Here the Lionesses are again. Another final. Another showdown with Spain.All of a sudden, what was once so anticipated and longed for can start to seem expected rather than extraordinary.
What happened to the great underachievers of world football? They are now consistently among the final two going for glory.
Image:
At Euro 2022, the Lionesses ended England’s 56-year wait for a major trophy by beating Germany 2-1 after extra time. Pic: Reuters
No one is taking that for granted.Especially not Leah Williamson, with the chance to retain the European Championship trophy lifted three years ago at Wembley.
“The opportunity of tomorrow and what’s on offer is the best thing in football,” the England captain said. “I think we don’t necessarily carry the weight of it and how much it means to people, but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us.”So often they were only watching other nations making finals.
England’s first was the men winning the 1966 World Cup.England v Spain: All you need to know
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
0:59
Lionesses ‘know what win would mean to nation’
Then, with the rebirth of women’s football after bans and neglect, it was the Lionesses’ turn to make it to the finals – in 1984 and 2009.And the Three Lions had to wait until 2021 to make it to a final, losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley.It kickstarted an incredible run of five successive years of finals for England senior teams – with another men’s Euros final defeat in 2024.The Lionesses have led the way, bringing football home by defeating Germany in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley.They just missed out on going one better when reaching a first Women’s World Cup final a year later.
Image:
England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts to defeat against Spain at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Lauren James looks dejected after their World Cup defeat, but is confirmed fit for Sunday’s revenge match against Spain. Pic: Reuters
Now, in Basel, comes the chance for revenge against Spain – even though no one in the England camp is saying that, publicly at least, in Switzerland.Especially knowing how challenging a task it is coming up again against Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putella – the recent winners of football’s biggest individual honours.
Image:
England fans celebrating after England beat Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Given England’s history against Spain, it could be a nerve-wracking time for England fans. File pic: Action Images/Reuters
But this is Spain’s first Euros final.And there is some fear from the world champions at England’s grit and resolve to produce comebacks late in the quarter-finals and semi-finals – with 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang’s goals integral to the fightbacks.
Image:
England celebrate their semi-final win against Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Michelle Agyemang has propelled England to the Euro 2025 final with two vital goals. Pic: AP
Spain captain Irene Paredes reflected yesterday on how the Lionesses can flip a result late on.But she was also discussing how their World Cup win was tarnished by the on-pitch kiss that led to former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales being convicted of a sexual assault on striker Jenni Hermoso.It sparked a wider clamour in Spain for improved rights and respect for women.Read more from Jattvibe:Lionesses’ help grassroots footballSarina Wiegman on the Euros finalListen: Why Lucy Bronze is ‘golden girl’
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
2:10
Spain’s players struggle for respect
“Since then [2023] we took big steps forward,” Paredes said.”I think this idea is disappearing from society. I still believe we have to continue opening doors… we’re a reference for boys and girls in society, but we still have things to do.”
It is a reminder that while tonight is about collecting silverware, both England and Spain know that emerging as champions can drive further growth in women’s football back home.Amid it all, they’ll try to savour just what reaching a final means and how rare they are – until recently for English and Spanish women.
