The Road to the Finalissma: What’s next for England and Brazil?

Both the Euros and the Copa America final did not disappoint. They were nail-biters that led to penalty shootouts and the latter a brilliant display of what football is all about: passion, rivalries, and last-ditch equalizers. It was the perfect game for the neutral, but what does it tell us about the two behemoths ahead of next year’s Finalissma and the 2027 World Cup? 

1. Marta is Inevitable

Marta once again proved how talismanic she is for this Brazil team, scoring two goals off the bench in the final – a performance worthy of Ballon D’Or conversation. But she’s also been dominant in this tournament, bagging six goal contributions and player of the tournament. Whatever happens in the next two years, one thing is certain: you can never count Marta out, and she will be Brazil’s motivator as they look to be crowned world champions on home soil.

2. The Summer of Penalties (and Subs)

 Across the two tournaments, there were seven penalty shootouts, with England involved in two of them. The fact that there have been so many penalties (and missed ones) in major tournaments this summer indicates the gap between top sides is narrowing. Matches are now about the fine margins and goalkeeping heroics.

3. Leaky Defenses

Both tournaments exposed how vulnerable each team can be defensively. For England, it’s clear that Wiegman needs to start bedding in the next generation of defenders. The Lionesses found themselves caught out by pacy forwards, holding onto a lead for only five minutes across the knockout stages. With Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze inching closer to international retirement, there’s a question about how England will rebuild their brick wall. Jess Carter and Esme Morgan had decent knockout performances, and Maya Le Tisser is shining at club level as well.

 For Arthur Elias, who has started bedding in youngsters and players from the Brazilian league, it’s clear he needs more time to gel together this backline. Tarciane’s bizarre own goal in the final, in addition to the fact that Brazil conceded four against Colombia, is a sign that Brazil needs to work on their communication when receiving pressure.

4. The Next Lucy Bronze?

England’s fullback situation has been a source of debate in recent years, particularly at left-back. But now, after the revelation that Lucy Bronze played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, England must establish her successors at right back. It’s impossible to imagine an England without Bronze, but for her welfare and England’s depth, the Lionesses must look ahead to the future. Options include trusted substitute Niamh Charles, who came on for Bronze three times during the Euros, Esme Morgan, who has played at right-back for Washington Spirit, and should she fully recover from her ACL injury, youngster Ella Morris. 

5. It’s Not Over Until It’s Over 

 Never write off English. The Brazilians are never done. Both teams came in from behind to defend their continental titles. Whoever wins the Finalissma will do so because of their mentality and ability to dig deep in the biggest moments. It’s not about consistency, but about who has the belief and togetherness to see out games.