𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

England midfielder Keira Walsh said it was “disappointing” that Spain’s players did not get more respect after winning the World Cup in 2023 and wants them to enjoy the moment when they face the Lionesses in the Euro 2025 final.

Spain’s victory over England was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso during their trophy celebrations without her consent, while star player Aitana Bonmati said their triumph was “for nothing” as it changed little in the country.

By contrast, England’s Euro 2022 win had a transformative effect on women’s football and Walsh, who spent two-and-a-half years at Barcelona and has close ties with many in the Spain squad, said the Spanish players deserved better.

England have scored five goals by substitutes during Euro 2025, with Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly both finding the back of the net in the semi-final win over Italy.

England substitutes scored seven goals during their triumphant Euro 2022 campaign and both Ella Toone and Kelly came off the bench to score against Germany at the Wembley final.

The record for the most goals scored by substitutes at a tournament is eight, set by Germany at 2009.

Ella Toone believes England’s Euro 2025 final could be won and lost in midfield, ahead of what promises to be a pivotal contest against Spain’s world-class trio of Barcelona stars.

Spain’s midfield features two two-time Ballon d’Or winners in Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, with Patri Guijarro’s performances at the Euros also earning high praise.

Toone is likely to start next to Keira Walsh, who played alongside Bonmati, Putellas and Guijarro during her time at Barcelona, and Georgia Stanway – who all began England’s World Cup final defeat to Spain two years ago.

The atmosphere in Basel is building nicely as England fans are preparing themselves ahead of kick off at 5pm.

The crowds are growing and there’s an excited atmosphere as supporters hope to see the Lionesses win the Euros for a second time.

Ella Toone joked England “nearly killed” Sarina Wiegman en route to the Euro 2025 final.

The Lionesses required dramatic comebacks to beat Sweden and Italy and Toone laughed: “I think we’ve nearly killed her twice this tournament. She’s said we’ve definitely aged her, but five consecutive tournaments for Sarina being in the final and that’s just unbelievable.

“We know we’re in good hands, we know she’s a manager who can take teams right to the final, and she’s done a few good speeches to be fair, this camp, I’ll give it to her.”

Lauren James set to be fit for England after Sarina Wiegman confirmed she expects to have 23 players available for selection. James suffered an ankle injury during England’s semi-final win against Italy and was forced off at half-time. The forward was later seen with ice on her ankle but James had returned to the training pitch and will be given as much time as possible to try and recover.

James played a key part in England’s 1-0 win over the world champions Spain at Wembley in February – the last time Spain lost a match.

“Lauren brings something slightly different,” Leah Williamson said. “Just like the others, so obviously having that available is best-case scenario for us.”

England have been required to go into extra time in both of their quarter-final and semi-final matches, winning on penalties against Sweden and in the 119th minute against Italy.

No team has won the Women’s Euros by playing three extra-time games in one tournament.

But England also won their Euro 2022 title in extra time, where Chloe Kelly scored the winner.

Sarina Wiegman is the first manager in history, of both men’s and women’s, to reach the final in each of their five major tournament appearances.

“To go into the finals is special, but to reach the final itself – there’s only two teams that can reach the final – so if you talk about pressure, it’s very special and we really want to win it,” the England boss said ahead of facing Spain.

“We’re happy that we’re in the final and we’re going to do everything we can to win it and make that happen.”

England spent the night in Basel ahead of the Euro 2025 final, with their hotel located in a central part of the city not too far away from the main train station. The players have been spotted on a walk this morning and looked to be relaxed with just a few hours to go before kick-off in the Euro 2025 final.

Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang have rescued England so far at Euro 2025 but Sarina Wiegman is unlikely to make too many changes to her starting line-up ahead of facing Spain in the final.

Kelly has never before started a match for England at a major tournament, while Agyemang has only ever come off the bench in her four international appearances for the Lionesses.

Both have impact roles in the team – and remain important weapons on the bench even if they do not start in the final.