The highly anticipated 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro final is scheduled for Sunday, featuring current Euro champions England against reigning World Cup winners Spain. This championship clash, two years in the making, brings together two European powerhouses vying for the continent`s biggest crown. Hosted at St. Jakob-Park in Switzerland, the game not only reprises their 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup final encounter but also highlights the current landscape of women`s football in Europe.
World Cup victors Spain, renowned for their technical prowess, will face off against England, the reigning Euro 2022 champions, known for their tenacious spirit throughout the tournament. The difference in skill and strategy between these two formidable teams is minimal, yet each believes they possess the edge needed for victory.
Both teams have demonstrated exceptional attacking capabilities in the tournament, collectively scoring 32 goals – 17 for Spain and 15 for England. A total of 21 distinct players have found the back of the net, with England boasting 11 unique scorers to Spain`s 10. Defensively, Spain has been robust, securing three shutouts, including two in the knockout stages, and conceding only three goals in total. England, meanwhile, has allowed six goals and achieved one clean sheet.
England`s journey to the final involved two challenging knockout matches that went to extra time: a penalty shootout win against Sweden in the quarter-finals and an extra-time triumph over Italy in the semi-finals, with impactful contributions from substitutes Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang. Spain`s path saw them overcome host nation Switzerland in the quarter-finals, followed by a historic victory against Germany in the semi-finals – their first ever against that opponent.
Exactly 707 days after their 2023 World Cup showdown, these two nations clash once more, with another prestigious trophy at stake. Spain aims to clinch their inaugural Euro title, while England seeks to make history by successfully defending their title, a 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
- Odds: Spain -135; Draw +270; England +333
Recent Encounters
The 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup Final
The 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup final was a high-stakes encounter. England, fresh off their 2022 Euro victory, were widely considered favorites. Spain, meanwhile, was driven by a desire to challenge their federation and coaching staff for improved conditions. The match was tightly contested, ending in a 1-0 victory for Spain, thanks to a decisive goal from defender Olga Carmona.
The 2025 UEFA Nations League
Their most recent encounters were in the 2025 UEFA Nations League earlier this year, where they split two close matches. England secured a 1-0 win in February, with Jess Park scoring. Spain retaliated in June with a 2-1 victory that saw Claudia Pina net two goals from the bench, a result that also led to England`s elimination from the competition.
England`s Evolution Since the 2023 World Cup Final
England`s 2022 Euro championship cemented the Lionesses` status among the global elite and significantly raised expectations for their 2023 World Cup campaign, where they finished as runners-up. The squad preparing for Euro 2025 has seen several key players from the 2022 roster retire. Nevertheless, 14 players from the 2023 World Cup squad are part of the current Euro roster, with eight of them having started in the World Cup final.
Prominent Lionesses like striker Ellen White, midfielder Fran Kirby, defender Rachel Daly, and goalkeeper Mary Earps, all pivotal to England`s triumphant Euro 2022 campaign, are absent from this year`s tournament; Earps notably retired in May, just two months before the competition. The squad has also battled injuries throughout their current run, with forward Lauren James recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the semi-final, her availability uncertain. Defenders Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze are also managing leg injuries.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman has received some criticism regarding perceived stagnant tactics and insufficient rotation or late-game substitutions. However, despite the tense moments requiring late heroics from Agyemang and Kelly, her coaching approach has proven effective. This England squad has truly earned its reputation as the tournament`s “lionhearts” through their relentless effort.
England is also pursuing a unique piece of history: not only would a repeat victory solidify their dominance, but they would also become the first team to win the Euro after losing their opening group stage match. Having battled through the group and knockout stages with immense energy and emotion, they are expected to leave nothing on the field in their quest for the title.
Spain`s Evolution Since the 2023 World Cup Final
Spain`s World Cup triumph, much like England`s Euro win, propelled their program into the top three of FIFA`s rankings, a significant rise from being outside the top five before their 2023 campaign. Their Euro 2025 squad includes 11 players from the World Cup-winning roster, with eight of them having started in that final. However, Spain`s most significant changes since the 2023 World Cup have occurred at the federation and coaching levels.
However, their World Cup victory was marred by controversy. Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales` non-consensual kiss with player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony, coupled with his strong allegiance to former manager Jorge Vilda – against whom players had revolted before and after the World Cup due to his coaching and leadership methods – ultimately led to Rubiales` dismissal and Vilda`s subsequent removal.
Montse Tomé took over as head coach in September 2023. The team subsequently secured a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Olympics, marking their debut at the Summer Games. While Tomé, a former player, faced criticism for her lineup decisions and tactical predictability during the Olympics, guiding the team to this Euro final is a considerable achievement.
Spain`s midfield trio of Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Patri Guijarro remains central to their acclaimed possession-based style of play. Forward Esther Gonzalez leads the team`s scoring and is a contender for the Euros Golden Boot. Among the many returning players from the World Cup final squad, Claudia Pina has notably transitioned from a key bench player to a reliable starter, showcasing relentless attacking drive and a significant threat from set-pieces.
This marks Spain`s maiden appearance in a Euro final, and they aspire to become the eighth distinct nation to claim the tournament title. A victory would place them alongside Germany as the only countries to win a Euro immediately after a World Cup triumph. Historically, the Netherlands (2017) is the only team in the past three decades to win the Euro in their 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
The on-field differences between these two teams are minimal, promising a fascinating tactical battle. While it`s unlikely England will completely run out of steam, they might face significant challenges if they struggle to assert control over 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
