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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood and Will Castle

Germany vs Spain live: Bonmati magic sets up England v Spain rematch in Euro 2025 final

England will reignite their rivalry with Spain in the Euro 2025 final after Aitana Bonmati produced a moment of brilliance deep into extra time to help her side edge past Germany in Zurich.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner broke the deadlock in the 113th minute of the semi-final when she squeezed a shot from close to the byline past the Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, as Spain set up a World Cup final rematch with European champions England on Sunday.

Barcelona midfielder Bonmati confirmed after the match that she intended to shoot after Spain had studied Berger’s positioning and found she often left the near post uncovered in anticipation of a cross or a pull-back.

England returned to the Euros final after their dramatic comeback against Italy on Tuesday night and the holders will aim to win back-to-back titles against world champions Spain, the team who denied them in the World Cup final in Sydney two years ago.

Relive the action from Spain vs Germany in our live blog below:

Germany vs Spain LIVE

  • Spain defeat Germany 1-0 in extra time to set up Euro 2025 final against England
  • 113' GOAL! Aitana Bonmati beats Ann-Katrin Berger at near post to send Spain through [GER 0-1 ESP]
  • 90+4' DOUBLE SAVE! Cata Coll denies Germany and keeps Spain alive to force ET [GER 0-0 ESP]
  • HALF TIME! Ann-Katrin Berger makes key saves as Germany frustrate Spain [GER 0-0 ESP]
  • England awaits them in Sunday's final after pulling off a miraculous comeback victory over Italy

Spain illustrate their genius to set up Euro 2025 final showdown with England

00:17 , Miguel Delaney, at Stadion Letzigrund

If it was anyone else in the world, you might wonder whether she really meant it. If it was anyone else in the world, though, Spain probably wouldn’t have even been in that position to score. As it is, the world champions are in their first ever women’s European Championship final, thanks to the genius of Aitana Bonmati.

Spain illustrate their genius to set up Euro 2025 final showdown with England

Here we go again

00:00 , Will Castle

England vs Spain in a major final. We’ve been here before, haven’t we.

So much will be on the line. The Lionesses, defending their European title, will have a shot at redemption after being pipped to the World Cup by the Spaniards two years ago.

For Spain, this is the opportunity for total domination. They’re world champions, Nations League champions, and could complete the triple crown with a Euros triumph.

All will go down on Sunday in Zurich. See you then!

(Getty Images)

Mariona Caldentey prepares to face off against familiar faces

23:45 , Will Castle

"I know a lot of them, I know the footballers they are. I know what they can do,” the Arsenal and Spain star told BBC Sport.

"So it will be a hard game. Of course, it's a final. So they are dangerous, even if they can't play their greatest football yet, they have it inside them, and a final is one game.

"It will be hard, but hopefully a good game. The Euros is something we have never won, and it's something we are missing - we really want it as a team. That's our focus from the first day and we are really close. It's just one more step.

"With this team, you feel like everything is possible because we have a strong team. We have a lot of players involved, we are ready and we have the ambition to win. So this year, why not? It's one more game, we respect England, but we will go for it."

(Getty Images)

FULL TIME! Germany 0-1 Spain

23:30 , Will Castle

A valliant effort from the Germans, who so nearly forced penalties. You would’ve fancied them in a shootout, too.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Aitana Bonmati said Spain had studied Ann-Katrin Berger

23:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Aitana Bonmati explains her winning moment in the Euro 2025 semi-final.

"I'm proud because we deserve it. We had a tremendous championship. It was the first time we beat Germany, and on top of that, we reached the final.

"We had studied Berger and sometimes the first post was left empty.

"I don't believe in destiny, I believe in work and my mentality."

(REUTERS)

Heartbreak for Ann-Katrin Berger

23:15 , Will Castle

She’s been so good in between the sticks all tournament, but Ann-Katrin Berger will be having sleepless nights for a while after letting Bonmati’s effort fly in at her near post.

(Getty Images)

FULL TIME! Germany 0-1 Spain

23:03 , Will Castle

Big. Game. Player.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Aitana Bonmati's journey to Euro 2025 final

22:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Four weeks ago, Aitana Bonmati was taken to hospital for treatment for viral meningitis. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner missed Spain’s friendly against Japan and spent several days in hospital recovering.

The Barcelona star joined up with Spain’s squad a few days before their opening game against Portugal but did not make her first start of the tournament until the third game. She has now scored the goal in extra time to send Spain through to the final.

(Getty Images)
(@aitanabonmati instagram)

England and Spain to meet again

22:53 , Jamie Braidwood

For the third summer in a row, England and Spain will meet in a major tournament final.

2023: Women’s World Cup final: England 0-1 Spain

2024: Men’s Euro 2024 final: England 1-2 Spain

2025: Women’s Euro 2025 final: England vs Spain

FULL TIME! Germany 0-1 Spain

22:51 , Jamie Braidwood

For the first time, Spain have beaten Germany at a major tournament, ending a run of three consecutive defeats at either Euros or World Cups against the eight-time European champions.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

When is the Euro 2025 final and who will England play?

22:43 , Jamie Braidwood

England will get their shot at back-to-back European titles after clawing their way to the Euro 2025 final in Switzerland - and they will face familiar opponents on Sunday.

The Lionesses will take on Spain in a sensational rematch of the 2023 World Cup final after Aitana Bonmati’s goal in extra time sent the world champions through to their first European final with a 1-0 victory over Germany in Zurich.

When is the Euro 2025 final and who will England play?

Aitana Bonmati's winning moment

22:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Did Bonmati mean to beat Berger at her near post? The midfielder does not look up but Berger was pointing her defenders towards the cross and left the smallest gap for Bonmati to find. It still required power and precision, but that’s why she is a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.

FULL TIME! Germany 0-1 Spain

22:35 , Jamie Braidwood

The last team to beat Spain was....England. But the world champions also defeated England in their last meeting, just a few weeks before the Euros.

Germany gave them a good test tonight but they just ran out of steam after battling through that quarter-final against France on penalties.

It was not vintage Spain but they found a way.

FULL TIME! Germany 0-1 Spain

22:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Spain will play England on Sunday in the Euro 2025 final! It’s Spain’s first ever European final, and it will be a rematch of the 2023 World Cup.

Aitana Bonmati, whose participation in the Euros was in doubt when she was admitted to hospital with viral meningitis, is the hero in the semi-final with her goal in extra time.

The world’s best player delivers an outstanding moment.

ET: Germany 0-1 Spain

22:31 , Jamie Braidwood

119 mins: Chaos at the end! Berger plays it straight out to Paralluelo, who shoots straight at the goalkeeper. Then Germany break: Brand is in space, but can’t pick out a white shirt with the cross!

ET: Germany 0-1 Spain

22:30 , Jamie Braidwood

119 mins: Just the one added minute for Germany and Spain have the ball. Bonmati knows how to slow it down and Spain are almost there.

ET: Germany 0-1 Spain

22:28 , Jamie Braidwood

117 mins: Germany are suddenly very short on time but Lea Schuller forces the save from Cata Coll, who rescued Spain in the final moments of normal time. Spain then clear the corner.

ET: Germany 0-1 Spain

22:27 , Jamie Braidwood

115 mins: Berger was the hero for Germany in the quarter-finals, but was caught out by Bonmati’s finish. The Germany goalkeeper pointed to her right expecting the cross at the exact moment Bonmati struck inside her near post to her left. Bonmati did not look up, she knew where the goal was.

(REUTERS)

GOOOOAAAAL! ET: Germany 0-1 Spain (BONMATI 113')

22:23 , Jamie Braidwood

WHAT A GOAL TO BREAK THE DEADLOCK BY AITANA BONMATI! INCREDIBLE!

The world’s best player stands up for Spain! Played in towards the byline, Aitana Bonmati catches Ann-Katrin Berger out by somehow managing to squeeze a finish between the goalkeeper and her near post; Berger is beaten by pace and accuracy of the highest level under so much pressure.

Brilliant from Bonmati and Spain are five minutes away from the final.

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

22:22 , Jamie Braidwood

111 mins: Superb play from Brand to carry Germany up the pitch with a dribble from inside her own half. She draws the foul from Paralluelo.

Germany have taken a lot of inspiration from their win over France, playing almost as if they are down to 10 players, and Brand and Buhl have put in big shifts again on the wings.

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

22:20 , Jamie Braidwood

109 mins: Buhl weaves her way into the box as Batlle drops off, but the right back gets her block in and Coll collects.

Sjoeke Nusken and Kathrin Hendrich, who are both suspended for Germany, are watching on anxiously from the stands.

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

22:18 , Jamie Braidwood

107 mins: Spain haven't played a 0-0 in three and a half years, but this has not been their night so far.

(Getty Images)

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

22:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Half time of extra time: I’ve dug out both Germany and Spain’s penalty records.

Both Germany and Spain won penalty shoot-outs at last year’s Olympics quarter-finals, with Spain beating Colombia and Germany defeating Canada. Germany also won their Euros quarter-final against France on penalties.

Spain’s only other penalty shoot-out came in a Euro 2017 quarter-final defeat to Austria.

Overall, Germany are 4-1, Spain are 1-1.

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

22:11 , Jamie Braidwood

104 mins: Selina Cerci is very harshly penalised for handball as Germany looked to break forward.

At the other end, Parades meets a header from a Spain corner but can’t keep her effort down.

(Getty Images)

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

22:09 , Jamie Braidwood

101 mins: The further we go, the closer we get to penalties - where you would have to think Germany become the favourites because of Ann-Katrin Berger.

The Spain striker Cristina Martin-Prieto is on for Mariona Caldentey - who has not been at her best in the quarter-finals or semi-finals.

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

22:07 , Jamie Braidwood

97 mins: Buhl stands over a free-kick and then sends Spain the wrong way by shaping to shoot - she instead clips a cross towards Knaak but it’s overhit.

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

22:02 , Jamie Braidwood

95 mins: Superb recovery defending from Kleinherne to deny Paralluelo, but it looks to come at a cost. Kleinherne looks to have overextended in making the challenge and holds the back of her leg as she gets back to her feet.

But Kleinherne is in tears as she is forced off - to be replaced by Sidney Lohmann. Germany now without Gwinn, Nusken, Hendrich, Kleinherne...

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

21:59 , Jamie Braidwood

91 mins: Germany suddenly find themselves with loads of space to attack into as Buhl switches to Wamser. Unfortunately for Germany, their big chances have suddenly started falling to the right back, and Wamser shoots over!

Meanwhile, England are resting up at their five-star Zurich hotel and will not mind one bit than their final opponents on Sunday are heading into extra time.

ET: Germany 0-0 Spain

21:57 , Jamie Braidwood

90 mins: For the second night in a row, we head to extra time. What are the odds that the first goalless draw of the tournament would involve Spain, the top scorers! Germany have been excellent.

EXTRA TIME! Germany 0-0 Spain

21:52 , Jamie Braidwood

90+4 mins: DOUBLE SAVE !!!!! Oh my goodness, what happened here! Buhl’s shot from the edge of the box takes a wicked deflection and loops high into the night... Cata Coll has to scramble back to punch off her line, and is then required to get back to her feet to deny Wamser’s follow-up!

That’s how close Germany were to the final! Cata Coll has just kept Spain in it! We’re going to extra time!

Berger, Hampton, Coll... goalkeepers are turning up at Euro 2025.

(REUTERS)

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:48 , Jamie Braidwood

90 mins: Chance! Paralluelo almost flicks Spain into the final but Germany’s defence is one again resolute and there is pressure on the Spain forward as she looks to reach the cross at the front post.

Paralluelo is then an inch away from meeting Del Castillo’s driven cross! The Spain forward slides in at the back post, but is an inch away!

Into four minutes of added time.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:45 , Miguel Delaney

86 mins: Germany sense this. Spain have allowed a classic angst to evolve into their play. They haven't scored, and that has started to translate into less and less meaningful possession.

It is impossible not to feel such a key to this game has been Germany's utter faith in Berger in goal, which makes the defence so assured. Spain haven't enjoyed anything like the same space behind the opposition backline as they have in every game so far.

Some questions about Tome's decisions, too. They needed Paralluelo's pace but Pina going off?

(Getty Images)

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:42 , Jamie Braidwood

82 mins: CLOSE!!! Klara Buhl stands over a free-kick on the edge of the Spain box and half of the stadium thinks it’s in as she goes low and around the wall! But Buhl’s shot goes the wrong side of the post and ripples the side of the net on the way through. So close from Germany.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:38 , Jamie Braidwood

80 mins: Usually when a goalkeeper goes down injured there is some suggestion that one of the teams is taking an “tactical timeout”. That’s what happened here as Ann-Katrin Berger receives some treatment before returning to her feet and playing on.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:36 , Jamie Braidwood

78 mins: What a goal this would have been from Spain. They cut Germany apart with a wonderful move down the left, with Carmona found on the overlap, but Paralluelo was not ready for the cut-back. Spain had racked up the passes there and it would have been a sensational goal.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:33 , Jamie Braidwood

75 mins: Rebecca Knaak makes another big block on the edge of the box, with Patri’s shot denied this time. Del Castillo replaces Pina, who in the end was well shackled by Wamser.

At the other end, Brand almost lead a Germany break and looked to find Buhl’s run - but her opposite winger had just strayed offside and was pushed wide anyway.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:29 , Jamie Braidwood

71 mins: Pina’s cross if fizzed across the box but it narrowly evades Bonmati. Berger looked to guide it through and did well to not commit to making a save. Bonmati is trying to get Spain going and raising their tempo.

Athenea del Castillo is going to be next on for Spain: she broke the deadlock against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Spain need a similar impact now.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:27 , Miguel Delaney

69 mins: Germany are sensing this.

(Getty Images)

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:26 , Jamie Braidwood

68 mins: Almost a glorious moment for Aitana Bonmati as a long ball forward was headed away to Germany and it fell perfectly for the volley 25 yards out. But Bonmati’s connection is not clean and it’s sliced wide.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:23 , Jamie Braidwood

66 mins: A good spell of pressure from Germany may have sparked some tensions in the Spain ranks. They are going to make their first change by bringing on winger Salma Paralluelo, who can offer some pace they have so far looked short of. Gonzalez is replaced.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:20 , Jamie Braidwood

62 mins: SAVE! Oh a good chance for Germany! They can hit Spain with some pace but Hoffmann looks to have pushed Buhl too far wide with the pass - Buhl, though, cuts onto her right and unleashes a fierce shot at Cata Coll, who saves and pushes out.

Linda Dallmann replaces Dabritz in Germany’s first change.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:15 , Jamie Braidwood

57 mins: Chance! Great play from Patri picks out Bonmati, just where Spain want her. Bonmati cuts onto her left and looks to shoot across goal but Sophia Kleinherne makes a crucial block with her thigh.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:12 , Jamie Braidwood

55 mins: Buhl whips her arms as Germany take a break from waves of Spain’s pressure by winning their first corner of the game.

But the delivery from Buhl was not the best and Spain can clear at the front post.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:08 , Jamie Braidwood

51 mins: Berger again! This is a brave stop from the goalkeeper as Batlle is released with the ball over the top. Berger races off her line and smothers the chance from Batlle - taking a blow in the process.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:06 , Jamie Braidwood

48 mins: Buhl and Brand link up in the box and Brand’s shot is blocked. There are appeals for a handball - and the ball did strike Parades’ arm, but only after the Spain captain blocked the shot with her knee. Nothing given.

Germany 0-0 Spain

21:03 , Jamie Braidwood

46 mins: We’re back underway in Zurich. And there’s an early chance for Germany as they find Hoffmann from the free-kick but she heads wide!

HALF TIME! Berger v Gonzalez a key battle

20:58 , Jamie Braidwood

There was a nice moment at half-time as Spain’s Esther Gonzalez - who leads the golden boot standings so far - congratulated Germany’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger on her save before the break.

According to Opta, Berger has made more saves than any other goalkeeper at Euro 2025, with 20, including saving each of the last 13 shots on target she's faced in the tournament.

(Getty Images)

HALF TIME! Germany hanging on at end of half

20:51 , Miguel Delaney in Zurich

A first half that's gone as predicted, except without the Spanish goal. They've inevitably had all the possession and the vast majority of the play, but Germany have toiled well, with tournament star Ann-Katrin Berger proving equal to anything Spain have thrown at her so far.

Some of those have admittedly been weak efforts from great positions - especially in the last five minutes - but one was a brilliant stop from Esther. By the end, Germany could barely get out of their half. That could have an effect by the 70-minute mark, because this is tiring stuff. While it's 0-0, though, anything can still happen....

(Getty Images)

HALF TIME! Germany 0-0 Spain

20:49 , Jamie Braidwood

Germany breathe a huge sigh of relief as they make it into half-time goalless. Spain were really starting to knock on the door in the last 10 minutes of the half, but there were some signs of encouragement earlier on. There’s a game-plan there, but Spain are growing into it and looked very dangerous before half-time.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:47 , Jamie Braidwood

45+1 mins: DOUBLE CHANCE! Oh what a goal this would been. Esther Gonzalez takes down a low ball with the outside of her foot but can’t beat Berger with the finish, as they goalkeeper makes herself big to deny the striker!

Germany then make a mess of it, losing the ball immediately, but Berger is there again to deny Pina! The Germany goalkeeper is standing tall again!

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:45 , Jamie Braidwood

44 mins: Neat, intricate play from Spain on the edge of he box as Bonmati tees up Caldentey, but her low first-time sweeping shot is saved by Berger. Carmona then tires her luck from range but slices it well wide.

One minute of added time.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:42 , Jamie Braidwood

43 mins: OFF THE POST! Spain are getting closer! Irene Parades is the obvious threat in the box from set-pieces but the Spain captain meets the corner and sends her header downwards and onto the post! It bounces back out and Esther’s acrobatic effort flies over the bar.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:41 , Jamie Braidwood

41 mins: CLOSE! Wonderful whipped cross from Claudia Pina from a wide free-kick and it narrowly flashes past the post as Sara Dabritz gets her head to it before Putellas a the front post.

Spain then work the ball into Esther but a combination of Minge and Wamser make sure they get the block in.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:39 , Jamie Braidwood

38 mins: That’s lovely from Buhl to twist and turn, go inside and then out, to burn past Batlle and fire a low cross into the box.

Buhl and Brand would have the potential to cause England all sorts of problems should they get through to Sunday’s final.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:38 , Jamie Braidwood

34 mins: Germany’s compact shape is really frustrating Spain’s midfield. In hindsight, what excellent preparation playing almost all of their quarter-final while down to 10 players was for facing the world champions. Every Germany players knows their task.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:32 , Jamie Braidwood

30 mins: CHANCE! Oh my goodness what a pass this is from Carlotta Wamser! A stunning curved pass ginds the run of Hoffmann, who is through, but she pokes the finish wide as Cata Coll dashed off her line! That might have been offside - it was tight - but a huge opening squandered by Hoffmann.

Spain's Catalina Coll in action as Germany's Giovanna Hoffmann misses a chance to score (REUTERS)

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:30 , Jamie Braidwood

29 mins: Chance for Germany! Brand drags Pina into positions she doesn’t want to go and squares the cross. There’s an opening for Giovanna Hoffmann but the striker can’t connect with the chance in the box!

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:28 , Jamie Braidwood

25 mins: Spain are building pressure but there’s concern for Germany as Rebecca Knaak is down receiving treatment on her knee. With injuries and suspensions already hitting the back-line, Germany can’t afford any more absences in their defence.

Here’s Berger’s save, which has kept Germany in it.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:22 , Jamie Braidwood

20 mins: WHAT A SAVE! Ann-Katrin Berger is at it again! Spain get their first sight of goal as Olga Carmona’s cross is not cleared. It breaks to Esther Gonzalez and she takes the snap-shot on the half-volley, but Berger flashes an instinctive hand up high to tip it over the bar.

Berger then collects a free header from Parades from the second Spain corner.

(Getty Images)

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:20 , Jamie Braidwood

19 mins: Spain look to get it going as Batlle brings down a long switch and tees up Bonmati. But the play breaks down and Esther Gonzalez is booked bringing down Brand, who did well to work back.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:16 , Jamie Braidwood

14 mins: Germany will be very happy with their start here. Apart from that ambitious effort from Patri, Spain have yet to have a shot, while Buhl and Brand are getting into some dangerous positions at the other end. It’s been a quiet start from Putellas and Bonmati too, even with 70 per cent possession.

(Getty Images)

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:12 , Jamie Braidwood

10 mins: Carlotta Wamser was sent off against Sweden, suspended against France, but is back in from the start and faces a tough task tonight against the excellent Spain winger Claudia Pina.

Patri attempts a shot from halfway, must have spotted Berger off her line, but her aim is wide.

(Getty Images)

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:09 , Jamie Braidwood

7 mins: CHANCE! There’s a loose touch from Irene Parades at the back following a long ball and suddenly Buhl is clear! The winger shoots low across goal but pulls it wide on her left foot!

That’s just the sort of opportunity Germany would have wanted to fall to either Buhl or Brand. They can’t take it.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:05 , Jamie Braidwood

4 mins: Germany’s flying winger Jule Brand had to fulfil defensive duties as a full-back against France and is already harrying Claudia Pina into a foul. Germany almost release Klara Buhl but Ona Batlle reads it wonderfully and wins her one-on-one.

Germany 0-0 Spain

20:02 , Jamie Braidwood

2 mins: Germany are basically back to where they left off the other night against France - sitting deep with everyone behind the ball. This time they have 11 on the pitch, of course, but they need to stay as organised and resilient as they were in Basel.

KICK-OFF! Germany 0-0 Spain

20:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Here we go! Can depleted Germany summon the strength to take down the mighty Spain? Or will the world champions once again become unstuck by their bogey team?

Germany’s injured captain Giulia Gwinn leads their pre-match huddle. They defied the odds before in the semi-final against France, winning with 10 players.

England are watching, and we are underway.

A rematch will be made

19:55 , Jamie Braidwood

The Euro 2025 final will be a rematch of some sort.

Either Germany will have the chance to avenge their defeat to England in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley, or the Lionesses will have the opportunity to face Spain again after their defeat in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney.

Almost time for the national anthems in Zurich.

(Getty Images)

Spain's heartache against Germany

19:49 , Jamie Braidwood

Germany have played Spain three times at major tournaments, including the World Cup, Euros and Olympics, and have won all three games without conceding a goal. That included in last year’s Olympics bronze medal match and a 2-0 defeat in the group stage of Euro 2022.

Spain are the favourites this time though with Germany coming in as underdogs.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Hitting the Germans where it hurts

19:44 , Will Castle

Merciless taunting from the Spanish.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Germany vying to stun the world champions

19:37 , Will Castle

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

When is the Euro 2025 final?

19:30 , Will Castle

The Euro 2025 final will take place on Sunday 27 July in at St Jakob Park, Basel. While kick-off times for the quarter-finals and semi-finals were 8pm, the final will start at 5pm BST (UK time).

What TV channel is it on?

Viewers will have a choice between BBC One and ITV 1, with both channels providing live coverage of the final.

England are living a ‘fantasy’ at Euro 2025 – now they must get real

19:20 , Will Castle

As the giddy talk in Geneva inevitably turned to endings, and comparisons with movies, match-winner Chloe Kelly described it as a “fantasy”. That might well refer to the improbability of England somehow winning despite performing so badly, even though that’s obviously not what the forward meant.

Sarina Wiegman and her squad naturally don’t want to get into such critical discussion right now, and for good reason. There’s another historic final appearance to celebrate. There’s also going to be a lot of analysis to come before Sunday, and a lot of preparation.

They’re needed.

England are so much less than the sum of their parts, but, crucially, have greater qualities. There is a rare resolve in the team.

Read more from Miguel Delaney:

England are living a ‘fantasy’ at Euro 2025 – now they must get real

Euro 2025 route to final

19:10 , Will Castle

Team news

19:00 , Flo Clifford

Germany make two changes from their quarter-final, with the suspended Sjoeke Nusken and Kathrin Hendrich replaced by Carlotta Wamser (back from her own red card suspension) and Sara Dabritz.

Spain have another enforced change: Aleixandri is ineligible to play after picking up too many yellows. She is replaced by Maria Mendez.

Team news - Spain

18:56 , Flo Clifford

Spain XI: Cata Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Mendez, Olga, Bonmati, Patri, Alexia, Caldente, Pina, Gonzalez.

Substitutes: Sullastres, NAnclares, Fernandez, Ouahabi, Martin-Prieto, Garcia, Paralluelo, Vicky, Redondo, Zubieta.

Team news - Germany

18:53 , Flo Clifford

Germany XI: Berger, Knaak, Wamser, Minge, Dabritz, Kett, Hoffmann, Buhl, Senss, Brand, Kleinherne.

Substitutes: Johannes, Mahmutovic, Linder, Gwinn, Lohmann, Freigang, Schuller, Zicai, Cercik, Dallmann.

List of previous Euros winners

18:45 , Will Castle

2022 - England (2-1 a.e.t vs Germany)

2017 - Netherlands (4-2 vs Denmark)

2013 - Germany (1-0 vs Norway)

2009 - Germany (6-2 vs England)

2005 - Germany (3-1 vs Norway)

2001 - Germany (1-0 g.g. vs Sweden)

1997 - Germany (2-0 vs Italy)

1995 - Germany (3-2 vs Sweden)

1993 - Norway (1-0 vs Italy)

1991 - Germany (3-1 a.e.t. vs Norway)

1989 - West Germany (4-1 vs Norway)

1987 - Norway (2-1 vs Sweden)

1984 - Sweden (1-1 vs England, 4-3 on penalties)

The secret to Chloe Kelly’s unbreakable confidence

18:30 , Will Castle

England were seconds away from going home. Losing 1-0 to Italy in the Euro 2025 semi-finals, the Lionesses needed a hero. Up stepped Chloe Kelly, raising her arms as she prepared to deliver an inswinging corner from the left. But as the England fans behind the goal prayed for a moment of inspiration, it was immediately clear that something was wrong: Kelly dragged her cross straight out of play. It landed, horribly, into the side-netting.

“Obviously it wasn’t the plan,” Kelly grimaced. Neither was it the plan to miss a penalty with the chance to send England through to the Euro 2025 final, but Kelly’s response to both the failed corner and saved spot-kick remained the same. “The reaction is as important as the action,” Kelly explained. “For me, it was important to not dwell on the moment.” Instead, she followed up her penalty miss by scoring the rebound, telling everyone to “chill” as they lost their minds.

For Kelly, the 119th-minute winner in Geneva is the latest in a long line of iconic moments in an England shirt, to go alongside Wembley, Brisbane and Zurich. When the pressure is at its highest, Kelly has been able to rise above it and deliver, time and time again.

Jamie Braidwood reports from Geneva:

The secret to Chloe Kelly’s unbreakable confidence

What Spain’s celebrations revealed about the Women’s Euro 2025 favourites

18:15 , Will Castle

It was a little insight into a team that might well end up being hailed as the greatest.

After the final whistle of what might have superficially looked like a fairly routine 2-0 quarter-final win, Spain’s players celebrated as if they’d won a trophy.

There was joyous camaraderie. They ran to the fans. There were group photos where they beckoned members of staff to get involved. Players were even larking about, imitating kung-fu kicks and chasing after each other.

Miguel Delaney reports:

What Spain’s celebrations revealed about the Euro 2025 favourites

How cancer survivor Ann-Katrin Berger rescued Germany with the save of Euro 2025

18:00 , Will Castle

The header from Janina Minge looped horribly for Germany, taking on a sort of vicious arc that could only come from a bad accident, or a cruel twist of fate. Ann-Katrin Berger had already taken a couple of paces off her line in anticipation of Selma Bacha’s in-swinging cross, then made another two quick steps forward as she decided she was going to try and collect it. When Minge leapt, sending the ball back towards goal, Berger seemed stranded out of position, the goalkeeper’s left foot touching the six-yard line.

It’s a goal, it has to be. Germany are a player down and hanging on for penalties, but this is the first time since their early red card that those in white have stopped. They stand frozen to the spot as if momentarily accepting their fate.

Berger, though, is still alive to the moment. If there is anyone who knows anything about refusing to accept the hand that life has dealt, it is the 34-year-old goalkeeper, who has spun around and taken huge strides while France’s players are raising their arms in celebration.

Jamie Braidwood reports:

How cancer survivor Ann-Katrin Berger rescued Germany with the save of Euro 2025

What is the team news?

17:45 , Will Castle

Germany will be without influential midfielder Sjoeke Nusken, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament against France, and defender Kathrin Hendrich, who is also suspended after her red card for pulling France captain Griedge Mbock by the hair.

The two suspensions only add to Germany’s injury worries: Giulia Gwinn has already been ruled out of the tournament while another defender, Sarai Linder, hobbled off against France with a foot injury. Carlotta Wamser is available to return from suspension, though.

Spain were back to full strength against Switzerland with Cata Coll returning in goal and Aitana Bonmati making her second start of the tournament after recovering from illness. Centre-back Laia Aleixandri is suspended after she was booked against Switzerland.

Possible Germany XI: Berger; Wamser, Kleinherne, Minge, Knaak, Kett; Brand, Senss, Lohmann, Buhl; Hoffmann

Possible Spain XI: Coll; Batlle, Parades, Mendez, Carmona; Patri, Bonmati, Putellas; Caldentey, Gonzalez, Pina

When is Germany vs Spain?

17:30 , Will Castle

The second Euro 2025 semi-final will kick off at 8pm BST (UK time) on Wednesday 23 July at Zurich’s Stadion Letzigrund.

Is it on TV?

Spain v Germany will be shown on BBC One and iPlayer, with coverage starting from 7:30pm.

About last night...

17:15 , Will Castle

England can never do it the easy way, can they - but who cares?

The Lionesses completed a miraculous comeback to overcome Italy in the dying moments of extra time last night, booking their place in the Euro 2025 final - a third consecutive major final for Sarina Wiegman.

They now wait to discover their opponents for Sunday - all eyes on Zurich!

(Getty)

Germany vs Spain LIVE!

17:00 , Will Castle

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Euro 2025 semi-final between Germany and Spain!

Germany battled their way past France last time out, toppling one of the tournament favourites on penalties to progress to the last eight.

But standing in their way of a second consecutive European Championship final is world champions Spain, who have proved themselves as a the team to beat in Switzerland.

Stay tuned for all the build-up in Zurich.

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