England v Spain live: Build up to Euro 2025 final in Basel including kick-off time and latest team news

England have reached a third major tournament final in a row at Euro 2025 – a run of results that is unprecedented in their history – but manager Sarina Wiegman said it has been their “craziest” ride yet.

An opening defeat to France left England facing must-win games against Netherlands and Wales to reach the quarter-finals, where they then fell 2-0 behind against Sweden.

But Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly rescued England from the bench, as the Lionesses won on penalties, and England required another miraculous escape to beat Italy in the semi-finals, again in extra-time.

As we count down to kick-off, our football reporter Jamie Braidwood has the latest from Basel:

England fans are marching to St Jakob Park in Basel ahead of the Euro 2025 final. Swiss police have closed off a number of major roads, including one of the bridges into the city, with a crowd of several thousand signing songs and waving fans as they walk as one towards the stadium. There are some great signs on display, too, including one that not says: ‘It’s not over until Chloe says so’.

England captain Leah Williamson dismissed the idea that the Lionesses will be “underdogs” going into the Euro 2025 final against world champions Spain.

“I think tomorrow we play a game against the world champions who continue to prove themselves over and over in the way they play football,” Williamson said. “They are fantastic footballing team and they are the best at what they do and we’re very much aware of that.

“We think we’re pretty good in areas as well. We need to be at our best to beat Spain. I think they need to be at their best to beat us too. There is a lot of respect between the two teams. I would be hesitant to say there’s an underdog in this scenario.

“Ultimately we’re going against the world champions tomorrow and that’s not an easy job. We will prepare ourselves as best we can for that challenge.”

England supporters heading to the stadium in time for kick off at 5pm:

As has been tradition at this European Championship, the England fans are collectively marching to the stadium to support the Lionesses.

It’s a shown of solidarity and support picked up off the Netherlands fans whose ‘Orange March’ was quite a spectacle during Euro 2022 in England.

Lucy Bronze is set to break the record for most appearances by an England player at major international tournaments, overtaking Lionesses legend Jill Scott with her 36th match at either the Euros or World Cup against Spain today.

The 33-year-old right back will hold the record outright, with Harry Kane making the most on the men’s side with 29 appearances at Euros or World Cups.

“She’s amazing. I mean, she’s a legend, she’s someone who everyone in this team looks up to, and it’s not a surprise that she’s going to probably set a record of most appearances in major tournaments,” Ella Toone said this week.

“She’s an absolute beast. I mean, she’s the oldest player in the squad, and she’s just played two back to back 120 minutes. That shows something and that’s something that us younger players and people in the team can really look up to.”

England midfielder Keira Walsh said it was “disappointing” that Spain’s players did not get more respect after winning the World Cup in 2023 and wants them to enjoy the moment when they face the Lionesses in the Euro 2025 final.

Spain’s victory over England was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso during their trophy celebrations without her consent, while star player Aitana Bonmati said their triumph was “for nothing” as it changed little in the country.

By contrast, England’s Euro 2022 win had a transformative effect on women’s football and Walsh, who spent two-and-a-half years at Barcelona and has close ties with many in the Spain squad, said the Spanish players deserved better.

England have scored five goals by substitutes during Euro 2025, with Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly both finding the back of the net in the semi-final win over Italy.

England substitutes scored seven goals during their triumphant Euro 2022 campaign and both Ella Toone and Kelly came off the bench to score against Germany at the Wembley final.

The record for the most goals scored by substitutes at a tournament is eight, set by Germany at 2009.

Ella Toone believes England’s Euro 2025 final could be won and lost in midfield, ahead of what promises to be a pivotal contest against Spain’s world-class trio of Barcelona stars.

Spain’s midfield features two two-time Ballon d’Or winners in Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, with Patri Guijarro’s performances at the Euros also earning high praise.

Toone is likely to start next to Keira Walsh, who played alongside Bonmati, Putellas and Guijarro during her time at Barcelona, and Georgia Stanway – who all began England’s World Cup final defeat to Spain two years ago.

The atmosphere in Basel is building nicely as England fans are preparing themselves ahead of kick off at 5pm.

The crowds are growing and there’s an excited atmosphere as supporters hope to see the Lionesses win the Euros for a second time.