Sunday’s final will offer an eagerly awaited rematch of the 2023 World Cup decider, setting defending European champions England against world champions Spain. This clash features two sides that have expertly asserted their dominance throughout the tournament – but only one can leave with the trophy.
England claimed continental glory in 2022, while Spain triumphed on the world stage a year later against the Lionesses 1-0. Now, in Basel, both teams are chasing another major prize. The narrative is compelling: England’s tenacious comeback spirit meets Spain’s technical elegance and global supremacy. Can the Lionesses spring a surprise against the favourites?
This isn’t just a final – it’s the culmination of a rivalry that has redefined European women’s football. Spain, elegant and ruthless in equal measure, arrive with confidence and cohesion.
England, bruised but battle-hardened, are seeking revenge and redemption. The tactical chess match between Sarina Wiegman and Montse Tomé adds another layer to a contest already brimming with world-class talent and high-stakes tension. For Spain, it’s a chance to complete the double.
For England, it’s a shot at history – and perhaps revenge. Expect drama. Expect brilliance. Expect a final worthy of the occasion.
Semi-finals & routes
England began their Euro 2025 campaign in Group D alongside France, the Netherlands and Wales. Their tournament got off to a rocky start when they fell 2-1 to France in the opener.
However, it didn’t dampen the mood within the camp as the Lionesses quickly regained composure and authority, dispatching the Netherlands 4–0 before demolishing Wales 6–1, with goals from Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo setting the tone.
In the quarter‑finals, England faced a stern test against Sweden. Trailing 2-0 in the early stages, they rallied brilliantly to level the score through Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang, before edging a dramatic 3-2 victory in the resulting penalty shootout.
That match encapsulated the essence of the ‘England DNA’, a term often used to describe their signature mental resilience and capacity to rally under pressure.
Their semi‑final against Italy followed a similar script. England again fell behind but demonstrated remarkable grit to equalise through Agyemang and then secure a 2-1 win in extra‑time with a goal from Chloe Kelly. Notably, Sarina Wiegman made history by becoming the first manager to reach five consecutive international tournament finals.
Spain arrived in Switzerland as the reigning World Cup champions and favourites to win the tournament. They comfortably topped Group B, scoring heavily against Portugal, Belgium and Italy, where Clàudia Pina, Esther González and Alexia Putellas all stole the show.
The quarter‑finals saw Spain cruise past hosts Switzerland in comfortable style, though their semi‑final against Germany proved to be a tightly contested affair. Everyone – both fans and pundits – expected Spain to breeze into the final, but the Germans stood tall, and the game went to extra-time after both sides failed to score.
The match remained deadlocked deep into extra time until Aitana Bonmatí, who had rebounded from a serious meningitis scare, seized the moment with a stunning 113th‑minute strike, exploiting a gap at the near post to break the German resistance.
Spain vs England H2H
As mentioned, Spain managed to edge past England the last time these two sides met in a major final. Spain won 1-0 in the World Cup final back in 2023, thanks to a first-half strike from Olga Carmona, who has once again been ever present in the national team throughout this competition.
England did manage to get some kind of revenge in the Nations League in February 2025 with a 1-0 win at Wembley. Jess Park was the goal scorer on that occasion, but she hasn’t been utilised in Switzerland and will likely be watching on from the bench on Sunday.
The two teams faced off once again in the Nations League less than two months ago, and although England took the lead thanks to Alessia Russo, Spain came out fighting in the second half to win 2-1. A brace from Claudia Pina – another shining light in this tournament – broke England’s hearts. The Barcelona forward will be looking to do the same on Sunday.
Squad prediction – England
England’s strengths lie in their never‑say‑die attitude, evident in their ability to overturn deficits and perform when the stakes are highest. However, questions remain over their tactical clarity, as they often rely on reactive rather than proactive football.
Key players include playmaker Keira Walsh, whose precise distribution unlocked games but was neutralised at times by aggressive marking early in the campaign, and Alessia Russo, whose Eagle‑headed resilience and tournament form delivered crucial goals. These two will need to be at the top of their game if England are to prevail.
Russo has provided crucial goals, including a dramatic late equaliser against Italy, showcasing her big-game mentality and clinical finishing. Georgia Stanway, meanwhile, has anchored the midfield with tireless energy, defensive steel and intelligent distribution. Her ability to break up opposition play and transition quickly into attack has been vital to England’s progression.
Chloe Kelly has also made a significant impact off the bench, offering pace and directness in wide areas. Together, these players have embodied England’s resilience and attacking intent throughout the tournament.
Tonybet has England priced at 10/3 to win inside 90 minutes. They are still not fancied to topple Spain having kept just one clean sheet from their five matches to date.
Squad prediction – Spain
Spain have been lethal with the ball, controlling matches through superb technical play and a disciplined structure, led by Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas. Their squad depth and cohesive tactical approach have frustrated even the strongest opponents. The emergence of Bonmatí as a clutch performer exemplifies their combination of talent, composure and mental toughness.
Esther González has been the heartbeat of Spain’s attack during Euro 2025, emerging as the tournament’s leading goal scorer. A clinical and intelligent striker, her movement inside the box, precise finishing and ability to anticipate defensive errors have made her a constant threat.
If González struggles to break through England’s back line, Athenea del Castillo offers a fresh, unpredictable attacking option. Though often starting from the bench, her pace, creativity and fearless one-on-one ability have caused problems for tired defences late in matches.
Her quick feet and direct style can stretch England’s shape and create space for others while also providing a goal threat herself. With a goal and two assists to her name in the tournament, she has demonstrated her value in clutch moments and could be Spain’s secret weapon in the final.
Tonybet currently offers odds of around 4/5 for Spain to emerge victorious, cementing them as short‑priced favourites after a fantastic tournament in Switzerland.
Can they repeat their World Cup final result?
Our expert prediction
England and Spain have navigated divergent paths but share a common destination in the final, scheduled for Sunday at St. Jakob‑Park. Ticket sales have surged, TV audiences are soaring, and Tonybet odds reflect the high stakes and quality on display.
Spain’s dominance in possession, technical excellence and match control make them the deserved favourites. Their 4/5 odds underline a clear trust from bookmakers that they will claim their first continental title. Yet England’s refusal to yield, demonstrated through four knockout comebacks, means that they cannot be underestimated, especially in high‑pressure moments.
In terms of tactics and potential outcome, a tight encounter in regular time appears likely. Both sides can defend well on their day, and neither has generated runaway victories in knockout phases. Therefore, a draw at the end of 90 minutes seems entirely probable.
However, Tonybet odds don’t reflect this narrative, pricing a draw around 15/4, with England around 10/3 to achieve a surprising win, and Spain as favourites at 4/5.
Considering form, tactics and personnel, Spain’s patient build‑up play and knack for seizing critical moments give them the edge. We anticipate that they will not need extra time once again – and they would have learned plenty from their match against Germany. Expect Spain to return to their ruthless ways in front of goal and break England’s hearts.
Spain’s edge over England is clearest in attack, where their combination of efficiency, vision and positional intelligence has consistently broken down even the most rigid defences. Leading the Golden Boot race, Esther González has scored four goals in five games, thriving as a relentless poacher inside the box.
Her off-the-shoulder movement and quick finishing have punished every defensive lapse – qualities that are particularly dangerous against an England back line that has struggled under pressure throughout the tournament.
Alexia Putellas, with three goals of her own and countless chance-creating passes, brings not only experience but also unmatched spatial awareness. Her ability to ghost between midfield and defence could exploit the gaps that England often leave when pressed. Putellas also thrives in high-pressure situations and can dictate the pace of play with remarkable calm.
With Spain averaging over 60% possession per match and England conceding first in three of their last four games, Spain’s attacking firepower and midfield dominance should tilt the final decisively in their favour. If González continues her scoring form and Putellas pulls the strings, England may find themselves chasing shadows for most of the game.
Sunday’s final delivers a clash between two distinctly brilliant styles: Spain’s technical mastery versus England’s indomitable spirit. While Tonybet rightfully backs Spain, England’s DNA of never giving up means that extra time – and tension – is a distinct possibility.
Fans can expect a strategic, emotionally charged battle that echoes the 2023 World Cup final but showcases even younger, hungrier squads. Get ready for a continental classic where skill, willpower and nerve will determine the 2025 Women’s Euro champions.
