As the reigning champions, England are among the tournament favourites but a tough draw, inconsistent form and the withdrawal of key players will complicate their quest to retain their title.
What to expect
England are the defending champions, runners-up at the 2023 World Cup and altogether a powerhouse in the women’s game. At Euro 2022, the Lionesses created unforgettable memories, doing what their male counterparts couldn’t – win the European championship on home soil. It prompted pandemonium to cap off a hugely successful tournament. The victory was a testimony to England’s prominence in the game, built on the talent development and the success of the domestic top flight.
The English have reached five successive semi-finals and the last two finals at the World Cup and the European championship and so, expectations at Euro 2025 will once again be sky-high. They will seek to become the first team since Germany in 2013 to defend their title, but it won’t be easy.
The squad is one of the most talented in Europe, but the impact of the surprise withdrawals of both Mary Earps and Millie Bright as well as Fran Kirby who refused to be on standby after being omitted, can’t be underestimated. After the Women’s World Cup, they lost among others to the Netherlands and Belgium, suggesting they can slip up against lesser opposition. Group D won’t allow for error with England taking on heavyweights France, Euro 2017 champions the Netherlands and neighbours Wales. Finishing second in the group could well setup a round-of-16 meeting with Germany. Anything less than the last four will be considered a major failure.
Star Players
Alessia Russo (Arsenal – pictured) – She has become the undisputed first-choice number 9. At the last Euro, she scored four goals coming off the bench. Joint top scorer in the WSL and highest scorer in a Arsenal’s conquest of the Champions League. Polished all-round game.
Grace Clinton (Manchester United) – a box-to-box midfielder who deputised for the injured Georgia Stanway. A standout season at her club culminating with the FA Cup final. Potential to be England’s new star.
Head Coach
Sarina Wiegman
A distinguished manager in the women’s game and in 2020, she became the first non-British manager of England. She led the Lionesses to that famous Euro 2022 win on home soil, but can she prove that she can manage a team successfully in their second cycle? With her native country, the Netherlands, Wiegman won Euro 2017 and reached the 2019 Women’s World Cup final before results tailed off. Her England career seems to mirror that path. The Lionesses lost the 2023 Women’s World Cup final against Spain and with recent inconsistent performances, Wiegman runs the risk of slipping up in Switzerland.
Schedule
July 5, 2025: vs France – Letzigrund, Zurich, 9 pm
July 9, 2025: vs Netherlands – Letzigrund, Zurich, 9 pm
July 13, 2025: vs Wales – Arena St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9 pm