Anticipation builds for the highly anticipated 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro final this Sunday, featuring defending Euro champions England against reigning World Cup winners Spain. This championship clash, two years in the making, pits two European football powerhouses against each other for the continent`s most prestigious title. Hosted at St. Jakob-Park in Switzerland, the game is not only a rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup final but also a pivotal moment showcasing the current strength of women`s football in Europe.
The reigning 2023 World Cup champions, Spain, known for their technical brilliance, will face off against England, the 2022 Euro champions, celebrated for their resilience and fighting spirit. The difference between these two formidable teams is minimal, yet each possesses the confidence to seize victory.
Throughout this tournament, both teams have demonstrated exceptional offensive prowess, collectively scoring 32 goals – 17 by Spain and 15 by England. A total of 21 distinct players have found the back of the net, with England having 11 unique scorers to Spain`s 10. Defensively, Spain boasts an impressive record of three shutouts, including two clean sheets in the knockout stages, having conceded only three goals. England, by contrast, has allowed six goals and recorded one clean sheet.
England`s journey to the final has been arduous, marked by two extra-time knockout encounters: a quarterfinal penalty shootout win against Sweden, and an extra-time triumph over Italy in the semifinal, featuring crucial contributions from substitutes Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang. Spain`s path was equally impressive, as they eliminated host Switzerland in the quarterfinals and secured a historic victory against Germany in the semifinal, marking their first-ever win against that opponent.
Exactly 707 days after their memorable 2023 World Cup final clash, these two nations will once again compete for major silverware. Spain aims to clinch their inaugural Euro title, while England seeks to make history by securing a consecutive Euro victory, a feat not achieved in over a decade.
Match Information
- Date: Sunday, July 27
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland
- TV Broadcast: FOX
- Streaming Platform: Fubo
- Match Odds: Spain -135; Draw +270; England +333
Recent Encounters
2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup Final: A Decisive Encounter
The 2023 World Cup final was a high-stakes affair between these two sides. England entered as strong favorites following their 2022 Euro triumph, while Spain was driven to prove themselves amidst internal federation and coaching challenges. The match concluded with a narrow 1-0 victory for Spain, thanks to a decisive goal from defender Olga Carmona.
Most Recent Encounters: 2025 UEFA Nations League
Since their World Cup meeting, England and Spain have clashed twice in the 2025 UEFA Nations League, with both games decided by a single goal. England secured a 1-0 victory in February, courtesy of Jess Park. Spain retaliated in June with a 2-1 win, as Claudia Pina scored two goals off the bench, a result that ultimately eliminated England from the competition and ignited Spain`s impressive summer form.
England`s Evolution Since the Last Final
England`s 2022 Euro championship solidified the Lionesses` status among the global elite, raising expectations for their 2023 World Cup campaign, where they ultimately finished as runners-up. The run-up to the 2025 Euro has seen the retirement of several key players from the 2022 squad. Nonetheless, 14 players from the 2023 World Cup squad are on England`s current Euro roster, with eight of them having started in the World Cup final.
Former Lionesses striker Ellen White, midfielder Fran Kirby, defender Rachel Daly, and goalkeeper Mary Earps were pivotal figures in England`s magical Euro run but are absent from this year`s tournament, with Earps announcing her departure just two months before the competition. The squad has also managed ongoing injuries, with forward Lauren James nursing an ankle injury from the semifinal, and her status remains uncertain. Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze are also playing through leg injuries.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman has faced some criticism regarding her tactics and infrequent substitutions. However, despite the nerve-wracking late-game heroics from Agyemang and Kelly, her coaching approach has proven effective. This squad has earned its reputation as the tournament`s “lionhearts” through their sheer determination and effort.
England is now on the cusp of making history: not only by defending their title but also by becoming the first team ever to win a Euro after losing their opening match. Having rallied impressively through the group stage and knockout rounds, they are poised to leave everything on the field in their final bid for the trophy.
Spain`s Evolution Since the Last Final
Similar to England, Spain`s World Cup victory propelled their program into the top three FIFA-ranked teams, a significant climb from outside the top five before their 2023 World Cup run. Their Euro squad features 11 players from the World Cup-winning roster, with eight starters from that final returning. Crucially, Spain`s most significant personnel changes since the 2023 World Cup have occurred at the federation and coaching levels.
Their World Cup triumph 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, whose coaching style and leadership methods had led to player revolts before and after the World Cup, ultimately resulted in Rubiales`s firing and Vilda`s eventual dismissal.
Montse Tome took over as head coach in September 2023. The team subsequently finished fourth at the 2024 Olympics, marking their debut at the Summer Games. While Tome has faced criticism for her lineup choices and sometimes predictable tactics, reaching the Euro final is a remarkable achievement.
Spain`s midfield mastery, orchestrated by the trio of Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Patri Guijarro, continues to define their possession-based play. Forward Esther Gonzalez leads the team and the Euros in the Golden Boot race. With many key players from the World Cup final remaining, Claudia Pina has transformed from a bench player into a reliable starter, showcasing relentless attacking play and threatening set-piece service.
The team is making its first appearance in the Euro final and aims to become the eighth different country to win the tournament. Should they triumph, they would join Germany as the only nations to immediately follow a World Cup win with a Euro title. The Netherlands is the sole team in the last 30 years to win the Euro (2017) in their inaugural 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
The two sides are incredibly evenly matched, suggesting that tactical nuances will be crucial. While England has shown immense resilience, it`s possible they might eventually run out of steam or depth. It will be challenging for them to control the game if they cannot effectively counter Spain`s dominant midfield. Expect both teams to score, but Spain is likely to emerge victorious in extra time. Pick: Spain 2, England 1
