After a lengthy month of continental competition spanning Switzerland, Euro 2025 is set to conclude on Sunday in Basel, with Spain facing England in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final.
The journeys these two teams have taken through the tournament in Switzerland have been markedly different. Spain has navigated the tougher side of the knockout bracket, comfortably defeating hosts and eight-time winners Germany. In contrast, England has faced challenges, going behind to both Sweden and Italy before mounting incredible comebacks, aided by their impactful substitutes, to secure the late results necessary for their title defence.
Who will emerge victorious today?
Despite England’s rich history, Spain enters Sunday’s clash as clear favourites. Both statistically and in performance, they have been the most complete side in Switzerland, scoring more goals and conceding fewer than any other nation. They excel in ball retention, boasting a higher possession share and greater passing accuracy than their rivals. Their record stands at five matches played, five won, and 17 goals scored.
In Wednesday’s semi-final, Germany struggled against Spain, being out-passed and outplayed in nearly every aspect.
However, there were flickers of hope in Germany’s strategy from which England can draw inspiration. How does one beat Spain at their best? The key is to prevent them from reaching that level.
When in fluid motion, Spain is unmatched, but they are not without flaws. A moment of magic from Aitana Bonmatí was all that stood between Spain and Germany, who outperformed Spain in distance covered, tackles made, and big chances created.
A repeat of the 2023 World Cup final is unlikely to hold many surprises for either side, yet midfielder Keira Walsh, a former Barcelona player and former teammate of many in the Spanish squad, believes there is a crucial area for England to improve. Should they attempt to play Spain at their own game?
“One thing I will take from past encounters with Spain is that we haven’t always been as confident on the ball as we could be,” she remarked. “That’s one of our strengths; we need to take more pride in that and retain possession for longer periods.
“We must be comfortable defending, and when we do get the ball, we need to take care of it.” Walsh must lead by example, dictating play with greater authority.
An additional day for rest and recovery will aid in the transition in and out of possession. “The beauty of this team is that we will run to the ground for one another,” Walsh added, which bodes well. England has recovered the ball 224 times across their five matches, compared to Spain’s 211.
The balance between defensive commitment and attacking intent must be carefully managed. Lucy Bronze cannot afford to spend more time in the attacking third than in England’s defensive areas, nor can Lauren James be afforded total freedom on the pitch. England must be precise and disciplined to have a chance.
That’s the nature of finals; there’s always a chance. Walsh was optimistic in her pre-match address, using terms like “relentless” and “resilient” to describe England’s strengths. When referring to Spain as “incredible footballers,” she added reassuringly, “we know how to hurt them”.
As they have throughout the tournament, the Lionesses must harness the strength of their collective spirit, with starters and dependable finishers collaborating in unison.
Of course, this may all be irrelevant if Spain’s playmakers display their renowned individual brilliance. Their squad is teeming with match-winners capable of dismantling the most carefully crafted tactical plans. Logic does not always dictate outcomes in tournament knockout matches; England stands as testament to that.
Nonetheless, it is evident that Spain can be challenged. This is a burgeoning rivalry, and it promises to be captivating.
