The Lionesses can further cement their place in history when they take on Spain in the Euro 2025 final this evening.
After triumphing at Wembley three years ago, England can win back-to-back European Championships in Switzerland – but they are not fancied to do so.
Spain out-classed England in the 2023 World Cup final – not to mention the men’s Euros final last summer – and have been the best team at this tournament.
The Lionesses meanwhile lost their opening game and were on the verge of elimination during the knockouts against Sweden and Italy.
More than ever, a spirited performance and Sarina Wiegman masterclass are required to get the job done, but the path to beating the world champions has already been laid… by Arsenal.
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Look to Arsenal for inspiration
And no, we’re not talking about Mikel Arteta and ‘trust the process’.
The Spanish team is dominated by one club: Barcelona. Seven of the 11 players who started the semi-final win against Germany, also started for the Catalan club in the Champions League final two months ago.
As such, both sides play a very similar way: Lots of possession, high-line, very technical and when they don’t have the ball, they hound the opposition until they get it back.
Here’s the thing, having dominated the competition over the past few years, Barcelona shockingly lost May’s Champions League final to an Arsenal team that featured Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead.
So what can the Lionesses learn from the Gunners? They stayed calm, defended well, matched Barcelona’s intensity and then picked the right moments to attack.
Barca had more possession, more-than twice as many shots and even six times as many corners – but it was Arsenal who walked away with the trophy.
Something similar occurred in the Spain’s semi-final – their toughest test this tournament. Strict defensive organisation, tenacious running and hard tackling put Germany on the verge of victory. Only a moment of magic from Aitana Bonmati stopped them.
England shouldn’t let Spain have the ball but shouldn’t be afraid to play on the counter-attack. It may sound medieval, but their best best may be to go route-one, avoid the imposing midfield of Bonmati, Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas, and use Lauren Hemp’s speed to exploit Spain’s high-line.
Chloe Kelly or Beth Mead to start?
It should be said that Lauren James has not played badly at this tournament. In fact, she very nearly scored twice against Italy before being withdrawn at half-time because of an ankle injury.
The Chelsea forward faces a race against time be fit for the final and if she loses, Wiegman has a tough choice to make.
Mead has been first-choice off the bench and played an underrated role in the comebacks against Sweden and Italy, but the clamour will be for Kelly or Michelle Agyemang to start.
Agyemang has been a revelation this summer but is still a teenager and on such a big occasion, it’s probably best if the (not so) secret weapon remains an impact sub.
Kelly has looked so dangerous every time she gets the ball and of course came off the bench to score the winner in the Euro 2022 final. She also started the Champions League final.
Yet, it was Mead who provided the assist for Stina Blackstenius’ Champions Laeague winner after coming off the bench for – you guessed it – Kelly. It’s clear both can put in the hard yards to start this final and disrupt Spain’s attack.
Win the midfield, win the final
So where specifically will the Euro 2025 final be won?
Russo is well acquainted with Barcelona/Spain centre-back Irene Paredes thanks to the Champions League final and knows that her rival likes time on the ball. Pressing her from the first whistle is a must.
On the flip side, Wiegman has to decide whether to stick with Esme Morgan or bring back Jess Carter. Whoever partners Williamson has their work cut out against Esther Gonzalez.
Opposition have found much success this tournament when targeting midfield anchor Kiera Walsh. The Lionesses can play that game in the final by stopping Guijarro, who is to Bonmati and Putellas what Sergio Busquets was to Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
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