current Odds: Spain -135; Draw +270; England +333
Recent Encounters
The Monumental Clash: The 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup Final
Their previous encounter in the 2023 World Cup final was steeped in high stakes. England, buoyed by their 2022 Euro triumph, were widely considered the favorites. Spain, conversely, was driven by a strong motivation to assert themselves amidst internal challenges concerning their federation and coaching staff. The match proved to be a tightly contested affair, ultimately decided by a narrow 1-0 victory for Spain, with defender Olga Carmona scoring the decisive goal.
The Latest Meeting: 2025 UEFA Nations League
The two sides have crossed paths since their World Cup final. Earlier this year, they exchanged victories in two closely fought, one-goal matches during the 2025 UEFA Nations League. England secured a 1-0 win in February, thanks to a goal from Jess Park. Spain then returned the favor in June with a 2-1 victory that ignited their impressive summer run, as Claudia Pina netted two goals off the bench, leading to England`s elimination from the competition.
England`s Evolution Since the Final
England`s 2022 Euro championship victory immediately propelled the Lionesses into discussions about global elite programs, consequently raising expectations for their 2023 World Cup performance, where they finished as runners-up. The build-up to the 2025 Euro has seen several key figures from the successful 2022 roster announce their retirements. Despite this, England`s current Euro squad still features 14 players who were part of the 2023 World Cup team, with eight of them having started in that final.
Notable absences from this year`s tournament, who were pivotal during England`s magical Euro run, include former striker Ellen White, midfielder Fran Kirby, defender Rachel Daly, and goalkeeper Mary Earps, who announced her departure in May, just two months before the competition. Throughout their current campaign, the squad has also had to contend with various injuries. Forward Lauren James is recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the semifinal, making her status uncertain, while Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze are also playing through leg injuries.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman has faced some criticism regarding perceived stale tactics and a lack of squad rotation or late-game substitutions. However, despite the nerve-rattling nature of the late-game heroics from Agyemang and Kelly, Wiegman`s coaching methodology has undeniably proven effective. This resilient squad has truly earned its moniker as the tournament`s “lionhearts” through their unwavering effort and determination.
England is pursuing a unique piece of history: not only are they aiming to retain their title, but they are also striving to become the first team ever to win a Euro after losing their opening match. Their ability to rally through the group stage and knockout rounds to reach the final demonstrates incredible fortitude. Having expended such significant energy and emotion, they are undoubtedly prepared to empty the tank entirely in this final game to lift the trophy once more.
Spain`s Transformation Since the Final
Similar to England, Spain`s World Cup triumph significantly elevated their program, propelling them into the top three FIFA-ranked teams after having been outside the top five before their 2023 victory. Their current Euro participants include 11 players from the World Cup-winning roster, with eight starters from that final returning. However, Spain`s most profound personnel changes since the 2023 World Cup have occurred at the federation and coaching levels.
Their World Cup win was unfortunately overshadowed by controversy. Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales initiated a non-consensual kiss with player Jenni Hermoso on the medal podium. His close ties to former manager Jorge Vilda – against whom players had revolted both before and after the World Cup due to his coaching style and leadership methods – ultimately led to Rubiales` firing and Vilda`s subsequent dismissal.
Montse Tome has served as the head coach of the group since September 2023. Under her guidance, the program secured a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Olympics, marking their debut appearance at the Summer Games. While Tome has faced some criticism for her lineup choices and at times predictable tactics during the competition, guiding the team to this stage is an undeniable achievement.
Spain`s midfield mastery, brilliantly orchestrated by the trio of Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Patri Guijarro, continues to set the standard for their possession-based play. Forward Esther Gonzalez leads the team and the Euros in the Golden Boot race. While plenty of key players from the World Cup final squad remain, Claudia Pina has notably transitioned from a bench player to a sure starter, consistently demonstrating relentless effort in attacking play and posing a significant threat with her set-piece service.
The team is making its inaugural appearance in a Euro final and aims to become the eighth different country to win the tournament. Should they emerge victorious, they would join Germany as the only nations to immediately follow a World Cup win with a Euro title. Historically, the Netherlands is the sole team in the last 30 years to win the Euro (2017) in their very first final appearance.
Predicted Lineups
England: Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Esme Morgan, Alex Greenwood; Georgia Stanway, Kiera Walsh, Ella Toone; Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo
Spain: Cata Coll; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri, Olga Carmona; Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas; Mariona Caldentey, Claudia Pina, Esther Gonzalez
Prediction
Very little will separate these two elite sides on the pitch, making the tactical matchups all the more intriguing. A key question will be whether England finally shows signs of fatigue or lacks sufficient personnel depth. While this is probably unlikely, it could make stretches of the game challenging for them if they struggle to play through Spain`s dominant midfield. Both teams are expected to score, but Spain is predicted to emerge victorious in extra time. Final Score Prediction: Spain 2, England 1
