What has changed as England seek Spanish redemption following World Cup 2023 final defeat? Leaders, keepers and Michelle Agyemang

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Although many of the faces have stayed the same, so much has changed about The Lionesses since they were beaten by Spain in the final of the Women's World Cup in 2023. As they prepare to defend their European title against familiar foes in Basel, we look at the impact of missing players, rising stars and stunning substitutions by Sarina Wiegman so far at the tournament in Switzerland.

'Many emotions' for Wiegman as Kelly says Lionessess drama like 'a fantasy'

Video credit: SNTV

Well, well, well. Here we go again.

Two years ago, England were left heartbroken as they were outplayed and outclassed by Spain in the final of the Women's World Cup.

Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win in Sydney, but in truth, the scoreline flattered England in a match which their opponents dominated.

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Now, Sarina Wiegman’s side have a shot at redemption as the final step of their European title defence will see them face Spain in Basel.

England produced another dramatic late comeback to beat Italy and book their place in the final, while Spain also needed extra time to overcome Germany in the semi-final.

Two years ago, they were the best two teams in the world, and now they have earned themselves the position of the two best teams in Europe.

England v Spain

Image credit: Getty Images

But what has changed since that day in Australia back in August 2023?

Seven players from England’s starting line-up in the 2023 World Cup final also featured in Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI for the Women’s Euros semi-final win against Italy.

On the face of it, that would seem a fairly well-maintained, stable number, but the reality is that England - and Wiegman - faced much upheaval in the build-up to this summer’s tournament in Switzerland.

Hampton steps up

The clearest indication of major change comes in goal, where Mary Earps - for so many years - was The Lionesses' go-to between the sticks.

Her shock decision to retire from international football just before Wiegman named her squad opened a clear path for Hannah Hampton to become No. 1 - and it is an opportunity she has seized.

The Chelsea goalkeeper starred in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win against Sweden, before making a vital save to keep her team in the semi-final against Italy - to allow for Michelle Agyemang’s late heroics (more on her later).

Earps was not the only shock omission, with forward Fran Kirby also making herself unavailable for selection for this tournament.

Hannah Hampton and Mary Earps

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Williamson leads from the back

With Earps’ big voice missing, England needed to look to their other leaders, which would surely include Millie Bright, who captained the Lionesses at the 2023 World Cup.

However, there was another hurdle to overcome as Bright ruled herself out, saying she was not "able to give 100% mentally or physically".

Fortunately for Wiegman, Leah Williamson - who missed out two years ago due to injury - has slotted back in admirably to lead the Lionesses with all the experienced grit that we have come to expect of the Arsenal defender.

With no Bright, though, Wiegman has been forced to experiment with her back line and Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter and Esme Morgan have all partnered Williamson in the centre of a defence which has looked somewhat shaky in Switzerland.

Carter battles adversity

Carter - who started the 2023 World Cup final - dropped to the bench for the semi-final with Italy after having a difficult tournament on and off the pitch in Switzerland.

She has suffered racist abuse online, something Wiegman called "ridiculous" and "disgusting".

The Gotham FC defender came on in the final stages of the semi-final against Italy to shore things up at the back and help see England over the line.

Wiegman slams 'ridiculous, disgusting' racist abuse suffered by Carter

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Enter Agyemang

As time ticked by in Geneva, with England seemingly heading for the exit at 1-0 down against Italy, many fans and pundits were questioning why Wiegman had not turned to her substitutes.

Enter Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang…eventually.

Both players have made instant impacts from the bench throughout the tournament, and they did so again, with Agyemang smashing in a late equaliser to take the game to extra-time, where Kelly got the winner - slotting home the rebound after seeing her penalty saved.

Agyemang was just 17 years old and watching from home when England played Spain in 2023. Fast-forward two years and she is fast becoming The Lionesses' saviour.

In 2023, Kelly, Lauren James and Bethany England were called on to try and save the final but to no avail.

This time, things are different in many ways for England.

Michelle Agyemang

Image credit: Getty Images

Solid, settled Spain

As for Spain, there is more familiarity with their squad, which continues to be dominated by stars such as Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati.

One player bringing a fresh look to Spain is Esther Gonzalez, who was an unused substitute during the 2023 World Cup.

The Gotham FC striker leads the race for the Golden Boot with four goals from her five matches at the tournament.

The touchline looks different to 2023, though, with Montse Tome now managing the side, having been an assistant to Jorge Vilda two years ago.

Montse Tome

Image credit: Getty Images

Vilda was sacked in September 2023 amid one of the first restructuring measures announced by Spanish Football Federation president Pedro Rocha.

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