
Euro 2025 final key battles as England seek revenge for Spain's World Cup win
Here, the PA news agency looks at the key contests on the pitch that could decide the match.
Spain have not conceded a goal in the knockout stages and have hugely experienced captain Paredes at the centre of their defence. They are undoubtedly a tough nut to crack but Germany showed in the semi-finals that a direct approach can cause them issues. Russo's only goal at the tournament so far came in the big group-stage win over Wales but her workrate and ability to lead the line make her a key player for England whether or not she is on the scoresheet. Paredes will not have fond memories of Russo's pressing in Arsenal's recent Champions League victory against Barcelona.
The midfield battle is likely to be key to deciding the outcome, and Spain have big hitters in Alexia Putellas and Bonmati, who has won the Ballon d'Or Feminin the last two years. Walsh knows the pair's strengths extremely well having spent two and a half years as team-mates of both at Barcelona. The technical ability of Spain's midfield means it would be a surprise if they do not dominate possession and Walsh may well have to sacrifice her own ball-playing ambitions to a degree to try to be a disruptor and help prevent England's defence coming under too much threat.
A big concern for Wiegman and England fans will be how shaky the defence has looked at times. While England have managed to dig themselves out of their self-made holes so far, similar generosity against Spain could see them heavily punished. England captain Williamson has a key role to play in marshalling the backline and in trying to blunt the danger of Spain striker Esther Gonzalez. The Gotham FC forward is the tournament's top goalscorer with four, although she has not yet found the net in the knockout stages.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

South Wales Argus
12 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
King urges Lionesses to target World Cup glory after ‘great pride' of Euros win
England beat world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final in Basel after a 1-1 draw to defend the title they won three years ago. Writing a message entitled 'Congratulations England' on the The Royal Family X account, Charles said: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. Congratulations to our valiant @Lionesses! 🦁🦁🦁 A message from The King following the team's victory at the Women's Euros 2025.#WEURO2025 — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' What a game! @Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment @England. W & Charlotte — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2025 The Prince of Wales was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him – including his daughter Princess Charlotte. William was among those to heap praise on striker Michelle Agyemang, who was named young player of the tournament. As the presentation ceremony took place, William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say, 'Well played, fantastic, well done'. William later wrote on X: 'What a game! @lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. 'Enjoy this moment @england. W & Charlotte.' Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 Sir Keir Starmer also offered his congratulations after England's victory in Switzerland. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: 'Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: 'What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy. 'The Lionesses have not just won a tournament – they have inspired millions with their skill, determination and heart. Huge congratulations to Sarina Wiegman, her brilliant squad, and everyone who has supported them on this incredible journey.' Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to the Lionesses' creating English football history and said a victory parade in London on Tuesday would 'give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players'. He said: 'Our history-making Lionesses are champions of Europe for the second successive time, and have become the first England Senior team in history to win a tournament overseas. 'We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. 'They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. 'We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.'

South Wales Argus
12 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Football is chaos – Sarina Wiegman hails ‘incredible' European title defence
Chloe Kelly coolly converted the winning penalty as the Lionesses defeated world champions Spain 3-1 in the shootout, having played out a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in the Basel final. Wiegman's side lost their opener to France and needed extra time in all of their games after the group stage in Switzerland, but emerged victorious in the most nail-biting and dramatic fashion. England players celebrate (Nick Potts/PA) The 55-year-old, who has now won the last three Women's European Championships – previously with Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022 – said on BBC One: 'I can't believe it. The word 'team' really described who we are – a team. 'We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible. 'I just can't believe it, but I have a medal around my neck and we have a trophy. It has been the most chaotic tournament on the pitch – all the challenges we had on the pitch against our opponents. 'From the first game it was chaos. Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible. Football is chaos.'


North Wales Chronicle
12 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
King urges Lionesses to target World Cup glory after ‘great pride' of Euros win
England beat world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final in Basel after a 1-1 draw to defend the title they won three years ago. Writing a message entitled 'Congratulations England' on the The Royal Family X account, Charles said: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. Congratulations to our valiant @Lionesses! 🦁🦁🦁 A message from The King following the team's victory at the Women's Euros 2025.#WEURO2025 — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' What a game! @Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment @England. W & Charlotte — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2025 The Prince of Wales was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him – including his daughter Princess Charlotte. William was among those to heap praise on striker Michelle Agyemang, who was named young player of the tournament. As the presentation ceremony took place, William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say, 'Well played, fantastic, well done'. William later wrote on X: 'What a game! @lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. 'Enjoy this moment @england. W & Charlotte.' Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 Sir Keir Starmer also offered his congratulations after England's victory in Switzerland. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: 'Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: 'What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy. 'The Lionesses have not just won a tournament – they have inspired millions with their skill, determination and heart. Huge congratulations to Sarina Wiegman, her brilliant squad, and everyone who has supported them on this incredible journey.' Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to the Lionesses' creating English football history and said a victory parade in London on Tuesday would 'give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players'. He said: 'Our history-making Lionesses are champions of Europe for the second successive time, and have become the first England Senior team in history to win a tournament overseas. 'We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. 'They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. 'We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.'