On the eve of the highly anticipated Euro 2025 final showdown, Mariona Caldentey, the prominent Spanish midfielder, conveyed her belief that England possesses the determination and capability needed to claim victory. In her remarks, she underscored the necessity for Spain to remain vigilant, citing the intensity and stakes of the match that lies ahead when the two teams cross paths once more. The final is set to take place on Sunday, July 27, at the iconic St. Jakob-Park in Basel, commencing at 17:00 BST.
This imminent clash is poised to be a rematch of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, in which Spain emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over England in Sydney. The rivalry between these two nations has grown increasingly fierce, as evidenced by their prior encounters in the Women’s Nations League earlier this year. England secured a hard-fought victory with a 1-0 score at Wembley in February, merely to face a challenging setback when they were bested 2-1 by Spain in Barcelona in June.
Caldentey, who recently played a pivotal role at Arsenal in clinching the Women’s Champions League title and was honored as the WSL player of the year, demonstrated an insightful understanding of the Lionesses’ potential. Her familiarity with the English team and its players has provided her with a unique perspective on their capabilities. “I know the footballers they are and I know what they can do,” she stated with conviction when speaking to BBC Sport. Her comments reflected a deep respect for England, highlighting that they are a formidable opponent who possesses the ability to win, even if they may not play at their optimal level consistently.
The championship journey for the reigning English side has been anything but straightforward. After enduring a setback in their group stage opener against France, where they suffered a defeat, England displayed resilience by navigating through a tense quarter-final that culminated in a penalty shootout victory over Sweden. Following this, they required an extra-time goal in their semi-final match against Italy to secure their place in the final, marking their third consecutive major final appearance.
In contrast, Spain carries a momentum of triumph, having won six consecutive knockout matches in major tournaments, although they will be competing in their inaugural Euros final. Two-time Ballon d’Or recipient, Aitana Bonmati, expressed the joy of celebrating their recent victory over Germany but emphasized the urgency to refocus and devise a strategy against England. “Today we can enjoy. Tomorrow we have to start thinking of England,” she remarked, acknowledging the mental shifts players need to make in preparations for such significant matches.
Boasting a squad rich with talent and experience, Spain has squared off against England numerous times, creating a thrilling narrative as they continue to build upon their encounters. Both teams have various layers of familiarity and strategy as they prepare for this climactic event. Bonmati expressed confidence in her players’ abilities, stating, “We trust in our squad. We believe in our players.”
As fans eagerly await this momentous occasion, with live coverage set to be available on platforms like BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the footballing world is filled with anticipation. The Euro 2025 final represents not just a title at stake but also the culmination of hard-fought battles and a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s football. England may be up against a seasoned Spain, but both sides understand that this clash could define legacies and set the stage for future encounters. The anticipation builds as they both vie not just for victory, but for glory on the grandest stage of European football.
