With a talented team Denmark can just about beat anyone on their day, but Germany and Sweden will be tough to overcome in Group C.
What to expect
The benchmark is clear: Denmark won silver at Euro 2017 in the Netherlands after a dreamy summer that finished with defeat in the final against the hosts. The result was a huge success and, in fact, Denmark’s best-ever showing at a major tournament.
How they would love to replicate that run in Switzerland, but there is a disconnect between the FA and the public perception of what will be achievable. The 0-3 defeat to Italy in the Nations League in April was a hard reality check.
Denmark don’t belong to the European elite, even if quite a few of the players in the squad ply their trade in top leagues and clubs. Group C also represents a true challenge with Germany and Sweden, a team that defeated the Danish 6-1 in the Nations League. With no friendlies scheduled, that was their last outing before Euro 2025.
The fixture will also be their curtain raiser in Switzerland. Next up will be Germany in Basel, and so expectations have been lowered. The tournament could be over after just 180 minutes. Even so, Denmark did well in qualifying, easily seeing off the Czech Republic and Belgium, and almost upsetting Spain. They have a talented team but Swedish manager Andree Jeglertz is yet to settle on a starting XI, with several spots still up for grabs.
Star Players
Pernille Harder (FC Bayern Munich – pictured) – Undisputed star and talisman of Danish women’s football. Elegant and decisive forward who is back to her best after struggling with injuries. She is an eight-time Danish player of the year and two-time Uefa Women’s player of the year. Ex-Chelsea. LGBTQ+ advocate.
Nadia Nadim (Hammarby) – Departed AC Milan and last featured for the national team in 2023, but her compelling life story makes her one of the most recognisable faces in the women’s game. She moved with her family to Denmark from Afghanistan at the age of 11 after her father was killed by the Taliban. Featured for Portland Thorns, Manchester City and PSG at club level. Up against it to make the starting XI.
Head Coach
Andree Jeglertz from Sweden will not serve as manager after Euro 2025 having taken over from Lars Søndergaard following Denmark’s second-round exit from the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Jeglertz has said he won’t extend his contract as he wants to return to club football, with rumours linking him to Manchester City. In 2004, he led Umeå to a Champions League title. Jeglertz has international experience, having managed Finland for six years.
Schedule
July 4, 2025: vs Sweden – Stade de Geneve, Geneva, 6 pm
July 8, 2025: vs Germany – St. Jakob-Park, Basel, 6 pm
July 12, 2025: vs Poland – Allmend Stadion Luzern, Lucerne, 9 pm