An enthralling clash awaits in the 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro final this Sunday, pitting defending Euro champions England against reigning World Cup winners Spain. This championship encounter, two years in the making, brings together two of Europe`s footballing giants to contend for the continent`s most prestigious crown. Hosted at St. Jakob-Park in Switzerland, the match serves as both a highly anticipated rematch and a benchmark for the current state of women`s football in Europe, as Spain and England face off just two years after their monumental FIFA 2023 Women`s World Cup final.
Spain, the 2023 World Cup victors, will bring their renowned technical prowess against England, the 2022 Euro champions, known for their unwavering determination. The margins for error between these formidable sides are incredibly slim, yet each squad feels confident in their prospects for victory.
Both teams have demonstrated exceptional attacking capabilities throughout this tournament, collectively scoring 32 goals – 17 for Spain and 15 for England. A total of 21 different players have found the back of the net for these two nations, with England (11 scorers) slightly outpacing Spain (10 scorers). Defensively, Spain boasts an impressive record with three shutouts, including two clean sheets in the knockout rounds, having conceded only three goals overall. England, by contrast, has allowed six goals and registered one clean sheet in the tournament.
England secured their place in the final after two grueling extra-time knockout matches: a quarterfinal penalty shootout triumph against Sweden, and an extra-time victory over Italy in the semifinal, sparked by impactful contributions from substitutes Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang. Meanwhile, Spain eliminated host nation Switzerland in the quarterfinal and achieved a historic first program victory against Germany in the semifinal.
Now, 707 days after their 2023 World Cup encounter, these two nations meet again with another significant trophy on the line. Spain aims to clinch their first-ever Euro title, while England eyes a historic repeat, a feat not achieved in over a decade.
Here’s a look at key storylines, how to watch the match, and more:
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Sunday, July 27
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland
- TV: FOX
- Stream: Fubo
- Odds: Spain -135; Draw +270; England +333
Recent Encounters
The 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup Final: This pivotal match saw immense stakes. England, fresh off their 2022 Euro win, were considered strong favorites, while Spain was driven to prove themselves amidst internal federation and coaching challenges. The game was tightly contested, with Spain emerging 1-0 victors thanks to a goal from defender Olga Carmona.
The 2025 UEFA Nations League Meetings: The two sides have faced each other since the World Cup final, splitting two close games earlier this year in the UEFA Nations League. England secured a 1-0 win over Spain in February, with Jess Park scoring the decisive goal. Spain reciprocated in June with a 2-1 victory that ignited their strong summer form, as Claudia Pina scored two goals off the bench, ultimately eliminating England from the competition.
England`s Evolution Since the Last Final
England`s 2022 Euro championship propelled the Lionesses into discussions about global elite programs and heightened expectations for their 2023 World Cup campaign, where they finished as runners-up. The run-up to the 2025 Euro has seen several key figures from the 2022 squad retire, including former striker Ellen White, midfielder Fran Kirby, defender Rachel Daly, and goalkeeper Mary Earps (who announced her departure just two months before the tournament). Despite this, 14 players from the 2023 World Cup squad remain on England`s current Euro roster, with eight having started in the World Cup final. The team has also managed injuries, with forward Lauren James nursing an ankle injury from the semifinal, and Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze playing through leg issues.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman has faced some criticism regarding her tactical approach and perceived lack of rotations or late-game substitutions. However, the team`s ability to produce nerve-rattling late-game heroics, notably from Agyemang and Kelly, suggests her methodology has been effective. This squad has undeniably earned the moniker of `tournament lionhearts` through their sheer effort and resilience.
England is also on the cusp of making history beyond a potential repeat title; they could become the first team ever to win the Euro after losing their opening match. Having rallied impressively through the group stage and knockout rounds, they are poised to exhaust all their energy in this final game to lift the trophy once more.
Spain`s Transformation Since the Last Final
Similar to England, Spain`s World Cup triumph significantly elevated their program, moving them into the top three FIFA-ranked teams after being outside the top five before their 2023 World Cup run. Their current Euro squad features 11 players from the World Cup-winning roster, including eight starters from that final. However, Spain`s most significant personnel changes since the 2023 World Cup have occurred at the federation and coaching levels.
Their World Cup victory was unfortunately overshadowed by controversy. Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales` non-consensual kiss with player Jenni Hermoso on the medal podium, coupled with his close ties to former manager Jorge Vilda (who players had previously protested against due to his coaching style), ultimately led to Rubiales` firing and Vilda`s subsequent dismissal.
Montse Tome took over as head coach in September 2023. While the program finished fourth at the 2024 Olympics, making their debut at the Summer Games, Tome faced criticism for her lineup choices and somewhat predictable tactics during that competition. Nonetheless, guiding the team to this Euro final is a remarkable achievement.
Spain`s midfield mastery, spearheaded 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. Among the many holdovers from the World Cup final, Claudia Pina has emerged from a bench player to a sure starter, consistently showcasing relentless attacking play and acting as a significant threat from set-piece deliveries.
This marks Spain`s first appearance in a Euro final, and they aim to become the eighth different country to win the tournament. Should they succeed, 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 (in 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 Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas; Mariona Caldentey, Claudia Pina, Esther Gonzalez
Prediction
Very little will separate these two sides on the pitch, making the tactical battles all the more compelling. Could this be the game where England finally runs out of steam and key personnel? It`s unlikely to fully deplete them, but it might make periods of the game challenging if they struggle to gain control over Spain`s dominant midfield. While both teams are expected to score, Spain is predicted to emerge victorious in extra time. Prediction: Spain 2, England 1
