Houghton: Women's World Cup final an occasion to savour | OneFootball

Steph Houghton says Sunday’s mouthwatering Women's World Cup final between England and Spain will be an occasion to savour with both sides approaching their peak.

The City defender and former long standing Lionesses skipper went close to World Cup glory with England herself, leading the side in two successive semi-finals in 2015 and 2019.

Now, having reached the showpiece under the leadership of manager Sarina Wiegman, England are looking to build on last summer’s memorable EURO 2022 triumph and claim the game’s ultimate prize.

Standing in their way are a talented and formidable Spanish side who knocked out Sweden in the semi-finals to book their maiden World Cup final appearance.

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And previewing the game in our latest Matchday Live show, Houghton said it was a match-up to savour.

“Just to reach that final for England having been knocked out in the past two semi-finals and being so close (is huge),” former Lionesses skipper Houghton declared as she looked ahead to Sunday’s showpiece.

“To play against Spain is going to be a tough game.

WATCH: Steph Houghton Guillem Balague World Cup final preview

“They are so technical, and a lot of the girls will have played against each other.

“Obviously, you have got Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze who both play at Barcelona, so I think there are going to be some important match-ups.

“It’s a World Cup final and anything can happen and both teams really seem to be hitting form as well.”

HOW TO WATCH ENGLAND V SPAIN ON TV

Fellow special guest on Matchday Live, renowned Spanish football expert and pundit Guillem Balagué, described the final as a fitting match-up between the tournament’s two stand-out teams.

And he said there was familiar themes and philosophy running throughout both squads.

“I feel that even though Spain have not won a knockout stage yet, they are starting to show signs they could go on and create an era and so has England,” Balagué asserted.

WATCH: Watch: Good luck to City's Lionesses!

“In my eyes it’s the two best teams in the world right now.“Spain beat Sweden in the semi-finals, who had beaten the past two World Cup winners in the USA and Japan.

“I think it should be a very entertaining game given that both of them play in similar ways.

“And obviously they will be making every effort to get that historical trophy.”

England v Spain will take place in  Sydney, Australia with kick-off scheduled for 11.00 (UK) on Sunday.