The host of the 2029 Women's European Championship is down to four bidders, with Denmark and Sweden submitting a joint bid, along with Germany, Poland and Portugal, Uefa said on Friday.

The governing body for European football confirmed it received the four final bid dossiers ahead of the August 28 deadline, plus confirmation that Italy had withdrawn its candidacy.

The host will be announced at Uefa's Executive Committee meeting in Nyon, Switzerland on 3 December.

Switzerland hosted the 2025 tournament, shattering attendance records. England beat Spain on penalties to win their second consecutive Euro title.

England's Lionesses returned to a heroes' welcome on Monday, less than 24 hours after their dramatic penalty-shootout victory against world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 final.

Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick in the Swiss city of Basel as Sarina Wiegman's team successfully defended the European women's crown they won at Wembley in 2022.

Supporters, many of whom were dressed in England kits and holding flags, cheered as they waited outside Southend airport, about 64 kilometres east of London.

In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane, which had "Home" painted in red letters on its side.

The aircraft was welcomed with a water salute from two fire engines after landing. Captain Leah Williamson and manager Wiegman were the first off, with the skipper proudly holding the trophy.

Among the waiting supporters were twins Poppy and Daisy Macdonald, 11, who were holding a sign asking for a photo with star striker Alessia Russo.

"We're so proud. They've won it two times in a row and they've worked so hard for it," said Poppy. "They've had a lot of injuries and setbacks, but they've done really well."

The Lionesses will next be whisked straight to 10 Downing Street, the working home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

An open-top bus parade will follow on Tuesday, culminating in a celebration in front of Buckingham Palace.

Victory in Switzerland was sweet revenge for Wiegman's defending champions, who suffered bitter defeat against the same opponents in the World Cup final two years ago.

King Charles III said the team had the royal family's "warmest appreciation and admiration" following their victory, adding: "The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can."

Starmer also hailed the triumph, saying: "The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation."

The Downing Street reception will hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock.

Red-and-white St George's flags were hanging around the famous black door ahead of the team's arrival later on Monday from a rainy Zurich.

LATE DRAMA

Victory in Switzerland on Sunday capped a remarkable tournament packed with late drama for England.

Wiegman's team were slow out of the blocks, losing their first match against France, before comfortable wins over the Netherlands and Wales in the group phase.

They came back from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarterfinals before winning on penalties, and sealed their spot in Sunday's final with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy.

The defending champions again fell behind against Spain on Sunday, but Russo cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's first-half opener and neither side could find a winner by the end of extra time.

Two penalty saves by player-of-the-match Hannah Hampton and Salma Paralluelo's miss set the stage for Kelly, who also scored the winner against Germany in the 2022 final.

In total, the Lionesses led for fewer than five minutes across the entire Euros knockout stage.

"I must admit that this is the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played," said Wiegman.

"The players say we can win by any means, and we just never, ever give up."

The Dutch coach, who has now won three European Championship crowns in a row, having led the Netherlands to victory in 2017, said she hoped England's win would boost women's football across the globe.

"How I've experienced this tournament is that the level went up again, the intensity of the games went through the roof," she said. "That's what we've seen.

"We've seen it in the games, but also in the data we have. I think this tournament broke every record again and that's great, and I hope that that will boost the women's game everywhere."

England's victorious Lionesses prepared to fly home to a rapturous reception on Monday after retaining their European Championship crown with a dramatic penalty-shootout victory over world champions Spain.

Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick in Basle after Sunday's Women's Euro 2025 final ended 1-1, repeating her heroics from three years previously.

It was sweet revenge for Sarina Wiegman's defending champions, who suffered bitter defeat against the same opponents in the World Cup final two years ago.

Fans are preparing to welcome home the victors, who will be whisked straight to 10 Downing Street, the working home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

An open-top bus parade will follow on Tuesday, culminating in a celebration in front of Buckingham Palace.

King Charles III said the team had the royal family's "warmest appreciation and admiration" following their victory, adding: "The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can."

Starmer hailed the triumph, saying: "The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation.

"Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country."

The Downing Street reception will hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock.

Red-and-white St George's flags were hanging around the famous black door ahead of the team's arrival later on Monday from a rainy Zurich.

Captain Leah Williamson showed off the trophy to a knot of fans who had gathered as the team made their way to the airport.

LATE DRAMA

Victory in Switzerland on Sunday capped a remarkable tournament packed with of late drama for England.

Wiegman's team were slow out of the blocks, losing their first match against France, before comfortable wins over the Netherlands and Wales in the group phase.

They came back from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarterfinals before winning on penalties, and sealed their spot in Sunday's final with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy.

The defending champions again fell behind against Spain on Sunday but Alessia Russo cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's first-half opener and neither side could find a winner by the end of extra time.

Two penalty saves by player-of-the-match Hannah Hampton and Salma Paralluelo's miss set the stage for Kelly, who also scored the winner against Germany in the 2022 final, as England won the shootout 3-1.

The Lionesses led for fewer than five minutes across the entire Euros knockout stage.

"I must admit that this is the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played," said Wiegman.

"The players say we can win by any means, and we just never, ever give up."

The Dutch coach, who has now won three European Championship crowns in a row, having led the Netherlands to victory in 2017, said she hoped England's win would boost women's football across the globe.

"How I've experienced this tournament is that the level went up again, the intensity of the games went through the roof," she said. "That's what we've seen.

"We've seen it in the games, but also in the data we have. I think this tournament broke every record again and that's great, and I hope that that will boost the women's game everywhere.

"I don't really know what to expect now in England, I think it will boost again."

England penalty hero Chloe Kelly said on Sunday she had been unable to hold back the tears after finishing a roller-coaster year in her career by scoring the spot-kick that allowed the Lionesses to beat Spain in the Women's Euro 2025 final.

The 27-year-old's penalty sealed a 3-1 shootout victory for England against Spain after the match in Basel had finished 1-1 at the end of extra time.

She had earlier come off the bench late in the first half in place of the injured Lauren James with England trailing 1-0, and crossed for Alessia Russo to head in her team's equaliser.

"I just came on the pitch and wanted to make something happen," said Kelly, who has made a habit of being a super-sub during the tournament.

Good times never seemed so good. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/eFXQyjk9iV

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

The Arsenal player came on as a substitute against Sweden and helped England recover from 2-0 down in a quarterfinal they eventually won on penalties -- Kelly scored in that shoot-out too.

Then she scored the winner late in extra time in the semifinal against Italy, following in to net after her penalty had been saved.

"I know Alessia's strengths and I just tried to put the ball on her head, and then taking the penalty," Kelly said.

"I actually missed three penalties in training yesterday but I think it's the belief in this squad, all 23 players and the people that you don't see behind the scenes, the staff members, to get us through this tournament.

"I am proud to be part of an amazing group of girls." It is a familiar feeling for Kelly, who scored the extra-time winner when England beat Germany 2-1 in the Euro 2022 final in front of over 87 000 fans at Wembley.

Proud ❤️

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

In between she was unable to change the game from the bench in the 2023 World Cup final, which England lost 1-0 to Spain in Sydney.

'TOUGH TIMES DON'T LAST'

Just a few months ago it seemed Kelly might not even make Sarina Wiegman's squad for the tournament in Switzerland, given her situation at club level.

In January she asked to leave Manchester City, where she had been used sparingly in the first months of the season.

Kelly wrote on social media that people at City had been trying to "assassinate my character" and said her mental wellbeing had been affected.

She then joined Arsenal on loan until the end of the campaign, and went on to play for them as they beat Barcelona in the Champions League final in May.

"There were a lot of tears at full-time especially when I saw my family because those are the people who got me through those dark moments," Kelly said on Sunday.

"I am so grateful to be out of it but if that is a story to tell someone who maybe experiences something the same, then tough times don't last," she added.

"Just around the corner was a Champions League final -- I won that, and now a Euros final I have won that, so thank you to everyone who wrote me off. I am grateful."

Kelly recently signed permanently for Arsenal, where she also played earlier in her career, and will return to North London as a European champion at club and international level.

"Every player has their own story, and I think every story is incredible on its own, but her story is unbelievable," said England coach Sarina Wiegman.

"I am so happy for her too. She has been fighting to come back to her highest level.

"She loved this moment, she just really wanted to take the penalty -- to be able to score that penalty under that pressure is very impressive too."

For England fans everywhere,

It's coming home. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆 pic.twitter.com/SUbOFaqaWW

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

Spain playmaker Aitana Bonmati cut a disconsolate figure as she picked up her Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2025 on Sunday, minutes after her side finished as runners-up after losing a penalty shootout to England in the final.

Bonmati bounced back from a meningitis scare ahead of the tournament to play a crucial role in Spain's progress to the final.

However, on Sunday Spain struggled to unlock the England defence and Bonmati missed her spot-kick in the shootout as she slumped to another painful defeat following her club side Barcelona's Champions League final loss to Arsenal in May.

"It's hard to see you right now," she told reporters. "Two months ago I found myself in this situation with the club. You have to value more when things are going well, we have been better on the pitch, not on penalties," she said.

🏆 Un 𝗠𝗩𝗣 del torneo más que merecido.

♥️ Gracias por tu fútbol, @AitanaBonmati.#WEURO2025 | #JugarLucharYGanar pic.twitter.com/MQA9cLF26N

— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) July 27, 2025

The 27-year-old apologised to the Spanish people for not being able to deliver a victory against an England side that was no match for them in terms of skill, but who refused to give up.

"I assume my part of my responsibility, I play for the team and for many more people. There is no point in playing a better game and missing penalties," she said.

"For me, England is a team capable of not playing well and winning. There are teams that don't need much to win."

England took the chance they were offered and though Spain found themselves on the losing side, Bonmati was philosophical.

"We haven't lost a game (in 90 minutes), we have received support and I feel bad about that too. We have won off the field of play and that is valuable too," she explained, before promising to come back stronger.

"We are a trained team, we have already shown that we know how to overcome. We hope to reach (Euro) 2029 at full capacity and try again."

England defender Lucy Bronze revealed after Sunday’s Euro 2025 final victory over Spain that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia.

In the quarterfinal against Sweden, the 33-year-old scored a goal before firing home the winning penalty in the shootout.

"I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, and then I have hurt my knee on my other leg," Bronze said on Sunday after helping the Lionesses to edge Spain 3-1 on penalties after the final ended 1-1 following extra time.

"That's why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game, as I've been in a lot of pain. If that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do."

Lucy Bronze. Warrior 😤#WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/wuxs9NjF7G

— UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 27, 2025

The Chelsea defender admitted the tournament in Switzerland had been one of the most demanding of her career.

"I do not think we ever stopped believing in ourselves. There was a lot of noise from the outside, but we stayed united and gave everything," Bronze said.

"To win it on penalties shows just how inspiring this team is to be part of. "Today we showed resilience. We have shown everyone that you should always believe in yourself, no matter what others say."

Spain coach Montse Tome was left ruing her side's inability to take their chances as the world champions fell to a penalty shootout by England in the Women's Euros final on Sunday after they dominated a game that finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.

The Spaniards had 24 attempts on goal, but England's grit and determination dragged them to a shootout where they came up short, failing to convert three of their four spot-kicks as Chloe Kelly fired England to victory.

"I think this team deserved more. I think we worked hard for a long time to reach this moment, to reach this final against a high-level national team as an event and what we saw in the game makes me think that the team deserved it," Tome told a media conference.

"This is a sport, you must know how to lose, and today we missed the penalties."

✍️ CRÓNICA | La Triple Corona se queda a sólo 11 metros de distancia.

⚽️ Una dominadora @SEFutbolFem cede ante Inglaterra en la tanda de la final.

𝟭-𝟭 (𝟯-𝟭)

ℹ️ https://t.co/0j3tUKT60B#WEURO2025 | #JugarLucharYGanar pic.twitter.com/Dd11Pzh731

— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) July 27, 2025

Spain took a first-half lead but England equalised through Alessia Russo and battled superbly to take the game to a 1-1 draw and a shootout.

"I think we were better, but football is a sport where the best team doesn't always win.England are an excellent national team, they showed their level during the tournament. They draw, and then they defend themselves to get the penalties," Tome said.

The 42-year-old coach could not hide her disappointment that her squad had come up short of another major title.

"This is our profession. what we worked for, what they worked for deserved a different ending," she said.

"That's why today I have the feeling that we almost reached it, but it's gone. I really value all the work done -- we wrote history during the whole tournament, and the team was good," Tome added.

👏 Habéis ilusionado a toda una generación.

Nos levantaremos. Seguiremos.#WEURO2025 | #JugarLucharYGanar pic.twitter.com/1I13NeXkHw

— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) July 27, 2025

King Charles III led the tributes to England's history-making Lionesses after they won the Women's Euro 2025 title in a dramatic final against Spain on Sunday.

Sarina Wiegman's side held their nerve to survive a tense penalty shoot-out as Chloe Kelly scored the decisive spot-kick after two crucial saves from Hannah Hampton.

Alessia Russo's second-half equaliser had revived England's bid to retain the Euro title after Mariona Caldentey's 25th minute opener for Spain.

Kelly's winning kick sparked jubilant celebrations across England, while the Prince of Wales and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the party in the stands at St Jakob-Park in Basel.

HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/ww3aASwPzC

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

Prince William celebrated with his daughter Princess Charlotte before congratulating England's players on the pitch.

Prince William and his daughter, Princess Charlotte 🥹🥰 pic.twitter.com/mueeyHyyEN

— Belle (@RoyallyBelle_) July 27, 2025

England's 3-1 shoot-out victory avenged their 2023 Women's World Cup final loss against Spain in Australia.

King Charles saluted Wiegman's team for their cathartic win, and immediately set their next target as he urged them to win the World Cup in 2027.

"This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025," the King wrote on social media.

"For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'.

"As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration.

"More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.

"Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!"

Congratulations to our valiant @Lionesses! 🦁🦁🦁

A message from The King following the team’s victory at the Women’s Euros 2025.#WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/mRBAdeGSOf

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025

Starmer congratulated the Lionesses on making history with the second of their back-to-back Euro crowns.

The Lionesses are the first senior English national football team to win a major tournament on foreign soil.

'YOU'VE MADE THE NATION PROUD'

England's men won the 1966 World Cup at home and the Lionesses clinched the Women's Euro at Wembley in 2022.

"Champions! Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama," Starmer said on X.

"You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers."

While Kelly and company earned the silverware in Switzerland, back home street parties, pubs and bars were filled with England fans cheering their team to victory.

Supporters watched on big screens at Boxpark Croydon in south London, erupting when Kelly scored her penalty.

Ecstatic fans danced on benches, waved England flags and threw drinks into the air after the ball hit the net.

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said a victory parade in London on Tuesday would "give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players".

"Our history-making Lionesses are champions of Europe for the second successive time, and have become the first England Senior team in history to win a tournament overseas," he said.

"We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement.

"They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history.

"We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories."

The squad that did it. AGAIN. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/46j2OiROT0

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

England coach Sarina Wiegman said she was proud of her team after they won a penalty shootout against Spain to secure "incredible" back-to-back Women's Euro titles on Sunday.

Defending champions England made an inauspicious start to Euro 2025 in Switzerland when they lost to France, but they went on to retain the trophy by overcoming Spain, who had beaten them in the 2023 World Cup final.

"I just can't believe it. I have a medal around my neck and we have a trophy," Wiegman told BBC One TV.

"It has been the most chaotic tournament on the pitch -- all the challenges we had on the pitch against our opponent.

"From the first game it was chaos. Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible.

The boss. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/J1LhoonyEs

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

"Football is chaos." England won the penalty shootout 3-1 after the match in Basel finished 1-1 following extra time.

"We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible," Wiegman, who is Dutch, said.

England captain Leah Williamson said she had a feeling her team was going to win.

"(I feel) total disbelief -- but at the same time, I knew it was going to happen. There's always a moment when I think, right girls, let's turn it on.

"The way we defended as a team, nothing came through us. It felt like it was going to be our day.

"Relentless, we have players who absolutely love it. It's just unbelievable to do it again. And after that first game, no-one thought we would -- and fair enough! But nothing has changed."

Unbreakable. ✊ pic.twitter.com/zyGtIzixgk

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

Chloe Kelly converted the decisive kick as England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to lift the Women's Euro 2025 trophy after Sunday's game had finished 1-1 at the end of extra time, allowing the Lionesses to avenge their defeat in the World Cup final two years ago and retain their continental crown.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 🏆🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#WomensEuros2025 | #SSFootball | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/tuPnP5Am5U

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 27, 2025

It looked as though Spain would repeat their victory over England in Sydney two years ago as they dominated the game at St Jakob-Park in Basel and led through Mariona Caldentey's first-half header.

But England did not panic, having already trailed against both Sweden in the quarterfinals and Italy in the semis before finding a way to win.

Alessia Russo headed in their equaliser just before the hour mark, and no further goals meant a shootout in which Kelly -- who once again had a huge impact off the bench -- netted the winner.

"I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net," Kelly told the BBC of her penalty.

HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/ww3aASwPzC

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

It was an agonising way to lose for Spain, but they failed to score three of their spot-kicks, with reigning Ballon d'Or Aitana Bonmati seeing her effort saved.

Sarina Wiegman’s England are therefore back-to-back European champions, with this triumph coming three years after they defeated Germany in extra time at Wembley to win a first women's major tournament.

"What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was at the match, wrote on X.

Defeating Spain here helps make up for the agony of losing that World Cup final in 2023, and the victory also confirms Wiegman's place among the coaching greats.

She has now won three consecutive European Championships, having led her native Netherlands to victory in 2017 before doing the same with England three years ago.

"We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible," said Wiegman, whose team lost to France in their first match at the tournament.

"Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible," she added.

Unbreakable. ✊ pic.twitter.com/zyGtIzixgk

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025

Spain fell short in their quest to add a maiden European Championship title to the World Cup they won in Australia.

La Roja dominated possession as expected, but ultimately paid the price for not putting the game to bed against an England side who never know when they are beaten.

"I am in shock," Bonmati told broadcaster TVE before apologising for failing from the spot.

"Football is cruel. Everything seems bad right now, but I think we played the best football during the tournament."

ENGLISH RESILIENCE

England, meanwhile, had been 2-0 down against Sweden in the last eight before scoring twice to force extra time as they eventually won on penalties.

Then substitute Michelle Agyemang's 96th-minute equaliser denied Italy in the semifinals in Geneva, when Kelly netted the winner in extra time.

England had ultimately not played well during much of their run to the final, but it did not matter.

Wiegman took a gamble here on the fitness of Lauren James which paid off, albeit not quite as planned -- having come off with an ankle injury against Italy, the Chelsea winger did not last until half-time and was replaced by Kelly.

By that point Spain were in front, scoring when Ona Battle crossed from the right for Caldentey to head in.

The world champions draw first blood 😤🇪🇸

📺 Stream #WomensEuro2025 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/HK7l1kdE0T

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 27, 2025

They had already been in control before that and it felt like England's best hope was for complacency from their opponents.

The best example of that came with the game still goalless, when Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll played a careless short pass to Laia Aleixandri in her own area.

Lauren Hemp was alive to the opportunity and pounced, but Coll made the save.

Yet even at 1-0 England were still in the game, and they took their chance in the 57th minute when Kelly crossed from the left for Russo to level.

Alessia Russo levels matters for the Lionesses 😤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

📺 Stream #WomensEuros2025 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/XU7luUnz5C

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 27, 2025

England -- with more fans on their side in the crowd of 34 203 -- sensed yet another comeback win was on the cards, and it took the fingertips of Coll to prevent a Kelly effort from finding the far corner midway through the second half.

The game continued into extra time, and from there to the gripping tension of penalties, in which Beth Mead's first kick for England was saved after she was forced to retake.

Captain Leah Williamson also had her effort stopped by Coll, but Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles both scored, while Patri Guijarro was the only successful taker for Spain before Kelly won it.

𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 😤🏆

Chloe Kelly has ice in her veins 🥶🧊#WomensEuros2025 | #SSFootball | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/EimOsdPVTW

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 27, 2025

The Women's Euro 2025 final between reigning champions England and World Cup holders Spain on Sunday went to extra time after finishing 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.

Mariona Caldentey headed Spain in front on 25 minutes at St Jakob-Park in Basel, but Alessia Russo equalised for England just before the hour mark.

England are hoping to repeat their success in the final of the last European Championship in 2022, when they defeated Germany 2-1 after extra time at Wembley.

England captain Leah Williamson admits that Spain are "the best at what they do" but is confident her side can compete with the reigning world champions in Sunday's Euro 2025 final.

"Tomorrow we play a game against the world champions who continue to prove themselves over and over in the way that they play football," Williamson told reporters at Basle's St Jakob-Park on the eve of the game.

"They are a fantastic footballing team, they are the best at what they do, and we are very much aware of that but we think we are pretty good in some areas as well.

"We need to be at our best to beat Spain but I think they will need to be at their best to beat us too.

"I think there is a lot of respect between the two teams, and I'd be hesitant to say we are underdogs in this scenario."

England are hoping to retain the European Championship title they won on home soil in 2022, but the match is also a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, in which Spain triumphed 1-0 in Sydney.

There is a growing rivalry between the nations, with England winning in extra time when they clashed in the quarterfinals at Euro 2022.

The sides have also already faced each other twice this year in the Uefa Nations League, with England winning 1-0 at Wembley in February.

Spain avenged that result by claiming a 2-1 victory in Barcelona at the beginning of last month, when Claudia Pina scored twice after Alessia Russo had given England the lead.

"We have played each other a lot over the last couple of years and I think you always have learnings from the games we have played," said England coach Sarina Wiegman.

"Tomorrow is a new situation where we have an opportunity to hopefully take out their strengths a bit and exploit some of their weaknesses too."

England have been sweating on the fitness of Lauren James for the final after she came off with an ankle injury during the last-four win over Italy, but Wiegman indicated that the winger is in line to feature on Sunday.

"We had 23 players on the pitch today and everyone came through," said the Dutch coach.

Chloe Kelly and young striker Michelle Agyemang are pushing for starts after making impacts off the bench in the comeback wins against both Sweden and Italy in the last two rounds. Williamson, though, believes James has a lot to offer.

"We have a team of talented players. Lauren brings something slightly different, obviously having her available is the best-case scenario," said the Arsenal centre-back.

Spain captain Irene Paredes said on Saturday her team have been "knocking down walls" in helping women's football grow thanks to their remarkable achievements as they prepare to face England in the Euro 2025 final.

Experienced Barcelona defender Paredes was referring to the development of the women's game since Spain's triumph at the World Cup in 2023, when they defeated England 1-0 in the title decider.

Her team now have the opportunity to add a first ever European crown to the World Cup, and in doing so allow Spain to hold the both the women's and men's continental titles at the same time.

"Firm steps have been taken but I think we need to keep opening doors and normalising the situation," Paredes said in Basle, where Sunday's final will be played.

"A lot of walls were knocked down with our victory" in 2023, she added.

"Now more and more people look up to us, but we still have some way to go."

Spain's victory over England in the World Cup final was quickly overshadowed by different headlines, after a forced kiss by the country's football federation chief Luis Rubiales on player Jenni Hermoso as the team prepared to lift the trophy.

Rubiales was eventually fined €10 800 for sexual assault in February this year.

Montse Tome replaced Jorge Vilda as coach in the aftermath of that tournament, and she believes her team – led by reigning Ballon d'Or Aitana Bonmati – would be deserving European Championship winners.

"As a team we have been fighting and working so hard in so many areas and we have managed to get everyone to just focus on the football, which is what matters," she said.

"All the questions now are focused on football and that shows you the changes we have achieved."

Tome insisted that neither she nor her team were feeling the pressure despite the high stakes at St Jakob-Park, with Spain already having made history on their run to the final.

It is their first ever appearance in the final of a women's senior European Championship, achieved after a narrow last-four victory against Germany – a team they had never previously beaten.

"I am not thinking about pressure, just about all the history we have made during the tournament," she said, insisting that getting to the final was Spain's main goal in Switzerland.

"At the beginning our aim was to play six games and we are going to do that, but England are the current European champions and we will just try to compete with them and enjoy it."

It will be the third meeting of the teams in 2025, with Spain and England managing one win apiece during the recent Uefa Nations League campaign.

"I expect a very even game against a team who also like to get forward – England have so much potential in attack," Tome added.

The Women’s Euros reach their climax with the final between holders England and Spain on Sunday, but before a ball is even kicked at the St. Jakob-Park stadium, records have been smashed at what has proved to be the most successful edition of the tournament.

Before their quarterfinal defeat by Spain, Swiss fans held up a banner saying "Time to move mountains", but by then the hosts already had, making the knockout stage for the first time as a fever for women’s football swept the country – and the continent.

"I hope it was just a very, very important step to show Switzerland that women can play football really well – not just Switzerland, but all the other teams as well," Swiss captain Lia Waelti said after the hosts exited the tournament.

Fans at games in Switzerland have shattered attendance records, including the highest overall one ever, with the final still to be played.

A record 623 088 fans attended games through the end of the semifinals, obliterating the previous total of 574 875 fans who watched the entire England 2022 tournament.

England's dramatic semifinal win over Italy in extra time gave British broadcaster ITV its biggest audience of the year with 10.2 million linear viewers, and another 17.2 million following the game on streaming platform ITV X.

Fox Sports in the United States also reported a 176 per cent increase in the number watching the semifinals compared to 2022 as the tournament caught the imagination on the other side of the Atlantic.

It has not all, however, been plain sailing. The opening games were overshadowed by soaring temperatures that led to worries about player welfare and Uefa suspending rules around water bottles for fans.

JOYOUS CELEBRATION

There was also the death of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother in a car accident, which cast a pall over Portugal’s opening game against Spain. In the end, the game itself honoured his memory by turning into a joyous celebration of Portuguese football, despite the team's defeat.

The 16 teams in the group stage provided plenty of excitement, with Switzerland’s late equaliser against Finland to snatch second place in their final Group A game stealing the plaudits as the most dramatic moment.

Fans did not have long to wait for the next twist in the tale, as England came back from two goals down to beat Sweden after a chaotic penalty shootout in their quarterfinal.

Online critics hailed that shootout, with only five successful efforts out of 14, as one of the worst ever, ignoring Sweden keeper Jennifer Falk’s exceptional performance in which she made four saves from English spot-kicks, yet still ended up on the losing side.

England’s Michelle Agyemang is the break-out star of the tournament, netting two vital equalisers as they flirted with disaster in the knockout stage and playing a major role in getting them to the final.

Through it all, the Spaniards have ticked like a metronome, starting games slowly before gradually finding the solution to whatever opposition was in front of them and winning all five of their matches.

Another win for the Spaniards against England will give them the European crown to add to their world and Nations League victories, confirming them as the dominant team.

However, England’s never-say-die mentality stands between them and that goal.

No matter how that game turns out, the tournament has successfully sustained the momentum created at Euro 2022, and the trajectory for the women’s game continues to move sharply upwards.

Sunday's clash with world champions Spain in the deciding game of the Women's Euro 2025 will be England's third consecutive major tournament final, and a fifth for their remarkable coach Sarina Wiegman.

"We know we are in good hands and that she is a manager who can take teams to finals," said midfielder Ella Toone on Friday when asked about the England coach's impressive record.

"She is a great manager, someone we all have a lot of belief in. It is an unbelievable achievement for her."

The 55-year-old from the Netherlands took over from Phil Neville in September 2021 and the following year led them to their first ever major title in women's international football when they beat Germany in the final of the European Championship at Wembley.

The Lionesses followed that by going all the way to the Women's World Cup final in 2023, although they were ultimately edged out by Spain, losing 1-0 in Sydney.

But now Wiegman's team have the chance to avenge that loss, and retain the European crown, when they face La Roja again in Basle.

They have made it to another final despite stumbling several times along the way in Switzerland, finding themselves 2-0 down against Sweden in the last eight before coming back to win on penalties, and then equalising at the death against Italy in the semifinals before eventually advancing after extra time.

"I think we have nearly killed her twice this tournament," joked Toone.

"We have definitely aged her, but that is five consecutive tournaments for Sarina being in a final and that is just unbelievable."

She was an assistant with the Dutch national team before taking over as head coach in the run-up to Euro 2017 and leading the Netherlands, as hosts, to the title.

 

Locked in for Sunday 🔌 pic.twitter.com/uS2q0ehHkD

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 25, 2025

 

Wiegman followed that by taking them to the World Cup final in 2019, when they were ultimately beaten 2-0 by the United States.

So going into Sunday's showdown at St Jakob-Park, her record reads: two defeats out of two in World Cup finals, but two wins out of two in European Championship finals.

"I am lucky to work with so many good people, good players, good staff, the federation. I think it is so special to play the final –- I still can't believe it myself," Wiegman said in the wake of the victory against Italy.

The previous day she had insisted that her own record was not in her thoughts at all.

"I am just in the job now, working with the team," she said. "Maybe in 10 or 15 years I will think about that!"

GOING NOWHERE

She might also then look back at her career trajectory on the whole, going from playing women's college soccer in the United States in the late 1980s to working as a PE teacher.

In between she became the first Dutch footballer to win 100 caps, but Wiegman's success as a coach has undoubtedly eclipsed her achievements as a player and the England team are clearly in awe of her.

"She is really motivating – she gets us all in a huddle, we all listen to her, you really hold on to every word she says," added Toone, of Manchester United, when asked about the coach's pre-match speeches.

"No matter what Sarina says you listen because she definitely knows what she is doing."

Whatever happens against Spain, England will be determined to keep hold of Wiegman and her contract runs through to the next World Cup in Brazil in 2027.

"She's a really special coach and we're delighted to have her with us," English FA chief Mark Bullingham told English media this week.

"We are committed to her until 2027 and she is committed to us."

For now, though, her sights are set on winning three consecutive Euros, a feat previously achieved only by Germany's Tina Theune, in 1997, 2001 and 2005.

England are aiming to retain their title and avenge defeat at the hands of Aitana Bonmati's Spain in the Women's World Cup final of two years ago when the rivals meet again on Sunday to decide who will win Euro 2025.

The showdown at St Jakob-Park in the Swiss city of Basle promises to be a fascinating contest between a Spain side looking to add the continental crown to their world title, and an England team who can secure back-to-back European Championship victories, and make up for the heartache of 2023 in the process.

Spain beat England 1-0 in Sydney to win the World Cup for the first time, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal – another victory for La Roja on Sunday would cement their status as the dominant force in women's international football.

"We have so much respect for them and the quality they have, but we also believe in ourselves, that we can really step up," said England's Ella Toone on Friday.

Toone, 25, scored the first goal for the Lionesses when they beat Germany 2-1 after extra time at Wembley to win the last Women's Euros three years ago, and has played a key role in Switzerland on their run to a third straight major tournament final.

"It is amazing. To make three consecutive finals for England is something that we can all be so proud of," she said at the team's base in Zurich.

 

The #WEURO2025 final ✨ pic.twitter.com/8C7AlvpnLb

— Uefa Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 23, 2025

 

That remarkable run has come under the management of Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch coach who took charge in 2021 and immediately turned them into contenders.

"She is a great manager, someone we all have a lot of belief in and we know we are in good hands. It is an unbelievable achievement for her," added Toone of Wiegman, who also won the Euros with her native Netherlands in 2017.

It has not been an easy road to the final for England this time, with the Lionesses coming back from the brink of elimination more than once.

Their title defence started with a 2-1 defeat by France in their opening group game three weeks ago.

The Lionesses recovered to reach the knockout stages by hammering the Netherlands and Wales, but then required a remarkable comeback from two goals down to eventually beat Sweden on penalties in the quarterfinals.

BONMATI BACK

They then trailed to Italy in the semifinals in Geneva until a 96th-minute goal by Michelle Agyemang forced extra time, and Chloe Kelly scored the winner just as another shoot-out loomed.

"The belief in the squad, the resilience and the togetherness in this group is just so special," said Kelly, who has made a big impact from the bench in the last two rounds.

But it remains to be seen if that resilience will be enough against a brilliant Spain side led by reigning Ballon d'Or Bonmati.

The Barcelona midfielder – who was in hospital with viral meningitis just before the tournament started – scored the extra-time winner as Spain edged Germany in the last four to reach a first ever European Championship final.

"All the hard work we have put in has paid off," said coach Montse Tome, who took over from Jorge Vilda following the 2023 World Cup triumph.

Spain could have as many as seven starters on Sunday who featured in that game in Sydney, including Alexia Putellas – she was only a bit-part player at the World Cup as she recovered from a knee injury, but Bonmati's predecessor as Ballon d'Or winner has been much more influential here.

The theme of revenge could also apply to the Spaniards, who were knocked out of the last Euros by England, going down in extra time in the quarterfinals.

Just two months ago an Arsenal side featuring several members of Wiegman's current England squad defeated Barcelona in the final of the Women's Champions League.

Seven of the players who started for Barcelona that day in Lisbon are likely to start for Spain on Sunday, including Bonmati and Putellas.

If they come out on top they will be the first nation to win the Women's World Cup and Euros back-to-back since Germany in 2007 and 2009, and they can also follow in the footsteps of their men's counterparts – Spain beat England in the final of the men's Euro last year.

Sarina Wiegman sang a celebratory song in her native Dutch when England clinched a spot in the Euro 2025 final. She attempted to high-five assistant Darren Ward, but missed. She admitted she planned to treat herself with a "glass of something nice."

If England's women's coach was reserved when hired in 2021, she said she has grown into the role, and her passion has been on full display at the Euros, particularly through two nail-biting knockout victories in which the Lionesses were on the brink of elimination.

"First of all, my English has improved, so I understand a lot more, but also you learn more about people you work with," she said on Friday. "You learn more again about yourself and while I'm always working on developing the team, I always try to keep developing myself.

"What I really wanted to do over all these years is try to enjoy it a little bit more, you have to be focused in this job, but you need to celebrate the moments that are good, it's really nice."

As England get ready to contest their third successive major final on Sunday, when they face world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 showpiece, Wiegman's players have described her as a second mum – direct and demanding but caring and supportive.

Ella Toone said the coach has been kind-hearted in the midfielder's first major tournament after the death of her father. Aggie Beever-Jones said after England's loss to France in their Euro opener, Wiegman put a consolatory arm around her and explained her reasons for not playing her in the game.

Midfielder Keira Walsh called her "one of the best managers I've played for in terms of trying to make everyone feel loved".

"It's a really difficult job when you're in a tournament, and obviously people want to play, people aren't, but she really, really cares about the human side," Walsh said.

"Another thing that you notice when you play for her is how calm she is. It makes a massive difference in the 95th minute when you're losing 1-0, and you look to the side and she's very calm."

Wiegman said the job can be a difficult balance.

"I'm a caring person, so maybe that's the part, I care about them but at the same time I'm the coach, I'm making these hard decisions at the moment," she said.

On Sunday, Wiegman will become the first person, in men's or women's soccer, to have coached teams in five consecutive major tournament finals. The 55-year-old, who is under contract through the 2027 World Cup, guided her native Netherlands to two finals before continuing that run with Euro 2022 champions England.

Football Association executive Mark Bullingham said they will not let Wiegman leave for any amount of money, and Wiegman certainly does not sound like she is going anywhere.

"I'm sorry, I'm still learning English but yes I have (fallen in love) with England," Wiegman said. "Otherwise I would not be sitting here with such a smile on my face.

"This team has always shown so much resilience, I see that in abundance and I see that entirely through the prism of the Lionesses. They are absolutely the most resilient of people. They really want to work so hard and are so committed."

Aitana Bonmati is hoping to add another piece of silverware to her bulging trophy cabinet when Spain play their first Women's Euro final, taking on holders England in Basel on Sunday.

The 27-year-old playmaker has won six league titles and three Champions League crowns with Barcelona and taken home the Ballon d-Or Feminin in 2023 and 2024, as well as a World Cup and Nations League title with Spain.

"It would close the circle a little bit – this, together with the Olympic Games," she told reporters at the team's base in Lausanne on Friday.

"We want to add the only tournaments that we are missing. For me personally, it would be very nice in the future to have the memory of having won the great tournaments at the highest level in football."

Spain's best finish to date in the Euros came in 1997 when they came third, and their only appearance in the Olympic tournament led to an agonising fourth-place finish at the Paris Games in 2024, where they lost the bronze-medal match to Germany.

Sunday's final – a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final – promises to be a tight affair, with six of the last seven games between the two sides decided by a single goal and the seventh a scoreless draw.

"The game on Sunday is unique, very one-on-one, where things are decided by the smallest margins. Anything can happen, no matter how experienced or knowledgeable you are," Bonmati explained.

"They have it too, they have lived through many finals. It is going to be a very equal match in that respect."

Bonmati and her teammates are very conscious of where the game will be won and lost.

"When we talk about our game, we talk about a possession game, and we, in the vast majority of games, have had possession. So if we don't have it, something bad will happen, so I hope we have it more than England," she said.

Spain are remaining tight-lipped about what they expect from England in Sunday's Euro 2025 final in Basel, but midfielder Alexia Putellas says her side are ready for whatever Sarina Wiegman and her squad come up with.

"England is a team that can come up with many things – they can be in a low block and move forward, or they can be a team that wants to do both things, (but) we are a team with a lot of resources," Putellas told reporters at the Spanish team's base in Lausanne on Thursday.

"If they decide to be in the low block and move forward, we have been able to play (in the past) and score goals. We are well-balanced so that they do not move forward ... it's hard to get the ball off us, we are ready for anything."

The showdown pits title holders England, who have flirted with elimination en route to the final, against world and Nations League champions Spain, who have started their games in Switzerland slowly before growing into them and taking over.

Putellas said that her side would not be taking anything for granted.

"I try not to think about what has happened, what we have done or what we haven't done. In the end, these are unique moments that we have to live and that we are very excited about," she said.

The game is also a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final that Spain won 1-0, and the two sides have also met in the Nations League earlier this year, with England winning 1-0 in February and Spain grabbing a 2-1 victory in June.

"We are very excited, very ambitious, excited to continue growing, to continue making history and I think that gives us a lot of energy, we get a lot of energy to achieve our goal," Putellas said.

England midfielder Ella Toone knows millions of people in the nation will be watching when the holders take the pitch against world champions Spain in Sunday's Euro 2025 final, but she said the team are not feeling the pressure.

England will be contesting their third successive major showpiece, squeaking into the decider in Basel after two edge-of-your-seat victories, but Toone said all is calm in the Lionesses camp.

"The pressure is just the stuff that we put on ourselves," the 25-year-old said at the team's base camp on Friday.

"We said that we wanted to make the nation proud, and I think we've done that already. We've reached a final for the third time in a row, and that's something that we can hold our heads high (about) and we should be proud of that.

"We know that no matter what we do, we're always inspiring the next generation of young girls and boys starting out in their journey. (But) no pressure from our side."

Toone hopes Sunday will be without the drama of their victories over Sweden, in the quarterfinal, and Italy in the semi, with teenager Michelle Agyemang scoring at the death to rescue them from the brink in both.

"It's mad, I'm not all for the drama but we've deffo made it dramatic," she said at England's base camp on Friday.

"Sometimes football doesn't happen how you want it to, it would be lovely to win in 90 minutes, but we've never given up, we've probably given the fans at home heart attacks, but we've never given up.

"I think we've almost killed (coach Sarina Wiegman) twice this tournament, she's said we have aged her," she added laughing.

Wiegman is the first coach in either the men's or women's game to coach in five consecutive major tournament finals, including two with her native Netherlands before England hired her 2021.

"When we go out on the pitch we fight for each other but also her, the staff and the fans watching," Toone said.

Defender Lucy Bronze, who fired home what would be England's winning penalty in their shootout against Sweden, will break Jill Scott's record of 35 major tournament appearances by an England player, men or women.

"She is an absolute beast," Toone said of the 33-year-old Bronze. "She's the oldest player in the squad and has just played two back-to-back 120 minutes. All the players look up to her. She's someone who you listen to when she talks and when she steps out on the pitch she has your back.

"She's unbelievable - another great tournament for us. For a lot of people making one appearance at a major tournament is an achievement."

Toone also heaped praise on England's youngest player Agyemang.

Toone's contribution to England's 2022 Euro victory made her a fan favourite, and she was asked how the 19-year-old forward will similarly handle her newfound fame.

"(Agyemang) might get papped eating a pasty like I did. I'll have to warn her about that," Toone said with a laugh.

"It's mad. I'd think she is 30 years old, she's so mature and humble. She's come into the tournament with freedom, without a worry or care. She's been amazing for us, turned up in big moments when we needed her."