𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

As England again wonder how Keira Walsh can evade Spain’s intense press to decide a major trophy, some in the Football Association are still marvelling at the shift. This is as high a level as you can get, and is now a frequent challenge. They grew up hoping just to qualify for tournaments.

“I have trouble explaining to my kids sometimes that this isn’t normal,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham laughs. “When you look at 1967 and through 50 years to 2020, we made one final.”

The Euro 2025 final will mark the third consecutive major final for Sarina Wiegman’s team, and also the fifth in five years across England’s women’s and men’s squads. But there is one country that matches that, and that is Sunday’s opposition.

At kick-off in the Euro 2025 final, England and Spain will be rivals. But before and after, many will be friends and allies, united by a common cause.

Keira Walsh is determined to win on Sunday, to become a two-time European champion as part of the first-ever England team to defend a title at a major international tournament.

Walsh also wants Spain to enjoy their moment, to make up for what was lost. Spain will undoubtedly enjoy the occasion more if they beat England to add to their World Cup triumph, but Walsh was aware of the wider meaning.

England are once again through to a major international tournament final, this time at Euro 2025, but there remains a significant pay gap when it comes to what the Lionesses players are likely to earn financially this summer.

At some point, Michelle Agyemang may start playing a game for England when they are not behind. It could even be on Sunday in the Euro 2025 final. But for now, it is hard to think of anyone at this tournament who has a clearer understanding of their exact role and the impact they can make than the 19-year-old striker who began it with just one international appearance for her country, and who has now saved them from the brink twice in two games.

“She feels inevitable right now,” said Leah Williamson.

When the pressure is at its highest, Kelly has been able to rise above it and deliver for England, time and time again – this is how.

Stephanie Frappart will referee the Euro 2025 final between England and Spain, in the lastest in a long line of achievements for the trailblazing French official.

Frappart, 41, is one of Uefa’s leading officials and has made history by taking charge of several high-profile men’s fixtures in recent years.=

The last few hours before a major final always have that strangely charged serenity. If that sounds like a contradiction, it only fits with the mood. At England’s Dolder Grand base, there’s also one question left hanging in the rarefied air. Will Sarina Wiegman come up with something different for the Euro 2025 final – the team’s third in a row, and her fifth?

The route to Basel’s St Jakob-Park has been tumultuous, with the England manager arguably getting her starting approach wrong in at least three games. Nevertheless, there is another crucial element.

Lucy Roberta Tough Bronze. The clue is in the name, the second middle name, like the glue holding together an England team that prides itself on their spirit and resilience. Throughout Euro 2025, the oldest member of the squad has been its most relentless, and the source of much inspiration.

“One of a kind,” says Sarina Wiegman. “A beast,” comments Ella Toone. “A freak,” adds Esme Morgan – the latter two very much intended as compliments. Bronze is where the Lionesses “get their grit and determination”, according to her 89-year-old gran back home in Northumberland.

This is how she inspired England to reach the final at Euro 2025.

Shortly before Sarina Wiegman walks into one of the grand rooms at England’s five-star Dolder base overlooking Zurich, Ella Toone can’t help but laugh.

“We’ve nearly killed her twice in this tournament,” Toone says. It sometimes feels like at least twice in single games, especially those against Sweden and Italy.

“You’ve definitely aged me,” Wiegman told the players after the semi-final. You wouldn’t think it as she walks in for a more informal chat with media on the eve of the Euro 2025 final.

England forward Lauren James is set to be available for the Euro 2025 final against Spain after recovering from an ankle injury.

James was forced off at half-time during England’s semi-final win over Italy but has trained in the days before the final and is set to be fit.

Sarina Wiegman expects to have all 23 players available for selection, should they come through their final recovery, including James.