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Bonmatí Propels Spain to Euro 2025 Final Against England
England, facing lingering heartbreak from two years prior, now have a chance at redemption.
Spain’s victory over Germany in extra time has set the stage for a compelling Euro 2025 final clash against the Lionesses. This highly anticipated match is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, which saw Spain emerge victorious.
Widely regarded as the top two teams globally 24 months ago, both nations remain formidable forces in European football.
“It’s going to be incredible,” stated former England forward Ellen White, a member of the squad that triumphed over Germany in the Euro 2022 final.
“In a one-off game, either England or Spain can defeat any opponent. This match-up is truly amazing to witness.
“I’m incredibly excited.”
As the Spanish team aims to secure a remarkable treble of major trophies, having also claimed the Nations League title in 2024, England is determined to defend its European title.
“I’m just so thrilled for the team,” added ex-Lionesses captain Steph Houghton. “With the talent we possess, there’s no reason why we can’t defeat Spain.”
The question remains: Which team will prevail? What does history suggest? And what significant changes have occurred since the World Cup final?
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England Stages Late Comeback, Agyemang and Kelly Seal Final Berth
Following their victory over Germany at Euro 2022, which marked their first major women’s tournament win 13 months prior, England entered the World Cup with high hopes of defeating Spain in Sydney.
However, victory eluded them.
The Lionesses, striving to become the first senior England side since the men’s team in 1966 to win a World Cup, were outmaneuvered by a Spanish side renowned for its flair and creativity.
Spain’s captain, Olga Carmona, secured the winning goal in the first half, capitalizing on a midfield turnover by England’s Lucy Bronze to slot the ball past goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Is a repeat performance likely on Sunday? Not necessarily.
England defeated the reigning world champions at Wembley in February, marking the last team to achieve this feat, although Spain won their most recent encounter 2-1 on June 3.
The Lionesses’ overall record in the fixture remains respectable, with only five losses in 19 competitive matches.
“I don’t anticipate England viewing themselves as underdogs; they are the reigning European champions,” noted former England defender Fara Williams on BBC One.
“Despite Spain’s victory in the World Cup final, this is their trophy. They must relinquish it, and they won’t want to do so easily. They won’t simply lie down and allow Spain to win.
“I believe they are confident in their ability to defeat Spain.”
Houghton concurred.
“I don’t believe the [World Cup final] will weigh on England’s minds,” she stated on BBC Radio 5 Live. “This is a fresh start, and there are many new players in the squad.”
Euro 2025 Final: England v Spain
Sunday, July 27 at 17:00 BST
St Jakob-Park, Basel
Broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds. Live text updates will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.
Seven of the 11 players who started against Spain in the World Cup final were in England’s lineup for Tuesday’s win over Italy.
However, significant changes have also occurred within the Lionesses squad since then, some as recently as June.
In the 10 days leading up to Sarina Wiegman’s squad announcement last month, she had to contend with two senior international retirements and the withdrawal of her World Cup captain.
First, goalkeeper Earps announced her surprising international retirement, followed by midfielder Fran Kirby a week later, and on the eve of the squad’s confirmation, Millie Bright made herself unavailable for selection.
Earps herself described it as “a new era and a new England team,” with players like super-sub Michelle Agyemang only receiving their first caps this year.
According to Williams, this “new” England side will have to manage pressure.
“I believe the Lionesses face significant pressure,” she stated. “In terms of growing the game in England, we continue to rely on the Lionesses performing well. They didn’t have this pressure in 2022, but they did in the World Cup final, and they have it now.”
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Scenes: Spain Celebrates Reaching Euros Final
Meanwhile, Spain’s squad maintains a familiar feel, albeit now led by a different manager in Montse Tome.
Tome served as Jorge Vilda’s assistant in 2023, ensuring continuity in the coaching setup and philosophy.
Ballon d’Or Féminin holder and semi-final match-winner Aitana Bonmati remains a key player – despite a pre-tournament bout of viral meningitis – while Alexia Putellas, also a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, continues to excel, having started the World Cup final on the bench.
Esther Gonzalez, an unused substitute in 2023, has emerged as one of the stars of Euro 2025 and is on track to win the Golden Boot.
However, Jenni Hermoso, who missed a penalty in that final, is a notable absentee.
After receiving her World Cup winner’s medal, Hermoso was kissed by Spain’s former football federation boss Luis Rubiales without her consent.
Rubiales claimed the kiss was consensual, but in February he was found guilty of sexual assault by Spain’s top criminal court and ordered to pay a fine of 10,800 euros (£8,942).
England boss Wiegman must devise a strategy to stifle a Spain side accustomed to dominating possession and controlling the game.
They maintained nearly 67% possession in their semi-final win over Germany, but it wasn’t always a straightforward affair.
“I think we witnessed a Spanish team displaying frustration at times for the first time,” stated Williams. “This is uncharacteristic of them.
“They are patient in their approach and confident in their abilities. They were compelled to adopt a more direct style at times.
“We observed a different side to them. This was the only game in the competition where they faced a genuine challenge, an intense battle. Germany provided the level of intensity required in a final, and Spain will be grateful for this experience.”
Former Germany defender Josie Henning believes the key battle will unfold in midfield.
“When facing Spain’s midfield, you must decide whether to engage them directly or play around them,” she noted on BBC One. “I believe Germany demonstrated that pressing them collectively can be effective.”
England Has the Capacity to Win – Caldentey
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