England vs Spain: How the Lionesses Should Line Up for the Euro 2025 Final in Basel

Chloe Kelly deserves her start, Jess Park can inject energy, and Michelle Agyemang remains England’s secret weapon

And now, we arrive at the final stop.

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final is set for this Sunday at St. Jakob Park in Basel, and it’s a familiar foe that stands between England and back-to-back European crowns: Spain. It’s a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final that still stings in the hearts of Lionesses fans—a game where England came up just short. Now, Sarina Wiegman’s side has the perfect chance for redemption.

This clash marks the third meeting between England and Spain in 2025 alone, following their Nations League group-stage showdowns earlier in the year. Both sides earned a win apiece—England took the honours at Wembley in February (1-0), while Spain bounced back in June with a 2-1 triumph. But finals are a different beast entirely.

Spain have been nothing short of exceptional in recent years, adding World Cup glory to their rising international profile. But England are European champions for a reason, and with Wiegman at the helm, tactical flexibility and player trust will be crucial on Sunday.

Here’s how the Lionesses should line up against Spain—with a focus on balance, energy, and timely impact.

GK: Hannah Hampton – Calm Under Pressure

Hannah Hampton England Women 2025

Replacing Mary Earps was always going to be a monumental task, but Hannah Hampton has stepped up when it mattered most. From that remarkable double-save against Italy to her commanding presence in the box, she’s earned her place. Sunday will be her first major tournament final, and she’ll need to bring her A-game against Spain’s fluid, technical attack.

RB: Lucy Bronze – Big Game, Big Player

Lucy Bronze England Women 2025

Though there were moments in the semi-final where she looked like she wanted a do-over—especially during Italy’s opening goal—Bronze has consistently delivered when it counts. Her leadership and experience are vital. Expect her to raise her level in the final, as she did in the quarter-final shootout heroics.

CB: Leah Williamson – Defensive Anchor

Leah Williamson England Women 2025

Wiegman is unlikely to tinker with her back four in a match of this magnitude. Williamson has grown into the tournament and, even if England’s defence has looked shaky at times, she remains a pillar of composure. Expect her to marshal the line against Spain’s tricky forwards.

CB: Maya Le Tissier – A Mature Head on Young Shoulders

Esme Morgan England Women 2025

Thrown into the fire with little major-tournament experience, Le Tissier showed nerves early against Italy but settled well. Her athleticism and intelligence make her the better option over Jess Carter, who struggled against Sweden. She’ll need to be sharp from the first whistle.

LB: Alex Greenwood – A Steady Hand

Left-back remains a problem position for England, but Greenwood has made it hers by necessity. She won’t get much support against Spain’s width-heavy attack, but her composure on the ball and defensive awareness will be critical. A 3-5-2 might protect her more, but Wiegman is expected to stick with the 4-3-3.

Midfield Shape: A Blend of Control and Energy

CM: Keira Walsh – England’s Metronome

She rarely makes the headlines, but Walsh is the heartbeat of this England side. Her vision and calmness under pressure allow England to dictate tempo, even when under the cosh. She must remain sharp and tidy if England are to gain midfield control against Spain’s pressing game.

CM: Georgia Stanway – The Engine Room

Stanway’s work rate cannot be understated. While she’s played a lot of minutes during this tournament, her relentless energy and ability to carry the ball forward will be key. Breaking up play and feeding the wide players will be her biggest responsibilities on Sunday.

CM: Jess Park – Injecting Freshness and Bite

This is where Wiegman can, and arguably should, make a bold move. Jess Park brings energy, pressing intensity, and quick feet—all elements that will unsettle Spain’s midfield. She’s familiar with the opponent, having started against them in both Nations League matches earlier this year. Bringing her in from the start could give England the edge in transitions and counter-attacks.

Forwards: Stick with Russo, Let Agyemang Be the Spark

RW: Chloe Kelly – A Deserved Start

With Lauren James nursing an injury and Beth Mead struggling to make a sustained impact, the moment has arrived for Chloe Kelly. She’s delivered off the bench against Sweden and Italy, creating moments of magic and momentum. Now she deserves to be trusted from the off.

ST: Alessia Russo – All-Round Contribution

While her goal tally may not scream “tournament top scorer”, Russo has been crucial in other ways—pressing defenders, holding up the ball, and linking play. Her experience and discipline will be invaluable, and she should start again.

LW: Lauren Hemp – Chaos Factor

It’s been a rollercoaster tournament for Hemp, but when she’s on song, she’s unplayable. Her pace will stretch Spain’s back line, and even when she’s inconsistent, her threat is enough to create space for others. She’ll need to bring more composure to her final ball, but she’s worth the gamble from the start.

Super-Sub: Michelle Agyemang – The Game-Changer

Michelle Agyemang has been electric off the bench—goals in the quarter-final and semi-final speak for themselves. But throwing a 19-year-old into the cauldron of a final from the start might be too much, too soon. Keeping her in her now-custom super-sub role could pay off again, especially if introduced earlier.

Wiegman must resist the urge to delay her appearance; 10 or 15 minutes of Agyemang is not enough. Give her 30 and she could win you the game.

Final Thoughts: Stick With What Works, Tweak What Doesn’t

This Euro 2025 final will be settled on the margins. England cannot afford to make wholesale changes at this stage, but clever tweaks—like starting Jess Park and Chloe Kelly—can make all the difference. Michelle Agyemang’s role off the bench remains vital, but timing is everything.

Spain will come at England with everything, but this team knows what it takes to lift silverware. With the right balance of experience, dynamism, and game management, the Lionesses can do just that again in Basel.

Redemption awaits.