England and Spain will face off in the Women's Euro 2025 final on Sunday, renewing a rivalry that has seen them meet twice in the past six months. Spain's midfield trio of Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro, instrumental in their 2023 World Cup victory over England, will again pose a significant threat. Guijarro's passing range and ability to cut through defensive lines were on full display in the semi-final against Germany, where she completed more passes than any other player. England's midfield setup will be crucial; their Nations League win in February was built on the selfless work rate of Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Keira Walsh, who sacrificed creativity to close spaces and disrupt Spain's passing triangles.
The left side of England's defence has been targeted throughout the tournament, with opponents exploiting space left by Alex Greenwood and the left centre-back. Spain's Ona Batlle and Mariona Caldentey are expected to press that area aggressively. England may need to sit deeper or consider a three-at-the-back formation to avoid being exposed to Spain's pace. Discipline will be key to preventing early breakthroughs.
With Spain likely to dominate possession, England must capitalise on limited chances. Bypassing midfield with long passes to Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp could be effective. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has been a standout distributor, while centre-back Leah Williamson has the most accurate long balls per 90 minutes in the tournament. These options could unlock Spain's defence.
The duel between Lauren Hemp and Ona Batlle on England's left promises to be a highlight, with both possessing exceptional speed. Batlle's tendency to push high could leave space for Hemp to exploit on the counter. Up front, Russo's pressing will test Spain's Irene Paredes, the tournament's most accurate passer. At the other end, England's defensive unit must handle Esther González's direct threat. The midfield battle between Keira Walsh and Aitana Bonmatí will also be pivotal.
England's squad depth has been a key talking point, with substitutes like Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly making significant impacts. Agyemang has scored two late goals from the bench, while Kelly's delivery from wide areas is exceptional. Aggie Beever-Jones offers instinctive finishing, and Beth Mead's versatility across midfield adds further options. Spain also possess game-changers, including Athenea del Castillo, ensuring a tightly contested final.
