When you think about it, there really should be little surprise that it will be England and Spain who meet in the final of Euro 2025 on Sunday. It was almost inevitable that they would face each other once again. Two nations whose journeys seem intrinsically linked at this point; two nations whose rise has changed and disrupted the historic order of the women’s game.
While England’s recent achievements may have come a few years earlier than Spain’s, the comparisons between the two are clear. While the Lionesses have more historic success – they reached the European Championship final in both 1984 and 2009 and have been among the final four in their last six tournaments – their feats in the full-time era of the game are mirrored. They lifted their first major trophies within 12 months of each other – England in 2022, Spain in 2023 – and over the last three years, both have proved they have the squad and resources that could maintain this success for years to come, despite growth in the sport elsewhere.
Two years have passed since they last came head to head in a major tournament. The 2023 World Cup final was a historic moment for both nations with Spain eventually claiming the ultimate prize. La Roja were the better team that day, despite the narrow scoreline. They dominated the midfield area and tactically outsmarted the Lionesses in Sydney, pouncing on their naivety pushing forward and being clinical when it mattered. Olga Carmona’s winner was a perfect example of the quality of their execution.
When you dig into the stats, however, there was perhaps a little less between them than on first viewing. Spain controlled the ball and created more opportunities, but they only registered two more shots on target than their opponents. It was an illustration that, despite their different brands of football, there is little between them in the big moments.
Neither are the same since they met that day in August 2023. Spanish football faced a reckoning in the wake of that final. The actions of former president of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales – both the kiss that he forced on Jenni Hermoso and his reaction to the backlash – tarnished the celebrations and finally forced through the changes many of the players had been asking for for so long. That it took that incident to happen in front of the world before they were listened to remains a stain on RFEF. While much has improved, there is still a long way to go for the game to reach parity domestically.
Under Montse Tomé, La Roja have developed their technical style of play even further. In Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro, they possess three of the best midfielders in world football, all capable of unlocking defences. But they have also developed different threats. The return of Esther González, coming in as the starting No 9, has allowed them to add a directness to their play that they did not previously possess. The quality of the long balls, either from the central defenders or predominantly Carmona at left-back, has added a new dimension to their game. The introduction of Clàudia Pina and 18-year-old Vicky López and the constant success of the youth pathway also demonstrates that there is a succession plan in place.
England have undergone a transition of their own, a regeneration of sorts with several young players securing permanent spots in the senior squad. While many of Sarina Wiegman’s stalwarts from her four years at the helm remain – Leah Williamson, Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo for example – new faces have come in and their strength in depth, particularly in creative areas, has continued to increase. Despite some inconsistent form, they have developed a more robust and adaptable style of play and, as seen so far this tournament, they can rely on the versatility of their players to come on and change a game. Michelle Agyemang’s rise through the ranks epitomises this. The 19-year-old received her first call up in April but has made her impact off the bench with three goals in four appearances.
In their two meetings since August 2023, they have won one apiece. For England, February’s win at Wembley in the Nations League will have filled them with confidence that they can find a gameplan to frustrate and beat Spain. La Roja’s victory in June proved that they equally have the tools to come out on top. Sunday’s game in Basel will be a fascinating tactical battle between two teams and two managers at the peak of their powers. It really is anyone’s guess who will be the one to take home the main prize.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email moving.goalposts@theguardian.com.
-
This is an extract from our free weekly email, Moving the Goalposts. To get the full edition, visit this page and follow the instructions. Moving the Goalposts is delivered to your inboxes every Tuesday and Thursday.
