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
24 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Lescott backing Manchester City to win the Premier League title
The 42-year-old backed his former club to bounce back from a disappointing Premier League and Champions League campaign under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, suggesting they would have benefitted from the mental break last season provided. Guardiola has been active in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of James Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Sverre Nypan Manchester City won an unprecedented four Premier League titles in a row between 2021 and 2024 but were unable to sustain that as they finished trophyless in 2025. The former Manchester City star was in attendance for the launch of the Topps Premier League 2026 collection at the Fanatics flagship London store on Regent Street on Thursday. (Image: Topps) Lescott, however, places them right back among the top pack as they head into a new season. 'Regardless of how last season panned out, they are definitely going to be one of the favourites. It's Pep Guardiola, it's Man City with some of the world's best players,' he said. 'It would be foolish to not see them as favourites in every competition they're enter. 'That doesn't mean they're going to win everything, but they're definitely one of the favourites.' City finished 13 points behind champions Liverpool in third place last season but Lescott put their drop off down to a fatigue from winning. 'It was obviously an unprecedented season for them last year, but they've achieved something no one in the history of English football has achieved so it's always going to take its toll,' he explained. 'It did that last year. Not only a physical toll, but a mental toll to stay focussed for that long and to have to win games for that period of time. 'When they recognised that they weren't going to win the title, whether it was subconsciously or not, they were able to switch off a little bit. 'Physically the demand was still there but hopefully they've had a break mentally, not to have to go out there and concentrate points wise, hopefully that now means they'll come back ready to go.' Lescott was speaking at the new Topps Premier League 2026 trading card launch in London, which features players from all 20 clubs in the league in their 2025/26 kits at the Fanatics flagship store on Thursday. He was joined by other legends such as Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand to celebrate the new stand-alone range that features legends and current stars, with an extensive parallel programme and more autographs than ever before. The showcase of Premier League talent among the collectibles also gave Lescott reason to be excited about his former club as he enthused over City's signing of 21-year-old Cherki. 'He's very exciting, for the Premier League as well. He plays with a lot of flair, a lot of quality. I'm anticipating a good start for him and a good season,' he said. 'But again, we can't get carried away and make judgements too soon, whether it's good or bad, there needs to be a bedding-in period.' And despite the excitement, Lescott also issued caution about expectations on the youngster who joined from Lyon this summer. 'It's a big change for him, coming from the French league, it's going to be a different demand, physically, mentally, and also a tension. I think we only see foreign players in different leagues when they do well. 'Now we see him in the tough times and the scrutiny comes when you're not doing so well. So it's how they manage those periods and understand that people are going to be watching every game, every moment.' Marking the launch of the Topps Premier League 2025-26 collection were football icons Alan Shearer, Steven Gerrard, and Rio Ferdinand, joined by Jermaine Defoe, Joleon Lescott, Theo Walcott and Tosin Adarabioyo, alongside Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin in a star-studded celebration.
Metro
24 minutes ago
- Metro
Jamie Carragher says Chelsea transfer decision will cost them shot at title
Jamie Carragher says Chelsea will never win the Premier League until they sign a new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez. A number of pundits have named Chelsea as dark horses to win the title next season after the Blues' encouraging form over the past six months. Chelsea qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the season while winning the Conference League. During the off-season, Chelsea won the controversial Club World Cup. The big-spending west Londoners have bolstered Enzo Maresca's squad this summer with a number of new signings, including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato. Chelsea look set to complete more business before the transfer deadline as they pursue RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons and Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – sign up, it's an open goal. Carragher doubts Chelsea's heavy spending will result in a Premier League trophy until they sign a new goalkeeper to replace error-prone Sanchez. Chelsea were in talks to sign France No. 1 Mike Maignan earlier in the summer but talks with AC Milan broke down. Speaking on The Overlap, ex-Liverpool and England defender Carragher said: 'Man United started winning league titles after they signed Peter Schmeichel. 'I think of Everton as a kid and Neville Southall. Man City changed the keeper and started winning the league. We brought in Alisson and started winning the league. Chelsea started winning the league when they signed Petr Cech. 'That's why Chelsea can't win the league. No matter what Chelsea do or how much they spend, they can't win the league because they haven't got a goalkeeper to win the league.' Discussing the importance of goalkeepers, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes added: 'I don't think enough is mentioned about goalkeepers. 'Look at the best team last year, they had the best goalkeeper in the world. Ederson worries me for Man City and I'm not sure James Trafford is the answer. 'Ball-playing is a big part of it these days but I think it's still secondary, you still need to be a presence in the goal. 'I look at Alisson and I'm not sure how to score past him, I don't think that with any other goalkeeper in the Premier League.' Jamie Gittens – £48m from Borussia Dortmund Joao Pedro – £55m from Brighton Liam Delap – £30m from Ipswich Town Mamadou Sarr – £12m from Lyon Dario Essugo – £18m from Sporting CP Estevao Willian – £29m from Palmeiras Kendry Paez – £17m from Independiente del Valle Jorrol Hato – £37m from Ajax While questioning Chelsea's No. 1, Carragher also raised doubts over the club's summer signings. 'When I look at Chelsea, I think about what you did in the Club World Cup – everyone wanted to win it,' he said. 'Real Madrid really wanted to win, PSG did, and so did Manchester City, all those that we class as the best teams. 'So I do think it's a big thing and it will help build a connection between Enzo Maresca and the supporters, which wasn't really there last season. More Trending 'I'm not sure it'll push Chelsea any closer to the title though. When Chelsea do business, over the last couple of years, it feels like a lot of players are changing without anyone really lifting the level. 'I know Cole Palmer has been amazing, but all your wingers feel the same. 'A perfect example is [Jamie] Gittens coming in and Madueke leaving – there is no elevation, and I see that with a lot of positions at Chelsea.' Chelsea play pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan this weekend before the Premier League starts next weekend. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Chelsea told to sign 'brilliant' £40m star after Levi Colwill injury blow MORE: Paul Scholes tells Manchester United star to change his position MORE: Manchester United approve deal for Rasmus Hojlund transfer
Scottish Sun
24 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Benjamin Sesko just Man Utd's EIGHTH top earner and on under half Casemiro's wages as stars' salaries revealed
Scroll down to see what every Man Utd player is earning DEVILS' DEALS Benjamin Sesko just Man Utd's EIGHTH top earner and on under half Casemiro's wages as stars' salaries revealed BENJAMIN SESKO will join Manchester United as their EIGHTH highest-paid player, despite being bought to lead the line for the Red Devils. Sesko, 22, has arrived in Manchester for his medical ahead of completing a deal worth up to £73.8MILLION with RB Leipzig. Advertisement 6 Benjamin Sesko is set to be Man Utd's eighth highest earner when he completes his move Credit: Getty The striker will join Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in Ruben Amorim's new-look attack for the upcoming season as the United boss tries to improve on last term's turgid campaign. It will be a coup for United, who weren't expected to be able to attract such a sought-after star following their failure to secure European football last season. And it appears they haven't just thrown money at the situation in a bid to convince Sesko to snub transfer rivals Newcastle United and head to Old Trafford. According to reports, Sesko will be earning £160,000-per-week at United - a relatively modest sum in the context of the Red Devils' cash-flowing dressing room. Advertisement READ MORE ON MAN UTD SESKO VALUE How Ratcliffe crafted 'bust by Christmas' claim to £200m spree topped by Sesko Make no mistake about it, bagging £160,000 every week is still mega money, but at Man Utd that would mean Sesko is just the eighth highest earner. However, the Slovenian's wage is thought to be in line to increase to £200,000 if Man Utd reach the Champions League, a figure that would make him the fifth top earner at the club. According to Spotrac, Casemiro currently takes home the biggest cheque at the end of the week. The 33-year-old Brazilian is earning an eye-watering £350,000-PER-WEEK for United. Advertisement 6 Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are both earning over £300,000-per-week Credit: AP 6 Mason Mount earns £250,000-per-week Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Meanwhile Bruno Fernandes is the second top earner on £300,000-per-week. Advertisement Wantaway winger Jadon Sancho and injury-troubled Mason Mount, who made just eight league starts last season, both trail right behind the pair on £250,000-a-week too. Man Utd open talks with Carlos Baleba | Transfers Exposed Making up the top five earners is Matthijs de Ligt, who takes home a package worth £195,000-per-week. New arrivals Mbeumo and Cunha are on £150,000-a-week and £180,000-a-week respectively after tying their future to the Theatre of Dreams this summer. Other notable salaries include Antony's £105,000 pay packet despite being surplus to requirements and Luke Shaw's £150,000-per-week wages despite his own injury issues. Advertisement Some players are earning far less than may be expected for their impact on the team, such as Kobbie Mainoo's affordable £25,000-per-week contract and Patrick Dorgu's £40,000-a-week earnings. Alejandro Garnacho's relatively small £50,000-per-week wages could be one reason that he is seen as an attractive prospect to potential buyers this summer. Garnacho has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Chelsea over a move this summer, with the winger ready to jump ship from United after a frustrating year. 6 Advertisement 6 Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are both in the top 10 earners at United after their summer switches Credit: Getty
