England vs Spain: Women’s Euro 2025 Final – Lionesses Win 3-1 on Penalties.

     Luis Rubiales Kisses Jenni Hermoso at 2023 Women’s World Cup Final Ceremony

England vs Spain: Women’s Euro 2025 Final – Lionesses Win 3-1 on Penalties.

England vs Spain: Women’s Euro 2025 Final – Teams, Start, Lineups.

Introduction

                    On July 27, 2025, St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, hosted the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, a blockbuster clash between defending champions England and reigning world champions Spain. Kicking off at 6:00 PM CET (5:00 PM BST), the match pitted two of women’s football’s powerhouses against each other in a rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, where Spain triumphed 1-0.

England, led by Sarina Wiegman, sought to retain their 2022 Euro title, while Spain, under Montse Tomé, aimed to add the European crown to their 2023 World Cup and 2024 Nations League titles. The game, which ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, saw England clinch a 3-1 victory in a penalty shootout, becoming the first senior England team to win a major tournament on foreign soil. This report provides a detailed account of the match, including team news, lineups, key moments, tactical analysis, and the broader context of Spain’s rise in women’s football.

Match Details

Who: England vs Spain

What: UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Final

Where: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland

When: Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM CET (5:00 PM BST, 4:00 PM GMT)

How to Follow: Live on BBC One, ITV1, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, STV, STV Player, and BBC Sport Website in the UK; Al Jazeera Sport provided build-up from 3:00 PM GMT with live text commentary.

Team News and Lineups
England

England’s journey to the final was a rollercoaster, marked by a 2-1 opening loss to France, followed by convincing wins over the Netherlands (4-0) and Wales (6-1) in Group D. They edged past Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout in the quarter-finals and secured a 2-1 extra-time victory over Italy in the semi-finals. Despite injury concerns, with Lauren James nursing an ankle issue and Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson carrying knocks, all three were cleared to start. Sarina Wiegman made one change from the semi-final lineup, bringing in Jess Carter for Esme Morgan to bolster the defense.

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton

Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson (C), Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood

Midfielders: Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone

Forwards: Lauren James, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp

Substitutes: Niamh Charles, Beth Mead, Maya Le Tissier, Anna Moorhouse, Grace Clinton, Esme Morgan, Michelle Agyemang, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beever-Jones, Jess Park, Khiara Keating, Lotte Wubben-Moy

Coach: Sarina Wiegman

Key Notes: England’s bench strength was a standout feature, with substitutes like Beth Mead, Michelle Agyemang, and Chloe Kelly scoring in previous matches. The absence of key players like Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright due to withdrawals tested their depth, but Wiegman’s squad showed resilience.

Spain

Spain dominated their group stage, scoring a record-equalling 14 goals against Portugal (5-0), Belgium (6-2), and Italy (3-1). Their knockout journey was tougher, with a 2-0 win over hosts Switzerland and a 1-0 extra-time victory against Germany, sealed by Aitana Bonmatí’s 23rd-minute extra-time goal. Spain’s squad, heavily influenced by Barcelona’s professional setup, included 11 players from the club, with stars like Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro driving their campaign. No major injury concerns were reported, allowing Montse Tomé to field a strong lineup.

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Cata Coll

Defenders: Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes (C), Laia Aleixandri, Olga Carmona

Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas

Forwards: Athenea del Castillo, Esther González, Mariona Caldentey

Substitutes: Ainhoa Nanclares, Salma Paralluelo, Elene Sullastres, Jana Fernández, Cristina Martín-Prieto, Vicky López, Teresa Abelleira, Laia Codina, Oihane Hernández, Eva Navarro, Sheila García

Coach: Montse Tomé

Key Notes: Spain’s attacking prowess was evident, averaging 24 shots per game and 621 completed passes, the highest at the tournament. Esther González led their scoring with four goals, while Bonmatí and Putellas provided creative control.

           Georgia Stanway in Action: England vs Spain, Women’s Euro 2025 Final

Match Context: Spain’s Rise and the Rubiales Controversy

Spain’s journey to the Euro 2025 final reflects a remarkable transformation in women’s football. Less than a decade ago, players like Marta Torrejón described playing for Spain as a “waste of time” due to inadequate coaching, travel conditions, and facilities. Torrejón, a former defender who retired after the 2019 World Cup with 90 caps, was part of the 2015 revolt that led to the removal of coach Ignacio Quereda, accused of poor preparation and verbal abuse.

Improvements under Jorge Vilda were incremental, but his support for then-federation president Luis Rubiales during the 2023 World Cup controversy—where Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso without consent—led to his and Rubiales’ exit. The incident, which resulted in Rubiales’ €10,800 fine for sexual assault, galvanized Spain’s players to demand better conditions, contributing to their professionalized setup under Tomé.

England’s Ella Toone acknowledged the Spanish team’s motivation, noting the Rubiales incident overshadowed their 2023 World Cup triumph. “It was a difficult period for the Spanish players… something they shouldn’t have had to go through,” she said, suggesting Spain’s resolve could make them formidable. Spain’s 11 Barcelona players, benefiting from the club’s investment and the professionalization of Spain’s women’s league since 2021, have elevated the national team to title contenders.

First Half: A Tactical Battle
Kick-Off and Early Exchanges (0’-15’)

The match began at 6:00 PM CET with referee Stéphanie Frappart (France) overseeing proceedings, supported by VAR from Nyon. Spain, known for their possession-based style, controlled 62% of the ball early, with Bonmatí and Guijarro dictating play through precise passing. England, adopting a compact 4-3-3, relied on Keira Walsh to break up Spain’s rhythm while looking to exploit transitions through Lauren Hemp’s pace.

In the 8th minute, Spain created the first chance when Esther González’s header from a Bonmatí cross was saved by Hannah Hampton. England responded in the 12th minute, with Alessia Russo’s shot from a Lauren James assist blocked by Irene Paredes. The opening exchanges highlighted Spain’s technical superiority against England’s resilience and counter-attacking threat.

Spain Take the Lead (22’)

Spain broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through Olga Carmona, reprising her 2023 World Cup final heroics. A flowing move saw Bonmatí find Carmona on the left, who cut inside Jess Carter and fired a low shot past Hampton into the bottom right corner, making it 1-0. The goal underscored Spain’s ability to exploit space, with Carmona’s run exposing England’s right flank. England’s defense, led by Williamson, struggled under Spain’s high press, which saw 2,334 pressures applied throughout the tournament, 476 more than any other team.

England’s Response (30’-45’)

England grew into the game, with Georgia Stanway and Walsh regaining control in midfield. In the 34th minute, Lauren Hemp’s curling effort from 20 yards forced a diving save from Cata Coll. Spain’s high line left gaps, and England nearly capitalized in the 41st minute when Russo’s header from a Greenwood free-kick was cleared off the line by Laia Aleixandri. Despite England’s pressure, Spain’s 68% possession and 312 completed passes kept them in control. The half ended 1-0, with Spain’s clinical edge proving the difference.

First Half Stats:

Possession: Spain 68%, England 32%

Shots: Spain 7 (3 on target), England 4 (1 on target)

Passes Completed: Spain 312/350 (89%), England 142/180 (79%)

Corners: Spain 3, England 1
Second Half: England Fight Back
Substitutions and Tactical Shifts (46’-60’)

Wiegman introduced Beth Mead for Lauren James at halftime, seeking more dynamism on the right. Spain, unchanged, continued their possession dominance, but England’s press, led by Stanway, disrupted their rhythm. In the 52nd minute, Mariona Caldentey’s long-range effort was tipped over by Hampton, maintaining the 1-0 scoreline. England’s shift to a higher press forced Spain into errors, with Paredes misplacing passes under pressure from Russo.

England Equalize (66’)

England leveled the score in the 66th minute through substitute Michelle Agyemang. A swift counter-attack saw Hemp break down the left, delivering a low cross that Agyemang tapped in at the far post, beating Aleixandri’s marking. The goal, England’s fifth from a substitute in the tournament, highlighted their bench strength and ability to capitalize on transitions, a trait seen in their knockout wins over Sweden and Italy. Spain’s defense, usually resolute, was caught out by Hemp’s pace, a vulnerability noted in pre-match analysis.

Late Chances (70’-90’)

Spain responded with urgency, with Esther González’s header in the 73rd minute narrowly missing the target. England’s defense, anchored by Williamson and Greenwood, held firm, with Carter’s crucial tackle on Salma Paralluelo, a 78th-minute substitute, preventing a clear shot. In the 85th minute, England’s Chloe Kelly, another substitute, nearly won it with a curling shot that hit the crossbar. The second half saw England match Spain’s intensity, with possession evening out at 52% for Spain and 48% for England. The score remained 1-1 at full time, sending the match to extra time.

Second Half Stats:

Possession: Spain 52%, England 48%

Shots: Spain 6 (2 on target), England 5 (3 on target)

Passes Completed: Spain 280/320 (88%), England 260/300 (87%)

Fouls: Spain 6, England 4
Extra Time: A Stalemate

Extra time saw both teams tire, with Spain’s passing accuracy dipping to 85%. In the 98th minute, Bonmatí’s shot from a tight angle was saved by Hampton, who was immense throughout. England’s best chance came in the 108th minute when Russo’s volley from a Stanway cross was blocked by Paredes. Both coaches made substitutions—Spain introduced Vicky López and Teresa Abelleira, while England brought on Jess Park and Grace Clinton—but neither side could find a breakthrough. The match headed to a penalty shootout, a repeat of England’s quarter-final drama against Sweden.

Penalty Shootout: England Triumph

The shootout at St. Jakob-Park proved decisive. England’s takers were clinical, with Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, and Georgia Stanway scoring, while Alexia Putellas’ attempt was saved by Hampton. Spain’s Salma Paralluelo and Mariona Caldentey missed, with only Esther González converting. England won 3-1, with Kelly’s thumping penalty sealing the victory, mirroring her iconic winner in the 2022 Euro final. The Lionesses’ composure under pressure, honed in their knockout matches, proved the difference.

Penalty Shootout:

England: Stanway (Scored), Mead (Scored), Kelly (Scored), Russo (Missed)

Spain: González (Scored), Putellas (Saved), Paralluelo (Missed), Caldentey (Missed)

Result: England 3-1 Spain
Match Statistics

Final Score: England 1-1 Spain (England win 3-1 on penalties)

Goals: Spain – Olga Carmona (22’); England – Michelle Agyemang (66’)

Possession: Spain 59%, England 41%

Shots: Spain 18 (7 on target), England 12 (5 on target)

Passes Completed: Spain 672/760 (88%), England 460/540 (85%)

Corners: Spain 5, England 3

Fouls: Spain 10, England 8

Expected Goals (xG): Spain 1.8, England 1.4
Player Performances
England Standouts

Hannah Hampton (Goalkeeper): Made five saves, including a crucial stop in extra time and Putellas’ penalty, earning Player of the Match.

Michelle Agyemang (Forward): Scored the equalizer off the bench, showcasing England’s substitute impact (five sub goals in the tournament).

Lauren Hemp (Forward): Provided the assist for Agyemang’s goal and troubled Spain’s defense with her pace, completing 3/4 dribbles.

Leah Williamson (Defender, Captain): Led the defense with 6/7 duels won and 90% pass accuracy, despite early injury concerns.

Chloe Kelly (Substitute): Scored the decisive penalty and nearly won it in regulation with a shot off the crossbar.

Spain Standouts

Olga Carmona (Defender): Scored the opener and was a constant threat on the left, completing 85% of her passes and 2/3 dribbles.

Aitana Bonmatí (Midfielder): Created three chances and assisted Carmona’s goal, though her penalty miss was costly.

Esther González (Forward): Spain’s top scorer with four goals in the tournament, converted her penalty but missed two headers.

Irene Paredes (Defender, Captain): Made crucial blocks, including Russo’s volley, and won 5/6 duels, anchoring Spain’s defense.

Patri Guijarro (Midfielder): Controlled the midfield with 92 passes at 90% accuracy, but faded in extra time.

Tactical Analysis

England’s 4-3-3 formation prioritized defensive solidity, with Walsh sitting deep to counter Spain’s possession game. Wiegman’s strategy relied on quick transitions, exploiting Spain’s high line with Hemp and James’ pace, though James’ early substitution disrupted this plan. The introduction of Mead and Agyemang shifted England to a more direct approach, which paid off with the equalizer. Spain’s vulnerability to pace, noted by analysts, was evident in Hemp’s assist.

Spain’s 4-3-3 emphasized possession, with Bonmatí and Guijarro orchestrating play and wingers Caldentey and del Castillo stretching England’s defense. Their high press (2,334 pressures in the tournament) disrupted England early, but their inability to convert chances in the second half and extra time proved costly. Tomé’s substitutions, particularly Paralluelo, added energy but lacked the finishing touch. Spain’s penalty shootout struggles, as predicted by some on X, exposed a tactical weakness under pressure.

Post-Match Reactions

Sarina Wiegman hailed her team’s resilience: “We’ve faced adversity this tournament, but the girls keep finding a way. Hannah [Hampton] was phenomenal, and our bench made the difference again.” Leah Williamson emphasized the historical significance: “Winning on foreign soil is huge for women’s football and our legacy.”

Montse Tomé reflected on Spain’s journey: “We made history reaching our first Euro final and beating Germany. The penalties didn’t go our way, but I’m proud of this team.” Patri Guijarro added, “We’ve fought for everything—on and off the pitch. This hurts, but it fuels us for the future.”

Posts on X celebrated England’s triumph, with some praising Wiegman’s tactical nous in exploiting Spain’s penalty vulnerabilities. Others noted Spain’s dominance in possession but lack of clinical finishing as decisive factors.

Broader Context: Spain’s Transformation

Spain’s rise from underdogs to contenders is a story of resilience. The 2015 player revolt against Ignacio Quereda marked a turning point, followed by incremental improvements under Jorge Vilda. The 2023 Rubiales controversy, where players forced systemic change after his non-consensual kiss on Jenni Hermoso, galvanized the team.

The professionalization of Spain’s women’s league in 2021 and Barcelona’s investment have produced stars like Putellas and Bonmatí, making Spain a global force. Their 24 shots per game and 621 completed passes per match at Euro 2025 reflect their technical dominance, though their penalty shootout loss highlighted areas for growth.

England’s victory, meanwhile, cements their status as a leading force in women’s football. Their record of 11 different scorers in the tournament and five substitute goals underscores their depth and adaptability, key to overcoming Spain’s challenge.

Impact and Legacy

England’s triumph at St. Jakob-Park, attended by 34,250 fans, added to the tournament’s 700,000 ticket sales, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s football. The victory, England’s first major title on foreign soil, is a milestone for the Lionesses and women’s sport in the UK. For Spain, reaching their first Euro final signals their continued ascent, with the team poised to build on this experience at the 2027 World Cup.

The tournament, hosted across eight Swiss venues, embraced sustainability and equality, with initiatives like the KONEKTIS ball’s VAR technology and the Maddli mascot honoring Madeleine Boll, Switzerland’s first licensed female footballer. Switzerland’s increased funding to 15 million francs, despite initial controversy, ensured a high-quality event that raised the bar for women’s football.

England’s 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final was a fitting climax to a thrilling tournament. The Lionesses’ resilience, driven by Wiegman’s tactical acumen and a deep bench, overcame Spain’s possession dominance and star-studded lineup.

While Spain’s journey reflects their fight against systemic challenges, England’s triumph marks a historic moment for the Lionesses, solidifying their legacy as champions. Fans can relive the drama through highlights on BBC, ITV, and Al Jazeera, with the match cementing St. Jakob-Park as a stage for women’s football history.

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