Euro 2025 final live: Build up to England v Spain as Lionesses set out to defend title in Basel

FootballSports
27 Jul 2025 • 7:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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England are just hours away from facing the world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 final as the Lionesses look to defend their title and create more history in Basel.

The Lionesses have the historic opportunity to become the first England team in history to defend a major tournament title, as they go in search of back-to-back European crowns after their game-changing Euro 2022 win three years ago.

Sarina Wiegman will make a last-minute decision on whether to start Lauren James after the forward recovered from an ankle injury while Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang have also put themselves in contention thanks to their impactful roles during the run to the final.

In what is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, England will also be out for revenge while Spain are determined to enjoy the moment and deliver a triumph on their terms after victory was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales.

Follow live build up to the Euro 2025 final between England and Spain, below

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Key Points

  • England face Spain in Euro 2025 final | Live on BBC + ITV, kick-off 5pm
  • England captain Leah Williamson delivers powerful message ahead of Euro 2025 final
  • Lauren James trains on eve of England's Euro 2025 final and set to be available
  • England team news: Gamble on Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly?
  • Sarina Wiegman: I have fallen in love with England after ‘craziest’ tournament yet

England team news: Gamble on Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly?

11:31

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Jamie Braidwood

Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang have rescued England so far at Euro 2025 but Sarina Wiegman is unlikely to make too many changes to her starting line-up ahead of facing Spain in the final.

Kelly has never before started a match for England at a major tournament, while Agyemang has only ever come off the bench in her four international appearances for the Lionesses.

Both have impact roles in the team - and remain important weapons on the bench even if they do not start in the final.

A historic opportunity for England as they play Spain in Euro 2025 final

11:16

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Jamie Braidwood

The Lionesses will look to become the first England team in history to successfully defend a major international title when they play Spain in the Euro 2025 final.

England are bidding to become the first team to win a tournament on foreign soil in Basel, while Leah Williamson could become the first England player to lift a second trophy as captain.

It would be just a second tournament success since 1966, following England’s victory in the Euro 2022 final.

England and Spain's recent meetings ahead of Euro 2025 final

11:01

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Jamie Braidwood

England and Spain played each other in this year’s Nations League campaign, which means there have been a couple of more recent meetings since the World Cup final two years ago.

The Lionesses defeated Spain 1-0 at Wembley in February, with Spain coming from behind to win 2-1 in Barcelona in early June - in a match that took place just a few days after Arsenal’s win over Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final.

“We’ve played each other a lot over the last couple of years,” Sarina Wiegman said. “You always have learnings. They will have learned from us in the games we’ve played. Tomorrow is a new situation so hopefully we can exploit some of the weaknesses they have too.”

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It's England v Spain in back-to-back finals

10:46

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Jamie Braidwood

Spain defeated England to win the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney two years ago and Euro 2025 has set up a rematch in Basel.

It’s only the second time there has been the same fixture in back-to-back major finals at the Women’s World Cup and Women’s Euros, and the first since Germany and Sweden met in the 2001 Euros final and 2003 World Cup final.

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Joe Root wants Lionesses to bring it home ahead of Euro 2025 final

10:31

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Jamie Braidwood

England cricketer Joe Root has also sent his best wishes to the England team ahead of tonight’s Euro 2025, telling the Lionesses they’ve come through “big moments” and to “go out and do it once more”.

William sends good luck message to Lionesses ahead of Euro 2025 final

10:16

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Jamie Braidwood

The Prince of Wales will be in Basel this evening to cheer on the Lionesses as they take on Spain the Euro 2025, having enjoyed England’s rollercoaster ride through the tournament.

“Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow,” said William, who is a patron of the FA. “The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on!”

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Aitana Bonmati reveals England’s mistake and the quality to define Euro 2025 final

10:01

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Jamie Braidwood

At Euro 2025, Aitana Bonmati has already demonstrated her ability to be patient, and wait for the gaps to open up. Here, though, the world’s best player is sitting in front of a tactics board, pushing markers across a Subbuteo pitch and explaining how Spain defeated England to win the 2023 World Cup final.

Across sport, and certainly in football, It is rare to come across examples of the best in the world calmly articulating the little moments that separate their genius from the rest.

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Why are Spain so good? The contrasting paths behind runs to Euro 2025 final

09:46

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Miguel Delaney

As England again wonder how Keira Walsh can evade Spain’s intense press to decide a major trophy, some in the Football Association are still marvelling at the shift. This is as high a level as you can get, and is now a frequent challenge. They grew up hoping just to qualify for tournaments.

“I have trouble explaining to my kids sometimes that this isn’t normal,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham laughs. “When you look at 1967 and through 50 years to 2020, we made one final.”

The Euro 2025 final will mark the third consecutive major final for Sarina Wiegman’s team, and also the fifth in five years across England’s women’s and men’s squads. But there is one country that matches that, and that is Sunday’s opposition.

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Why England and Spain’s unique rivalry goes beyond the Euro 2025 final

09:31

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Jamie Braidwood

At kick-off in the Euro 2025 final, England and Spain will be rivals. But before and after, many will be friends and allies, united by a common cause.

Keira Walsh is determined to win on Sunday, to become a two-time European champion as part of the first-ever England team to defend a title at a major international tournament.

Walsh also wants Spain to enjoy their moment, to make up for what was lost. Spain will undoubtedly enjoy the occasion more if they beat England to add to their World Cup triumph, but Walsh was aware of the wider meaning.

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How much do England women’s players get paid? Lionesses’ Euro 2025 prize money explained

09:16

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Jamie Braidwood

England are once again through to a major international tournament final, this time at Euro 2025, but there remains a significant pay gap when it comes to what the Lionesses players are likely to earn financially this summer.

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‘Inevitable’ Michelle Agyemang has left Lionesses with one choice for Euro 2025 final

09:01

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Jamie Braidwood

At some point, Michelle Agyemang may start playing a game for England when they are not behind. It could even be on Sunday in the Euro 2025 final. But for now, it is hard to think of anyone at this tournament who has a clearer understanding of their exact role and the impact they can make than the 19-year-old striker who began it with just one international appearance for her country, and who has now saved them from the brink twice in two games.

“She feels inevitable right now,” said Leah Williamson.

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The secret to Chloe Kelly’s unbreakable confidence

08:46

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Jamie Braidwood

When the pressure is at its highest, Kelly has been able to rise above it and deliver for England, time and time again - this is how.

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England v Spain referee: Who is trailblazing Euro 2025 final official Stephanie Frappart?

08:31

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Jamie Braidwood

Stephanie Frappart will referee the Euro 2025 final between England and Spain, in the lastest in a long line of achievements for the trailblazing French official.

Frappart, 41, is one of Uefa’s leading officials and has made history by taking charge of several high-profile men’s fixtures in recent years.=

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Big preview: How England can solve Spain problem to seize Euro 2025 glory

08:16

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Miguel Delaney

The last few hours before a major final always have that strangely charged serenity. If that sounds like a contradiction, it only fits with the mood. At England’s Dolder Grand base, there's also one question left hanging in the rarefied air. Will Sarina Wiegman come up with something different for the Euro 2025 final – the team’s third in a row, and her fifth?

The route to Basel’s St Jakob-Park has been tumultuous, with the England manager arguably getting her starting approach wrong in at least three games. Nevertheless, there is another crucial element.

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How Lucy Bronze defined England’s run to Euro 2025 final

08:01

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Jamie Braidwood

Lucy Roberta Tough Bronze. The clue is in the name, the second middle name, like the glue holding together an England team that prides itself on their spirit and resilience. Throughout Euro 2025, the oldest member of the squad has been its most relentless, and the source of much inspiration.

“One of a kind,” says Sarina Wiegman. “A beast,” comments Ella Toone. “A freak,” adds Esme Morgan – the latter two very much intended as compliments. Bronze is where the Lionesses “get their grit and determination”, according to her 89-year-old gran back home in Northumberland.

This is how she inspired England to reach the final at Euro 2025.

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Sarina Wiegman: I have fallen in love with England after ‘craziest’ tournament yet

07:31

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Jamie Braidwood

Shortly before Sarina Wiegman walks into one of the grand rooms at England’s five-star Dolder base overlooking Zurich, Ella Toone can’t help but laugh.

“We’ve nearly killed her twice in this tournament,” Toone says. It sometimes feels like at least twice in single games, especially those against Sweden and Italy.

“You’ve definitely aged me,” Wiegman told the players after the semi-final. You wouldn’t think it as she walks in for a more informal chat with media on the eve of the Euro 2025 final.

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Lauren James injury latest as England provide update on Euro 2025 ‘scare’

07:16

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Jamie Braidwood

England forward Lauren James is set to be available for the Euro 2025 final against Spain after recovering from an ankle injury.

James was forced off at half-time during England’s semi-final win over Italy but has trained in the days before the final and is set to be fit.

Sarina Wiegman expects to have all 23 players available for selection, should they come through their final recovery, including James.

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England captain Leah Williamson delivers powerful message ahead of Euro 2025 final

07:08

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Jamie Braidwood

England captain Leah Williamson said the Lionesses are determined to not be a “flash in the pan” and “continue their legacy” as game-changers as they prepare to face world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 final in Basel.

The Lionesses have reached a third consecutive major tournament final and will defend the European title won at Wembley three years ago against a Spain team who defeated them in the World Cup final in 2023.

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What is the Spain team news?

07:05

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Jamie Braidwood

Centre-back Laia Aleixandri should return in defence alongside Spain captain Irene Parades after serving a one-game suspension. Spain will field two Ballon d’Or winners in their midfield three, with Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas joined by the equally excellent Patri Guijarro in an all-Barcelona central unit.

Esther Gonzalez leads the golden boot standings with four goals so far and will remain Spain’s No 9, with Claudia Pina - who scored both of Spain’s goals in their 2-1 win over England in June - and Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey likely to join her in attack.

Possible Spain XI: Coll; Batlle, Parades, Aleixandri, Carmona; Guijarro, Bonmati, Putellas; Caldentey, Gonzalez, Pina

What is the England team news?

07:03

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Jamie Braidwood

Lauren James set to be fit for England after Sarina Wiegman confirmed she expects to have 23 players available for selection. James suffered an ankle injury during England’s semi-final win against Italy and was forced off at half-time. The forward was later seen with ice on her ankle but James had returned to the training pitch and will be given as much time as possible to try and recover.

England could be unchanged elsewhere. Esme Morgan made her first major tournament start against Italy and is now likely to feature alongside Leah Williamson in defence, after the England captain recovered from her own ankle injury.

England possible XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood; Walsh, Stanway; Mead, Toone, Hemp; Russo

When is the Euro 2025 final?

07:01

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Jamie Braidwood

The Euro 2025 final between England and Spain will take place on Sunday 27 July in at St Jakob Park, Basel.

While kick-off times for the quarter-finals and semi-finals were 8pm, the final will start at 5pm BST (UK time).

What TV channel is it on?

Viewers will have a choice between BBC One and ITV 1, with both channels providing live coverage of the final.

Good morning and welcome

07:00

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Jamie Braidwood

England will get their shot at back-to-back European titles after clawing their way to the Euro 2025 final in Switzerland - and they will face familiar opponents in world champions Spain.

England will take on Spain in a sensational rematch of the 2023 World Cup final after Aitana Bonmati’s goal in extra time sent the world champions through to their first European final with a 1-0 victory over Germany in Zurich.

Spain are looking to follow their World Cup triumph two years ago, where they beat England 1-0 in Sydney, with a first ever Euros title while the Lionesses will be out for revenge as they defend their title.

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