Preview for England v Spain
England and Spain meet in a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final on Sunday with both teams hoping it will prove a happier occasion.
Spain won 1-0 in Sydney two years ago but the triumph was overshadowed almost immediately by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso as she went to collect her winners’ medal.
Rubiales lost his job as head of the Spanish Football Federation as a result and was found guilty of sexual assault in February.
His actions denied the Spanish players the chance to celebrate their achievement and the affair cast a shadow over the women’s team for some time.
That’s why many neutrals will welcome their return to a title game and a rematch with England in the final of Euro 2025.
Even England midfielder Keira Walsh, who became a team-mate of several of the Spain players during her time at Barcelona, is hoping the football can take centre stage this time round.
“There’s a lot of respect between both the teams and, I think the most important thing for them as a footballer, is that they can enjoy this final – that there’s not the controversy surrounding it,” Walsh told BBC Sport.
“The girls deserve to be there to play incredible football. The way our league jumped after we won the Euros [in 2022] – if you compare it to Spain it probably wasn’t the same and they won the World Cup.
“After the final there was a lot of controversy and I don’t think, for them, there was enough spotlight on how incredible they played. It was all about the other stuff.
“As a professional, that was disappointing to see. I have a lot of friends in that team and I think they probably deserved a little bit more than what they got.”
Spain have enjoyed a much smoother route to the final, with Germany the only side to put up any resistance in the last four. As it was, Aitana Bonmatí’s extra-time strike settled it to propel her side into a maiden European final.
In contrast, England have struggled mightily as they look to defend the crown they won so memorably at Wembley three years ago.
Defeat to France in their opener in Switzerland raised eyebrows but the manner of the response – a 4-0 demolition of the Netherlands and a 6-1 thrashing of Wales – indicated Sarina Wiegman’s side had regained their swagger.
The knockout stages have been torturous, however.
Late comebacks proved enough to see off Sweden and Italy but there is a sense the Lionesses are rapidly using up their nine lives.
Team News for England v Spain
Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang have been instrumental in England reaching this stage but it is unlikely either will be handed a start by Wiegman.
Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati will both start for Spain.
Expected line-ups for England v Spain
England: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; James, Russo, Hemp
Spain: Cata Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Olga; Bonmatí, Patri, Alexia; Mariona, Pina, Esther González
How to watch England v Spain: TV and online streams
England versus Spain kicks-off at 5pm UK time on Sunday evening.
It can be watched on both BBC One and ITV1 and via both channels’ online platforms.
Stats for England v Spain
Prediction for England v Spain
England have ridden their luck to reach this stage with late escape acts against Sweden and Italy but Spain operate on an entirely different level.
Wiegman’s team will have to up their level considerably and it still might not be enough.
We’re backing Spain to repeat their World Cup final win and claim another major crown.
Prediction: England 1-3 Spain
