Both teams are making their first-ever final appearance on the world stage. England were knocked out in the semi-finals at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, while Spain had only won one match at the World Cup before their spectacular run at the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

England and Spain have set up an all-European final at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Photo: Getty Images

The two teams' journeys in the group stage were contrasting, with England topping their group with an unbeaten record, while Spain finished second after losing 0-4 to Japan in their final match.

Spain are also the second team to reach the final of a World Cup after losing by four or more goals in the group stage. In 1991, Norway lost to China by the same margin but still went on to reach the final.

Regardless of the outcome, Europe will end a 16-year World Cup drought. The last time a European team won the Women's World Cup was Germany in 2007, and the last time there was an all-European final between Germany and Sweden was four years ago (not counting this year's final).

England are aiming for a double in 12 months, after winning the European Women's Championship (EURO) last year. Germany have won the double twice, albeit in a longer period (EURO 2001 - World Cup 2003, EURO 2005 - World Cup 2007). At the very least, England have matched the feat of the Netherlands women's team when they won EURO 2017 and two years later reached the final of the Women's World Cup.

Spain's record at the Women's World Cup is still rated higher than England's. Specifically, they scored 17 goals compared to England's 13, launched 143 shots compared to England's 81. Notably, this is the second meeting between the two teams in just 12 months, after England defeated Spain in the Quarterfinals of the Women's EURO.

VNA

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