Sworn rivals England-Spain in Euro final

England were heartbroken two years ago - but now they will get their shot at redemption.

Spain’s extra-time victory over Germany means they will face the Lionesses in Sunday’s Euro 2025 final. It’s a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final - which Spain won.

They were the two best sides in the world 24 months ago and they remain the best two sides in Europe now.

“It’s going to be incredible,” said former England forward Ellen White, part of the side who beat Germany in the Euro 2022 final.

“It’s a one-off game. On England’s day they can beat anyone, on Spain’s day they can beat anyone, so that match-up is so amazing to see.
“I’m so excited.”

While this eye-catching Spanish team look to complete a treble of major trophies, having also won the Nations League in 2024, England are bidding to defend their European crown.

“I’m just so buzzing for the girls,” added ex-Lionesses captain Steph Houghton. “There’s no reason, with the squad that we have, that we can’t go and beat Spain.”

So which way will it go? What does history tell us? And what’s changed since that World Cup final?

Having won their first women’s major tournament 13 months earlier with victory over Germany at Euro 2022, England had high hopes of backing that up against Spain in Sydney.

The Lionesses, looking to become the first senior England side since the men’s team in 1966 to win a World Cup, were outplayed by a Spanish side full of flair and creativity.

Spain captain Olga Carmona slotted the winner past goalkeeper Mary Earps in the first half, capitalising after England’s Lucy Bronze lost possession in midfield.

Would a repeat be likely on Sunday? Not necessarily.

England beat the world champions at Wembley in February - the last team to do so - although Spain won their most recent meeting 2-1 on 3 June.

The Lionesses’ overall record in the fixture is also decent, losing just five of 19 competitive fixtures.

“I don’t think England will see themselves as underdogs - they’re European champions,” former England defender Fara Williams said on BBC One.

“Yes, Spain beat them in the World Cup final but this is their trophy. They’ve got to hand it over and they’re not going to want to do that.

(BBC sport)