Lionesses Diary - Day 23: England learn final opponents as preparation gets underway

England have learned their fate for the Euro 2025 final as they will face Spain in Basel on Sunday.

The world champions defeated Germany 1-0 in extra time at the Stadion Letzigrund on Wednesday evening thanks to a sublime strike from Aitana Bonmati to set up a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final.

Here is everything you need to know from day 23 at Euro 2025.

READ MORE: Chloe Kelly net worth, salary and England Euro 2025 hero's beautiful wedding to husband Scott

READ MORE: Chloe Kelly: England's success should not mask racism suffered by Jess Carter

Today in camp

Lucy Bronze has filled in the tournament wallchart to confirm England versus Spain in the final, as she prepares for a rematch against many of her former Barcelona teammates.

Knowledge of Wednesday night’s result will allow England’s preparation to hit full swing as they launch analysis and tactical plans.

That will, of course, all be implemented on the training pitch as the players turn their attention to the big match on Sunday.

Having taken to the pool for recovery on Wednesday they will hope to feel much fresher with a day’s separation from their gruelling semi-final.

Germany’s approach of five at the back may have given Sarina Wiegman, who has not been averse to such an approach, inspiration heading into the final as they managed to keep Spain at bay until the 113th minute.

Trending topics

Confirmation that it will be Spain and England in the Euro 2025 final means that the tournament will mark the eighth successive Women’s European Championship that a female coach has won the competition.

Sarina Wiegman and Montserrat Tome have led their sides all the way to the showdown in Basel and one will undoubtedly make history on Sunday.

That is made all the more remarkable by the fact that less than half of the coaches leading their sides in Switzerland are women.

Wiegman has already made history of her own having reached a fifth consecutive major tournament final - reaching Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup finals with the Netherlands before reaching the subsequent three with the Lionesses.

Quote of the day

“To reach another final, the girls are in very good spirits and the way we did it brings the team together. We just don’t know when to give up.

“We come into every tournament and we want to reach the final. The way we’ve done it is a bit more stressful for everyone but that’s the beauty of this team.

“We are relentless. We have got belief in ourselves that even in the 90th minute we can get a goal and win.” - Keira Walsh

What are the pundits saying?

As attention turns towards the final on Sunday, there follows the inevitable questions about the best starting line-up for Sarina Wiegman to adopt.

While the Dutch manager has been known to favour as much consistency as possible from her tournament line-ups, famously starting the same XI for the entirety of Euro 2022, England’s tournament form this time round has led to calls for change.

With Lauren James an injury concern, having been subbed at half-time against Italy, former Lioness Izzy Christiansen believes it is there that Wiegman can make a switch.

“Even if James makes a full recovery, it is time for [Chloe] Kelly,” she told The Times.

“England would not be in Sunday’s final without the Arsenal winger, who made two goal-creating crosses in the quarter-final with Sweden before scoring on the rebound after her penalty was saved against Italy.

“Although Kelly missed the spot kick on Tuesday, her sharp reaction and cool celebration reiterated how she adores the big occasion — and few games are greater than a Euros final.

Best of the rest

Believe it or not, Spain made history on Wednesday evening as they qualified for their first-ever European Championship final.

They faced a tough test against an injury-depleted Germany side who set up well to frustrate La Roja.

Despite facing something of an injury crisis in defence, the Germans set up with five at the back as Janina Minge captained a stoic backline with Sophia Kleinherne and Rebecca Knaak either side of her in the central three.

They had chances upfront, too, with Giovanna Hoffmann going close on a couple of occasions.

But the Spanish quality shone through as they dominated possession and came closer and closer to finding the breakthrough with Patri Guijarro hitting the post.

It was eventually double Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati who made the difference as she shaped up to cross before slotting the ball home at the near post in extra time.

It marked the end of Germany’s valiant efforts and saw Spain confirm yet another meeting with the Lionesses at St. Jakob Arena.