Familiar foes reunite: England and Spain set for blockbuster Euro 2025 final
England and Spain are familiar foes, and have met in the final of a major tournament before.
At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which drew record-breaking crowds and viewership, Spain claimed their first world title by defeating England 1-0.
One major tournament later, the two meet again, this time for Europe’s biggest crown, the Euro.
In this article, Sports News Blitz deputy content editor Nicole Powell previews the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro final and highlights key battles to watch.
A whole lot of history
The two sides are evenly matched in head-to-head stats. In their last 10 matches, England have won five, and Spain four.
However, La Roja have grown a lot over the years, and have become the world’s most dominant nation in women’s football.
While England may manage to put up a fight, history suggests that Spain will triumph over England and yet another final.
At the 2023 World Cup final, England were no match for Spain.
And while the scoreline wasn’t shouting, the 1-0 win was a statement enough, and it named Spain as champions of the world for the first time.
Two different tales at the 2025 Euros
From the outside, it is no surprise that the two nations find themselves at the finals of the Women’s Euro.
However, given how differently the two sides have performed to reach this stage of the tournament, it is a little shocking.
Spain dominated their group, winning all three games and scoring 14 goals. They then cruised past hosts Switzerland to beat them 2-0 in the quarter-final.
A tough semi-final against Germany followed, where Aitana Bonmatí’s extra‑time strike was the sole goal, sealing Spain’s first ever Women’s Euro final appearance.
In all their games - Germany aside - Spain’s clinicality and fluidity was more than apparent, and made them obvious winners from the get go.
England on the other hand have stumbled their way into the final.
They opened their tournament with a 2-1 loss to France, but followed that up with two dominant wins against the Netherlands and Wales.
Against Sweden and Italy in the quarter-finals and semi-finals though, England were slow, disconnected, and most times second-best.
Late heroics from substitutes and young players made the difference, but it always felt like the Lionesses were dancing danegrously close to death.
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Key battles to watch
This final doesn’t just feel like England vs Spain - it feels like the best of the WSL against the best of Liga F.
With Barcelona stars dominating Spain’s lineup and a strong Chelsea and Arsenal core running through England’s, it’s a showcase of club dominance on the international stage.
One of the biggest questions heading into this final is whether England’s midfield can keep up with Spain’s.
Aitana Bonmatí has been the heartbeat of Spain’s team, and after scoring the extra-time winner against Germany, all eyes will be on her once again. She’s supported by a strong cast that includes two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, and Patricia Guijarro.
England’s midfield has been nowhere near the quality of Spain’s throughout the tournament.
However, if Sarina Wiegman sticks with Keira Walsh, Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway as the midfield anchors for the final, the trio will need to up their game - which would also give the Lionesses' forwards a much-needed boost.
Spain’s attack has also been ruthless, scoring more goals than anyone else in the tournament so far.
Esther Gonzalez leads the line with four goals, and Claudia Pina has been quite the force.
Spain’s ability to stretch defences and exploit gaps in wide areas has been one of their biggest strengths.
That’s where things could get tricky for England, who haven’t looked entirely convincing at the back.
Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Leah Williamson and Jess Carter all bring experience, but the backlines has been England’s weakest area across the compeition. If they give Spain too much time or space, it could get ugly fast.
While Hannah Hampton has stamped her mark as England’s No.1 and been brilliant for her side, she will need the support of her defenders against a team as lethal as Spain.
Where England do have an edge is off the bench. Sarina Wiegman’s subs have bailed her out more than once.
Michelle Agyemang has become a breakout star after scoring in both the quarters and semis, and Chloe Kelly - who famously won them Euro 2022 - is back to delivering clutch moments again.
Spain’s starters are strong, but England’s strength in depth could be the key to tipping this in their favour - if they’re still in the game by the time the second half rolls around.
Timing will be everything.
Spain come into this riding high - they’ve won the World Cup, the Nations League, and are now 90 minutes away from a historic treble, already coming in as the favourites.
England, on the other hand, are bruised but battle-tested. This team has been through chaos and still found ways to win. That kind of resilience can’t be underestimated.
It’s a clash of style, control vs chaos, finesse vs grit. And as far as finals go, this one has all the makings of a classic.
The final will be held on Sunday, July 27 in Basel, Switzerland, with kick-off at 17:00 BST.
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