Daijiworld Media Network - Basel
Basel, Jul 26: The stage is set for a thrilling final as England look to retain their European crown and avenge their 2023 World Cup loss to Spain when the two powerhouses of women’s football clash on Sunday at St Jakob-Park, Switzerland.
In what promises to be a high-stakes encounter, Spain aim to add the Euro 2025 title to their World Cup triumph, while England seek redemption after their 1-0 heartbreak in Sydney, where Olga Carmona’s goal sealed La Roja’s maiden world title.
Lionesses star Ella Toone, who has played a key role in England’s journey through Switzerland, said: “To make three consecutive finals for England is something we can all be so proud of.” England, under coach Sarina Wiegman, are chasing back-to-back Euros after their Wembley triumph in 2022.
Wiegman, who earlier led the Netherlands to a Euro title in 2017, is lauded for transforming the Lionesses into a force. “She is a great manager... we know we are in good hands,” Toone added.
England’s path to the final has been dramatic—after a shaky group stage, the Lionesses pulled off stunning comebacks against Sweden and Italy, with Chloe Kelly emerging as a key player off the bench.
But standing in their way is the formidable Aitana Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner who overcame viral meningitis to lead Spain with grit and brilliance. She netted the decisive goal in the semi-final win over Germany.
Spain’s squad, loaded with Barcelona stars like Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, is hungry for a double title win. Their coach Montse Tomé, who succeeded Jorge Vilda, is eyeing history—Spain could become the first nation since Germany to win both the World Cup and Euros consecutively.
Adding to the rivalry is Spain’s extra-time loss to England in the 2022 Euros and Barcelona’s recent defeat to Arsenal in the Women’s Champions League final, where many England players featured.
All eyes now turn to Basel, where either Spain will cement their global dominance, or England will script a story of revenge and resilience.