Only England stand between Spain and our European dreams

This will be the second ever final between England and Spain. The second consecutive one in major tournaments. Two years ago, it was a World Cup, and now a European Championships. The clashes between the Lionesses and the Spanish are becoming a classic rivalry between two of the current powerhouses in the world of women’s football.

England have reached the Euros final after finishing second in Group D, having lost 2-1 to France in the opening match and then winning the following two fixtures against the Netherlands (4-0) and Wales (6-1). Their quarter-final against Sweden ended 2-2 after normal time and extra time, and was finally decided by a lengthy penalty shootout. Also, it was a rebound goal after another penalty in the final minutes of their second consecutive extra-time match, this time in the semi-final against Italy, that earned them a spot in the grand final.

A special mention for Sarina Wiegman, who has now reached five consecutive finals as a head coach: 2017, Euros with the Netherlands; 2019, World Cup with the Netherlands; 2022, Euros with England; 2023, World Cup with England; and now, once again, in the final of a Euros with the England team.

The two sides have met a total of 19 times, with five Spanish victories — the most recent on 3 June in Cornellà, when Spain won 2-1 following a brace from Claudia Pina in the qualifying phase for the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals. However, the most significant win was in the World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand — the one that earned Spain the star on their shirts. Now, back in Europe, Spain can dream of repeating that historic triumph and lifting the only remaining trophy they have yet to win: the European Championships. Now, they have the chance to do just that against the reigning champions.
 

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