Spain boss Montse Tome is not expecting her side to steamroller England in tomorrow’s Euro 2025 final in Basel.
The world champions are odds-on favourites to back up their success in Australia two years ago by also claiming the European crown.
They have looked the best team in the tournament so far, in contrast to England who have had to launch late comebacks in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals to eliminate Sweden and Italy, respectively.
The Lionesses are the defending champions, however, and Tome is wary of the strengths of Sarina Wiegman’s side.
She said: “I expect a balanced game. England have a powerful attack line and also in midfield they have a high level. They are very capable in defence. For all these reasons we will have to pressure and to have a good offence but I expect a balanced game.”
They are very competitive – Tome
The sides have played twice this year already, both winning once on home soil.
Tome added: “Lessons learned from the Barcelona and Wembley games.
“At Wembley I thought we deserved more, we had occasions with the ball. They are very competitive. They showed in this tournament that even if they don’t play well they win. In Barcelona the game was quite balanced then we overcame because we put pressure on them.
“It’s a final and it will be quite balanced.”
Spain are in a good place, however, according to their boss.
“We have the team we want to have.,” she said. “We have the team we have been creating and building and working on during this year. We have been fine-tuning to reach the point we are in with the players that represent what we feel. We are in a Women’s Euros final so I am very happy with the job we have done.”
No expectation on world champions Spain
Tome was eager to reiterate that she did not view England as underdogs, and insisted there was no added expectation on her team heading into the clash at St-Jakob Park.
“I don’t think about pressure,” she said. “I think during the whole tournament we have been writing history – getting to the semis and the final for the first time, beating Germany for the first time. We have been accomplishing objectives and that’s the reason we’re here.
“Our first objective was to play six games and that’s the case. England are defending the title, they are the current champions, we will compete and we will enjoy the game. Of course we want to win.”
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