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England vs Spain: Time, predictions and guide to tonight's Women's Euro 2025 final
England vs Spain: Time, predictions and guide to tonight's Women's Euro 2025 final

Telegraph

time4 days ago

  • Sport
  • Telegraph

England vs Spain: Time, predictions and guide to tonight's Women's Euro 2025 final

England are through to the Euro 2025 final after beating Italy 2-1 in extra time. They will have the chance to defend their title as champions of Europe against Spain in Sunday's final. Spain are on the hunt for their first European Championship, having beaten England to win the World Cup in 2023, in a match overshadowed by the behaviour of Luis Rubiales afterwards. What date is the Euro 2025 final? The final is today, Sunday, July 27. The Lionesses have had slightly longer to prepare, given that their semi-final was on Tuesday; Spain's was on Wednesday. What time does it start? The kick-off is scheduled for 5pm BST, or 6pm local time in Switzerland. What TV channel is it on? The final will be shown live on BBC One and simultaneously on ITV1 (as well as their respective digital offerings), with coverage starting from 4pm on both channels. What stadium is it in? Basel's St Jakob-Park, the largest football stadium in Switzerland and home to FC Basel, the Swiss champions. This ground hosted Switzerland against Norway on the opening night of the tournament, with a turnout of 34,063. The capacity is about 37,500. What is the prize money? All 16 teams earned £1.6m in qualifying for the Euros, but the maximum prize money a team can win is £4.4m if they win every game. Spain are the only team able to win this maximum sum as England lost in the group stages. There is a £1.5m bonus for the winner on top of their winnings from the previous games and the runners-up will take home almost £700,000 for their efforts. The total prize money is £35.5m, which is an increase of 156 per cent on Euro 2022. England's players will receive a five-figure sum should they lift the trophy on Sunday. The team's agreement with the Football Association means they would share 40 per cent of that prize pot, which is around £75,000 per player. The £2,000 fee for each match would then take the payment to £87,000. Who will win? Our experts' predictions England 0 Spain 1 It is hard to bet against the Lionesses when they have come from behind so dramatically in their last two games, but I struggle to see Spain allowing them to do so again in the final. The left side of England's defence remains their weak spot and Spain have an array of attacking talents who can exploit it. The Lionesses were not at their best against Sweden or Italy and will need to find another couple of gears if they are to win this final. It will likely be a close game, as it was in the 2023 World Cup final, but Spain should just have the edge. England 2 Spain 1 If you were picking a tournament winner before a ball was kicked in Switzerland, it would have been one of England, Germany or Spain – and here we are. A repeat of the World Cup final two years ago, when England were comprehensively outplayed by Spain, should serve as a warning that this is a huge challenge for Sarina Wiegman's side. However, I think England have been preparing for this showdown ever since that defeat in Sydney and they will have a plan. England beat Spain at Wembley in February. Like England, the Spanish have not looked at their best in this tournament and it is bound to be another tight game. I just feel an England win, given the way they have got to the final, is written in the stars. England 1 Spain 2 AET [1-1 after 90 minutes] Before the tournament, Spain were undoubtedly the favourites to back up their World Cup win with a Euros title, but in the days before the final it looks set to be a more even contest than many would have predicted. That said, England have been lucky. A penalty shoot-out against Sweden could easily have swung the other way and they were within a minute or two away from exiting in the semi-finals against Italy. Spain's trademark style and confidence presents a difficult task for England and I cannot see them finding a way to upset the pre-tournament favourites. England 1 Spain 2 Despite something of a slow performance in the semi-final, I think Spain will take home the European title. England are missing a lot of the big names that made a difference in their previous successes against this side and Spain have had a strong campaign. I can see things playing out in similar fashion to England's group-stage defeat by France, with their defence conceding two goals and Sarina Wiegman taking too long to make changes. My guess would be that the consolation goal will be scored by Michelle Agyemang, yet again brought on too late. What is the latest news? Lauren James has been passed fit to play in the Lionesses' Euro 2025 final with Spain on Sunday. James had been a doubt ahead of the game after picking up an ankle injury in the semi-final against Italy. But England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed James is fit and available to start if required. 'We had 23 players on the pitch [training] today and everyone came through. I'm very happy we have 23 players,' Wiegman said. 'I think we have many players that can impact, and we know that she can have an impact too.' England captain Leah Williamson added: 'Lauren brings something slightly different, just like the others, so obviously having that available is best-case scenario for us.' Williamson, who recovered from an ankle injury which forced her to be withdrawn in extra-time against Sweden, added that the Lionesses are ready to put their bodies on the line to defend their title. 'I can speak for every single member of the squad when we say that, as long as we get the green light, we will play through absolutely anything to be involved on this stage,' Williamson said. 'I think it's a real privilege to be involved with this team. The history on the line and the opportunity that's there to be the first this and the first that is a huge motivator, but more because we know what it would do for women's football and continue the legacy we've already started.' Spain's biggest threats Spain's midfield is arguably the best in the world. Two-time Ballon d'Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati sit in front of defensive anchor Patri Guijarro. All three play for Barcelona and have an incredible understanding of each other. Putellas has enjoyed a fine tournament, with three goals and four assists. Bonmati, meanwhile, had a slower start after recovering from pre-tournament meningitis but scored the goal that sent Spain to the final and is peaking at the right time. Breakthrough for Spain as Aitana Bonmati puts them ahead in extra-time! 👊 #BBCFootball #WEuro2025 — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 23, 2025 There has often been a suggestion that Putellas and Bonmati struggle to thrive when they play alongside each other. Putellas was forced to sit on the bench for much of the World Cup, with Bonmati taking centre stage. But they have shown at this tournament that they can link up with one another, which makes Spain all the more dangerous. Their possession-based style means their opponents have to ensure they maintain their concentration at all times. They often wear teams down by keeping the ball and stretching play. They have made nearly 1,000 more passes than England across this tournament – they epitomise tiki-taka football – and, according to the statisticians, are better than the defending champions in all departments bar two. England have an obvious weakness on the left-hand side of their defence and Spain will look to get their creative players on the ball in those areas. They also have Athenea del Castillo, who scored against Switzerland, to bring off the bench. How England can exploit Spain's weaknesses Spain may have incredible midfielders and forwards, but their obvious weakness is in defence. Their two centre-backs, Irene Paredes and Laia Aleixandri, both lack pace and England have plenty of attacking talents who can exploit that. Lauren Hemp will likely start on the left wing and the key will be trying to get her in behind right-back Ona Batlle so she can run at Paredes. Alessia Russo showed in the Nations League fixture in June that she could out-pace the centre-back – as can most of the Lionesses' forwards. Left-back Olga Carmona can cause problems going forward but she can also leave gaps behind her. As much as England should fear Spain's attackers, they should also be confident of causing problems at the other end. The Lionesses should also look to test goalkeeper Cata Coll as often as possible. Coll is capable of making eye-catching saves – but also mistakes. This is where the two teams have had their touches during the tournament, with Spain spending two thirds of the time in the opposition half while it is a little over 50 per cent for England. Why the Lionesses should feel optimistic Arsenal's unexpected victory over Barcelona in the Champions League final should give England some cause for optimism. Few gave the English side a chance but they played a perfect game plan by packing the midfield. Their wingers dropped back to help defend and Alessia Russo pressed hard to stop their build-up play. Barcelona may not play exactly the same way as Spain but there are a lot of similarities. If England can replicate what Arsenal managed in the Champions League final, they could come away with the same result. What are the odds? After 90 minutes Spain 5/12 England 11/5 Draw 14/5 To lift the trophy Spain 2/5 England 21/10

England vs Spain: Your ultimate guide to the Women's Euro 2025 final
England vs Spain: Your ultimate guide to the Women's Euro 2025 final

Telegraph

time4 days ago

  • Sport
  • Telegraph

England vs Spain: Your ultimate guide to the Women's Euro 2025 final

England are through to the Euro 2025 final after beating Italy 2-1 in extra time. They will have the chance to defend their title as champions of Europe against Spain in Sunday's final. Spain are on the hunt for their first European Championship, having beaten England to win the World Cup in 2023, in a match overshadowed by the behaviour of Luis Rubiales afterwards. What date is the Euro 2025 final? Sunday, July 27. The Lionesses have had slightly longer to prepare, given that their semi-final was on Tuesday; Spain's was on Wednesday. What time does it start? The kick-off is scheduled for 5pm BST, or 6pm local time in Switzerland. What TV channel is it on? The final will be shown live on BBC One and simultaneously on ITV1 (as well as their respective digital offerings), with coverage starting from 4pm on both channels. What stadium is it in? Basel's St Jakob-Park, the largest football stadium in Switzerland and home to FC Basel, the Swiss champions. This ground hosted Switzerland against Norway on the opening night of the tournament, with a turnout of 34,063. The capacity is about 37,500. What is the prize money? All 16 teams earned £1.6m in qualifying for the Euros, but the maximum prize money a team can win is £4.4m if they win every game. Spain are the only team able to win this maximum sum as England lost in the group stages. There is a £1.5m bonus for the winner on top of their winnings from the previous games and the runners-up will take home almost £700,000 for their efforts. The total prize money is £35.5m, which is an increase of 156 per cent on Euro 2022. England's players will receive a five-figure sum should they lift the trophy on Sunday. The team's agreement with the Football Association means they would share 40 per cent of that prize pot, which is around £75,000 per player. The £2,000 fee for each match would then take the payment to £87,000. Who will win? Our experts' predictions England 0 Spain 1 It is hard to bet against the Lionesses when they have come from behind so dramatically in their last two games, but I struggle to see Spain allowing them to do so again in the final. The left side of England's defence remains their weak spot and Spain have an array of attacking talents who can exploit it. The Lionesses were not at their best against Sweden or Italy and will need to find another couple of gears if they are to win this final. It will likely be a close game, as it was in the 2023 World Cup final, but Spain should just have the edge. England 2 Spain 1 If you were picking a tournament winner before a ball was kicked in Switzerland, it would have been one of England, Germany or Spain – and here we are. A repeat of the World Cup final two years ago, when England were comprehensively outplayed by Spain, should serve as a warning that this is a huge challenge for Sarina Wiegman's side. However, I think England have been preparing for this showdown ever since that defeat in Sydney and they will have a plan. England beat Spain at Wembley in February. Like England, the Spanish have not looked at their best in this tournament and it is bound to be another tight game. I just feel an England win, given the way they have got to the final, is written in the stars. England 1 Spain 2 AET [1-1 after 90 minutes] Before the tournament, Spain were undoubtedly the favourites to back up their World Cup win with a Euros title, but in the days before the final it looks set to be a more even contest than many would have predicted. That said, England have been lucky. A penalty shoot-out against Sweden could easily have swung the other way and they were within a minute or two away from exiting in the semi-finals against Italy. Spain's trademark style and confidence presents a difficult task for England and I cannot see them finding a way to upset the pre-tournament favourites. England 1 Spain 2 Despite something of a slow performance in the semi-final, I think Spain will take home the European title. England are missing a lot of the big names that made a difference in their previous successes against this side and Spain have had a strong campaign. I can see things playing out in similar fashion to England's group-stage defeat by France, with their defence conceding two goals and Sarina Wiegman taking too long to make changes. My guess would be that the consolation goal will be scored by Michelle Agyemang, yet again brought on too late. What is the latest news? Lauren James has been passed fit to play in the Lionesses' Euro 2025 final with Spain on Sunday. James had been a doubt ahead of the game after picking up an ankle injury in the semi-final against Italy. But England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed James is fit and available to start if required. 'We had 23 players on the pitch [training] today and everyone came through. I'm very happy we have 23 players,' Wiegman said. 'I think we have many players that can impact, and we know that she can have an impact too.' England captain Leah Williamson added: 'Lauren brings something slightly different, just like the others, so obviously having that available is best-case scenario for us.' Williamson, who recovered from an ankle injury which forced her to be withdrawn in extra-time against Sweden, added that the Lionesses are ready to put their bodies on the line to defend their title. 'I can speak for every single member of the squad when we say that, as long as we get the green light, we will play through absolutely anything to be involved on this stage,' Williamson said. 'I think it's a real privilege to be involved with this team. The history on the line and the opportunity that's there to be the first this and the first that is a huge motivator, but more because we know what it would do for women's football and continue the legacy we've already started.' Spain's biggest threats Spain's midfield is arguably the best in the world. Two-time Ballon d'Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati sit in front of defensive anchor Patri Guijarro. All three play for Barcelona and have an incredible understanding of each other. Putellas has enjoyed a fine tournament, with three goals and four assists. Bonmati, meanwhile, had a slower start after recovering from pre-tournament meningitis but scored the goal that sent Spain to the final and is peaking at the right time. Breakthrough for Spain as Aitana Bonmati puts them ahead in extra-time! 👊 #BBCFootball #WEuro2025 — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 23, 2025 There has often been a suggestion that Putellas and Bonmati struggle to thrive when they play alongside each other. Putellas was forced to sit on the bench for much of the World Cup, with Bonmati taking centre stage. But they have shown at this tournament that they can link up with one another, which makes Spain all the more dangerous. Their possession-based style means their opponents have to ensure they maintain their concentration at all times. They often wear teams down by keeping the ball and stretching play. They have made nearly 1,000 more passes than England across this tournament – they epitomise tiki-taka football – and, according to the statisticians, are better than the defending champions in all departments bar two. England have an obvious weakness on the left-hand side of their defence and Spain will look to get their creative players on the ball in those areas. They also have Athenea del Castillo, who scored against Switzerland, to bring off the bench. How England can exploit Spain's weaknesses Spain may have incredible midfielders and forwards, but their obvious weakness is in defence. Their two centre-backs, Irene Paredes and Laia Aleixandri, both lack pace and England have plenty of attacking talents who can exploit that. Lauren Hemp will likely start on the left wing and the key will be trying to get her in behind right-back Ona Batlle so she can run at Paredes. Alessia Russo showed in the Nations League fixture in June that she could out-pace the centre-back – as can most of the Lionesses' forwards. Left-back Olga Carmona can cause problems going forward but she can also leave gaps behind her. As much as England should fear Spain's attackers, they should also be confident of causing problems at the other end. The Lionesses should also look to test goalkeeper Cata Coll as often as possible. Coll is capable of making eye-catching saves – but also mistakes. This is where the two teams have had their touches during the tournament, with Spain spending two thirds of the time in the opposition half while it is a little over 50 per cent for England. Why the Lionesses should feel optimistic Arsenal's unexpected victory over Barcelona in the Champions League final should give England some cause for optimism. Few gave the English side a chance but they played a perfect game plan by packing the midfield. Their wingers dropped back to help defend and Alessia Russo pressed hard to stop their build-up play. Barcelona may not play exactly the same way as Spain but there are a lot of similarities. If England can replicate what Arsenal managed in the Champions League final, they could come away with the same result. What are the odds? After 90 minutes Spain 5/12 England 11/5 Draw 14/5 To lift the trophy Spain 2/5 England 21/10

'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout
'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout

The last time Spain played in the final of a major tournament, it was a watershed moment for the country. Not only did they win their first major women's trophy, but the players were about to find themselves at the centre of a sexism scandal. Instead of celebrating their historic World Cup victory in 2023, when they defeated England 1-0, Spain's triumph was overshadowed by controversy. But nearly two years later, La Roja are preparing to play the Lionesses once again in Sunday's Euro 2025 final. What has unfolded in the meantime? And how different has this tournament been for Spain? How did we get here? Just as Spain were getting ready to lift the World Cup trophy, Luis Rubiales - the country's football federation president - kissed striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips. It was a kiss that Rubiales said was consensual, but Hermoso said was not. What followed was a storm of criticism, widespread protests and a court case that found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault. Hermoso said the incident had "stained one of the happiest days" of her life. In the immediate aftermath, 81 players - including all 23 World Cup winners - said they would not play for Spain again while Rubiales was in charge. "It was a difficult period for the Spanish players," England midfielder Ella Toone said on Friday. "What they did in the World Cup, for that [the Rubiales incident] then to be the main talking point, I think was really tough for them and was something they shouldn't have had to go through." The boycott only ended almost a month later when Spain's football association, the RFEF, promised "profound changes" following a lengthy meeting with players and government officials. 'A different world' Speaking to BBC Sport last month, Amanda Gutierrez - the president of players' union Futpro - explained that the RFEF promised to improve the players' working conditions and provide equal access to the same resources the men's side had. But have those changes been evident at Euro 2025? "It's a different world," Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague said. "The players are saying 'we only have to worry now about playing', so that's completely new." Spain's performances have certainly reflected that attitude as they defeated Portugal, Belgium and Italy by a combined score of 14-3 in the group stage. Montse Tome's side then saw off a stubborn Switzerland side in the quarter-finals, before scoring an extra-time winner against eight-time winners Germany to reach their first European Championship final. Spain played 120 minutes in their semi-final and played a day later than England, but former midfielder Vicky Losada said their mental resilience will help them overcome their lack of recovery time. "Knowing them, straight after the game against Germany they will be thinking about doing anything they can to be ready for this game," Losada told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily. "They have 24 hours less to recover but the mental strength of the girls, because of their experience, because of all they have won, is massive. "The players on the team are winners. For a lot of them, the only major tournament they are missing is the Euros. They know they have one opportunity." Sara Alcaraz Guiterrez, a reporter for national Spanish radio, said this is the first tournament since the 2023 World Cup where she hasn't had to "speak about the federation and what is happening inside". "The players are more relaxed because they know everyone in Spain is speaking just about the Euros. It's like 'finally'." Final preview: England v Spain The kiss that shook Spanish & global football Spain's ex-football boss Luis Rubiales fined for World Cup kiss 'Tome cannot do any better' Former coach Jorge Vilda may have delivered World Cup glory to Spain, but he will be remembered in a negative light by some for his role in their triumphant run. The head coach, who was booed by some fans after the final, had survived a player revolt before the tournament and was viewed as one of Rubiales' closest allies. By his side on the touchline was Montse Tome, his assistant coach who became his successor a few weeks after the World Cup final. There were concerns about her appointment, with many viewing it as a continuation of the previous regime, while she had no previous experience as a head coach. With Tome at the helm, Spain won the inaugural Women's Nations League in February 2024, but their fourth-place finish five months later at the Paris Olympics was deemed a failure. However, their journey to the Euro final, and the unity within the squad, seem to have changed perceptions of the former Spain midfielder. "She cannot do any better in terms of results," said Balague. "She's not friends with them [the players]. She's not supposed to be either. "You hear her talk and she makes a lot of sense. She's got a clear idea of how to maximize the potential. "She's not a representative of the previous regime, but she was present. Even if that's in the back of the mind of anybody, you look around and it's a completely different place. So I don't think there is a lot of hard feelings about where she's been, because she's been quite fair." 'The players want to move on' Not only is Sunday's final in Basel an opportunity for Spain to win their first European crown, but it's also a chance to celebrate achieving a major trophy without a cloud of controversy hanging over them. "It's something external that happened at the time," Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas said. "Now we're focused on giving our best to win this title. We're not thinking about celebrations or non-celebrations; we're only thinking about being prepared and doing well so that we can get closer to our goal." The culture within the Spanish camp also appears to have changed drastically from the World Cup in 2023, when they arrived in New Zealand with a divided squad amid a backdrop of unrest around then head coach Vilda. "The things have changed," Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati added. "There's a very healthy and united group. We can see that on the pitch. We all agree on this." Spain's Euro 2025 squad includes 11 World-Cup winning players, although Hermoso was not selected by Tome. Balague explained: "They want to move on, and it makes sense," "The players I've spoken to, they all have mixed feelings. They [Rubiales and the RFEF] took the celebrations away from them, but they changed our society and the way we think about women's football, and also women in society. "They have advanced society. Nobody will give them a trophy for that." Former Lionesses forward Ellen White was part of Sarina Wiegman's side beaten by Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, but said this group of Spanish players deserve their moment in the spotlight. "The controversy was so horrible. I felt for the whole team after the World Cup final," White told BBC Radio 5 Live. "They weren't able to celebrate and have that monumental moment. "This final brings them the chance to create absolute history. Enjoy it, have nothing else to think about and if they were to win to just bask in the absolute joy of winning a tournament together as a group of individuals. And hopefully the whole of Spain will be celebrating what they have done. "They deserve this. They have worked so hard and it would be an absolutely amazing moment for the whole team." The kiss that shook Spanish & global football Spain's ex-football boss Luis Rubiales fined for World Cup kiss 'They had biggest moment of their careers stolen' - what next for Spain?

'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout
'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout

BBC News

time5 days ago

  • Sport
  • BBC News

'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout

The last time Spain played in the final of a major tournament, it was a watershed moment for the only did they win their first major women's trophy, but the players were about to find themselves at the centre of a sexism of celebrating their historic World Cup victory in 2023, when they defeated England 1-0, Spain's triumph was overshadowed by nearly two years later, La Roja are preparing to play the Lionesses once again in Sunday's Euro 2025 has unfolded in the meantime? And how different has this tournament been for Spain? How did we get here? Just as Spain were getting ready to lift the World Cup trophy, Luis Rubiales - the country's football federation president - kissed striker Jenni Hermoso on the was a kiss that Rubiales said was consensual, but Hermoso said was followed was a storm of criticism, widespread protests and a court case that found Rubiales guilty of sexual said the incident had "stained one of the happiest days" of her the immediate aftermath, 81 players - including all 23 World Cup winners - said they would not play for Spain again while Rubiales was in charge."It was a difficult period for the Spanish players," England midfielder Ella Toone said on Friday."What they did in the World Cup, for that [the Rubiales incident] then to be the main talking point, I think was really tough for them and was something they shouldn't have had to go through." The boycott only ended almost a month later when Spain's football association, the RFEF, promised "profound changes" following a lengthy meeting with players and government officials. 'A different world' Speaking to BBC Sport last month, Amanda Gutierrez - the president of players' union Futpro - explained that the RFEF promised to improve the players' working conditions and provide equal access to the same resources the men's side have those changes been evident at Euro 2025? "It's a different world," Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague said. "The players are saying 'we only have to worry now about playing', so that's completely new."Spain's performances have certainly reflected that attitude as they defeated Portugal, Belgium and Italy by a combined score of 14-3 in the group Tome's side then saw off a stubborn Switzerland side in the quarter-finals, before scoring an extra-time winner against eight-time winners Germany to reach their first European Championship played 120 minutes in their semi-final and played a day later than England, but former midfielder Vicky Losada said their mental resilience will help them overcome their lack of recovery time."Knowing them, straight after the game against Germany they will be thinking about doing anything they can to be ready for this game," Losada told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily."They have 24 hours less to recover but the mental strength of the girls, because of their experience, because of all they have won, is massive."The players on the team are winners. For a lot of them, the only major tournament they are missing is the Euros. They know they have one opportunity."Sara Alcaraz Guiterrez, a reporter for national Spanish radio, said this is the first tournament since the 2023 World Cup where she hasn't had to "speak about the federation and what is happening inside"."The players are more relaxed because they know everyone in Spain is speaking just about the Euros. It's like 'finally'." 'Tome cannot do any better' Former coach Jorge Vilda may have delivered World Cup glory to Spain, but he will be remembered in a negative light by some for his role in their triumphant head coach, who was booed by some fans after the final, had survived a player revolt before the tournament and was viewed as one of Rubiales' closest his side on the touchline was Montse Tome, his assistant coach who became his successor a few weeks after the World Cup were concerns about her appointment, with many viewing it as a continuation of the previous regime, while she had no previous experience as a head Tome at the helm, Spain won the inaugural Women's Nations League in February 2024, but their fourth-place finish five months later at the Paris Olympics was deemed a their journey to the Euro final, and the unity within the squad, seem to have changed perceptions of the former Spain midfielder."She cannot do any better in terms of results," said Balague. "She's not friends with them [the players]. She's not supposed to be either. "You hear her talk and she makes a lot of sense. She's got a clear idea of how to maximize the potential."She's not a representative of the previous regime, but she was present. Even if that's in the back of the mind of anybody, you look around and it's a completely different place. So I don't think there is a lot of hard feelings about where she's been, because she's been quite fair." 'The players want to move on' Not only is Sunday's final in Basel an opportunity for Spain to win their first European crown, but it's also a chance to celebrate achieving a major trophy without a cloud of controversy hanging over them. "It's something external that happened at the time," Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas said."Now we're focused on giving our best to win this title. We're not thinking about celebrations or non-celebrations; we're only thinking about being prepared and doing well so that we can get closer to our goal."The culture within the Spanish camp also appears to have changed drastically from the World Cup in 2023, when they arrived in New Zealand with a divided squad amid a backdrop of unrest around then head coach Vilda."The things have changed," Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati added. "There's a very healthy and united group. We can see that on the pitch. We all agree on this."Spain's Euro 2025 squad includes 11 World-Cup winning players, although Hermoso was not selected by explained: "They want to move on, and it makes sense," "The players I've spoken to, they all have mixed feelings. They [Rubiales and the RFEF] took the celebrations away from them, but they changed our society and the way we think about women's football, and also women in society."They have advanced society. Nobody will give them a trophy for that."Former Lionesses forward Ellen White was part of Sarina Wiegman's side beaten by Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, but said this group of Spanish players deserve their moment in the spotlight."The controversy was so horrible. I felt for the whole team after the World Cup final," White told BBC Radio 5 Live. "They weren't able to celebrate and have that monumental moment."This final brings them the chance to create absolute history. Enjoy it, have nothing else to think about and if they were to win to just bask in the absolute joy of winning a tournament together as a group of individuals. And hopefully the whole of Spain will be celebrating what they have done."They deserve this. They have worked so hard and it would be an absolutely amazing moment for the whole team."

Rubiales forced kiss could drive Spain on in Euro 2025 final: England's Toone
Rubiales forced kiss could drive Spain on in Euro 2025 final: England's Toone

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Rubiales forced kiss could drive Spain on in Euro 2025 final: England's Toone

England's Ella Toone admits Spain may have extra motivation going into Sunday's final of the Women's Euro 2025 after their World Cup triumph two years ago was overshadowed by events at the end of the game in Sydney. Spain beat England 1-0 in 2023 to win the Women's World Cup for the first time, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the game. However, the headlines later were dominated by the forced kiss by former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales on player Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales was eventually fined 10,800 euros ($11,670) for sexual assault in February this year. "It was a difficult period for the Spanish players and I think for what they did in the World Cup, for that to then be the main talking point, was really tough and something they shouldn't have had to go through," Toone told reporters in Zurich on Friday. "They should have celebrated what was an amazing tournament for them." Toone played in the World Cup final and is now hoping England can avenge their defeat that day, as well as repeat their victory in the final of the last European Championship in 2022. "Both of us want to win obviously -- they have their reasons, we have ours and I think it is going to be a very tough game," said the 25-year-old Manchester United midfielder. "We have so much respect for them and the quality they have, but we also believe in ourselves, that we can really step up." England have made a third consecutive major tournament final off the back of two heart-stopping victories in the knockout rounds in Switzerland. After coming back from two goals down late on to beat Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals, they defeated Italy 2-1 in extra time in the last four. The Lionesses were trailing in that game in Geneva until Michelle Agyemang's 96th-minute effort forced extra time. Chloe Kelly then converted the winner in the 119th minute as penalties loomed. "I think we have it in us all individually and as a team that we want to fight, not stop running," said Toone, who scored England's first goal when they beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley in the Euro 2022 final. "You have seen that in games where sometimes you might feel like we are down and out and it is 90-odd minutes and then someone comes on and we take that moment. "We are competitive and we know what it takes to win and that is what has got us to a third consecutive final." as/nf

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