Euro 2025 is over, with England and Spain delivering a becoming finale to what has been a rollercoaster of a event.
The Lionesses are back-to-back champions, however which gamers made a reputation for themselves on the largest stage? And the place subsequent for a few of Europe’s powerhouse nations?
Emily Keogh, Tom Hamilton, Beth Lindop, Julien Laurens and Sam Marsden have been on the bottom in Switzerland this summer season, so right here is their evaluation of occasions.
Sum up your Euro 2025 expertise
Hamilton: Having lined England all through, to borrow a phrase utilized in a miracle match again in 1999: “Soccer, bloody hell.” How England received the entire thing, solely they know. They led their three matches within the knockouts for a complete of 4 minutes and 52 seconds, and in some way hauled matches again from the demise to maintain on progressing. A outstanding staff, a ridiculous run, and there’ll by no means be one other one fairly like this.
Keogh: It has been an extremely pleasant event that has saved everybody on their toes. I ponder what number of different tournaments have had 5 knockout video games all go to additional time? And, whereas it introduced some relatively late nights as a result of 9 p.m. kickoff time, it is the sweetness and unpredictability of knockout soccer. This event had all the pieces you wanted: late drama, unbelievable crowds, nice targets, private tales, and Switzerland actually acquired behind the Euros. Regardless of seeing England get to 3 main event finals, I assumed this one was uniquely particular.
Lindop: From an England perspective, it has been an emotional rollercoaster. Time and time once more Sarina Wiegman’s facet battled again from the brink and, similar to they did again in 2022, they achieved one thing that can proceed to resonate again in England for years to come back. On a private observe, I really feel very fortunate to have had the chance to frolicked in Switzerland this summer season. It is such a fantastic nation and the best way the locals have embraced this event has been a pleasure to behold.
Laurens: I liked each second of this event. So many nice tales, so many twists, plots, regrets, disappointments and joys. With a Welsh spouse, France vs. Wales was fairly particular in our family, and to be there in St Gallen to see the first-ever Welsh objective in a serious event was a second I’ll always remember as I understand how a lot it meant to Wales’ soccer group. A event have been Wiegman made historical past by profitable three Euros back-to-back (plus 5 main finals in a row) will all the time be particular, whereas England’s smash-and-grab knockout journey will stick with me ceaselessly too.
Marsden: Switzerland placed on an excellent present. The scale of the nation and high quality of public transport made it straightforward for followers to observe their groups (the actual fact all over the place you look there is a river, lake or mountain worthy of postcard was a plus, too). It helped that the Swiss facet did effectively, reaching the quarterfinals. The environment in Bern once they confronted Spain was nice. Protecting Spain, there was the fantastic thing about their soccer as they eased by means of the group stage, the strain within the knockout rounds as they floor down Switzerland and Germany, after which the bittersweet penalty defeat to England within the last. It felt like a merciless ending for a staff that did not lose a sport (outdoors of penalties) at these finals.
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Laurens: Wiegman confirmed her expertise in Euro 2025 last
Julien Laurens reacts to Sarina Wiegman’s techniques after England’s Euro 2025 last win.
Finest match
Hamilton: Nothing will match the sheer chaos of England’s match and penalty shootout with Sweden within the quarterfinal. There have been another nice video games, however that match was simply bonkers. As Wiegman stated, England may and may have misplaced it 5 instances over, however in some way they dragged themselves by means of thanks to 2 late targets, and a chaotic penalty shootout the place simply 5 of 14 penalties have been scored. I will not neglect Lucy Bronze strapping her personal thigh up, then ripping it off moments later to slam residence the profitable penalty.
Keogh: I actually loved the opening sport between Switzerland and Norway. Whereas it was a conflict we have seen copious instances earlier than, it was the primary style of what this event was going to appear to be. Norway got here from behind to win 2-1, however there have been swings in momentum and both facet may have put the sport to mattress at any level. The followers have been unbelievable, and I felt it actually set the benchmark for the environment transferring ahead. The sport had drama to spare and it set the tone for the remainder of the event.
Lindop: I will go for Switzerland’s last-gasp draw with Finland to seal their spot within the quarterfinals. Travelling from Zurich to Geneva within the build-up to that sport actually made clear to me that the host nation was within the grip of Euros fever. The environment contained in the stadium was unbelievable and to see the bond between the gamers and followers on the last whistle — after Switzerland reached the knockout levels for the primary time of their historical past — was really particular.
Laurens: France vs. Germany within the quarterfinals. You need to be French to comprehend what it means to play Germany at soccer or another sport. The rivalry is so huge, traditionally and in so some ways. And often, they win as a rule. This one did not disappoint in its storylines (good day star goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger), its situation, its degree of drama and its heartbreaking nature as soon as once more for France was, for me, the perfect sport of the event.
Marsden: I usually choose semifinals to finals, however I assumed the ultimate delivered. Spain have been the higher facet however there have been nonetheless momentum swings throughout the sport and baggage of pressure all through. It was an enchanting watch. From an entertaining opening as each groups went for it, to Spain’s dominance, England’s tactical tweaks to get again into the sport, after which the intrigue of additional time as you puzzled simply how a lot Spain would go for it as they pushed England again, solely to lose on penalties.
0:33
Bonmatí: Euros loss hurts quite a bit
Aitana Bonmatí believes Spain have been higher than England within the Euro 2025 last.
Finest objective
Hamilton: Out of those I’ve seen reside, Lauren James’ opener in opposition to Netherlands was a very particular objective. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s cross by means of the ocean of Dutch gamers was magnificent, Alessia Russo then pivoted off the defender’s shoulder to drive away, then her cross to James was pinpoint. She took one contact, shifted the ball and powered residence. An important objective. Out of the others? Cristiana Girelli’s for Italy in opposition to Portugal was particular.
Keogh: I will say that match-winning objective from Girelli in opposition to Norway to ebook Italy’s place within the semifinal. At 35, she has completed a lot for the staff, with little to indicate for it. Italy made historical past by attending to their first semifinal since 1997 and it was really particular. Nobody deserved that second extra, as she was embraced by her teammates and workers to honor what she’s completed for the ladies’s sport..
Lindop: Purely due to what was at stake, I will go for Michelle Agyemang’s objective in opposition to Italy. England have been seconds away from going out of the event and so for {the teenager} to be so composed and preserve her nation’s dream alive within the 96th minute was really outstanding.
Laurens: The rationale why I selected this one is for the help that made the objective, however Spain’s opening objective in opposition to Switzerland within the quarterfinal, scored by Athenea del Castillo however made by a second of genius from Aitana Bonmati, is my decide. I like moments of genius like this one. A second that not many gamers would have been in a position to play at that second. And but, Bonmati created it with a tremendous backheel that put her teammates by means of on objective. Simply perfection at its greatest.
Marsden: For the second and the ingenuity, Bonmatí’s objective to win the semifinal in opposition to Germany in additional time. A goalkeeper shouldn’t be overwhelmed on the close to submit, however for the Spain midfielder to have studied Berger in such element and have the notice to see the hole and execute after 113 minutes was mightily spectacular. Additionally, each time Cláudia Pina comes inside on her proper foot and finds the highest nook — like in opposition to Belgium and Switzerland. There is a magnificence to the repetition.
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Bronze on leg fracture ache: I am going to do something to play for England
Lucy Bronze explains how she performed by means of a leg fracture to assist England defend their Euros crown.
Finest participant
Hamilton: England goalkeeper Hampton had the highlight on her coming into the event; legend Mary Earps had retired simply weeks earlier than the event and the stress was on. However she delivered. Hampton — who has a watch situation which means she has nearly no depth notion — was magnificent all through and was often England’s savior once they wanted her most. She must be the perfect passer of a ball for her place in world soccer, and was England’s heroine within the Sweden and Spain shootouts. She acquired the No. 1 spot by means of sheer laborious work and dedication. And she or he was magnificent.
Lindop: Again in January, winger Chloe Kelly was contemplating giving up on soccer. She’d fallen out of favor at Manchester Metropolis and was counting on a profitable mortgage spell at Arsenal to provide herself an opportunity of going to the Euros. Quick ahead to current day and Kelly has secured her legendary standing for England, scoring the profitable penalty within the shootout in opposition to Spain following a succession of game-changing cameos off the bench within the knockout levels. She may not have performed probably the most minutes at this event however — alongside Agyemang — her influence has been probably the most profound.
Keogh: Like Beth stated, it must be Kelly. From shedding her England place in January to being the match-winning heroine on so many events. “Thanks to everybody who wrote me off,” she stated after the sport, as a result of actually, it has been a rollercoaster of a 12 months for Kelly, ending with a fairytale. The time period “correct English” was thrown round this event, but when something, Kelly is an instance of being “correct English” displaying the grit, dedication and perseverance to get the job completed.
Laurens: Spain midfielder Patri Guijarro. What an unbelievable participant; one-of-a-kind at this degree in the intervening time. She has been fantastic to observe, controlling video games, dictating the tempo and tempo of matches, being all over the place and nearly by no means shedding the ball. She continues to be solely 27 so there’s far more to come back from her. Her stats are fairly sensational for a event of this caliber.
Marsden: For consistency from sport one by means of to sport six, Guijarro. She anchored Spain’s midfield brilliantly and, as Juls says, led the event in a variety of stats, together with passes accomplished (470), passes into the opposition half (345) and recoveries (49). She was additionally third in interceptions (9), fifth in probabilities created (12) and scored a vital objective within the win in opposition to Italy. “Watching Patri play brings a smile to your face,” teammate Vicky López stated. “She’s underrated.”
1:37
Did Bonmatí need to win participant of the event at Euro 2025?
Sam Marsden and Julien Laurens debate whether or not Aitana Bonmatí deserved to win participant of the event at Euro 2025.
Breakthrough U21 participant
Hamilton: It must be Michelle Agyemang. The 19-year-old England ahead has been their savior on two events. First she popped up with the equalizer in opposition to Sweden, after which she repeated the identical feat within the 96th minute of the match in opposition to Italy. Earlier than the event, Wiegman known as her a “particular expertise,” and she or he’s introduced herself on the world stage now.
Lindop: There’s just one reply right here, is not there? A number of months in the past, Agyemang wasn’t even being considered as an choice for England. Now, she’s being talked about as one among European soccer’s brightest younger stars. To salvage your nation’s event hopes as soon as is unbelievable. To do it twice is outstanding. And to do all of that at simply 19 years previous? Miraculous.
Marsden: It is laborious to disagree with Agyemang, given her influence on the massive matches. After the group stage I might have stated Spain’s López, who turned 19 on the eve of the ultimate, and a shoutout to the youngsters main Switzerland’s subsequent technology: Schertenleib (18), Iman Beney (18), Noemi Ivelj (18) and Leila Wandeler (19).
Keogh: The consensus is Agyemang and I fully agree. Wiegman took of venture taking the 19-year-old to the event, however it’s one that really paid off. We have not seen the final of this teenager but, with an extended profession forward of her, however what an ideal method to announce your self to senior worldwide soccer than profitable Younger Participant of the Match.
Laurens: I preferred Agyemang’s super-sub influence after all, however to be completely different so I’ll go for Switzerland’s Sydney Schertenleib. She is just 18 and but to totally break by means of at Barcelona, however she made a reputation for herself in these Euros on residence soil. She began the competitors on the bench however is so good technically in addition to being tall and sensible that supervisor Pia Sundhage couldn’t depart her out of the staff after her opening-game cameo. Even when she has only one help in 4 Euros video games (three begins), she is a superb expertise able to blossom.
1:19
Chloe Kelly ‘grateful’ for her doubters after Euro 2025 win
Chloe Kelly thanks her doubters after scoring England’s profitable penalty within the Euro 2025 last.
Workforce of the Match
Hamilton: Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Nathalie Björn, Cecilia Salvai; Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas, Géraldine Reuteler, Kosovare Asllani; Jule Model, Chloe Kelly, Delphine Cascarino.
Keogh: Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Nathalie Bjorn, Irene Paredes, Nadine Reisen; Patri Guijarro, Géraldine Reuteler, Kosovare Asllani; Chloe Kelly, Delphine Cascarino, Jule Model.
Lindop: Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Irene Paredes, Nathalie Björn, Selma Bacha; Patri Guijarro, Géraldine Reuteler, Aitana Bonmatí; Chloe Kelly, Jule Model, Cristiana Girelli
Laurens: Ann-Katrin Berger; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri, Nadine Riesen; Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, Kosovare Asllani; Chloe Kelly, Jule Model, Alessia Russo
Marsden: Ann-Katrin Berger; Lucy Bronze, Irene Paredes, Cecilia Salvai; Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatí, Géraldine Reuteler, Alexia Putellas; Delphine Cascarino, Chloe Kelly, Jule Model
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Sarina Wiegman’s watch interrupts her press convention
Sarina Wiegman has her press convention interrupted by her watch providing to begin recording a exercise for her after England’s Euros success.
What would you prefer to see at Euro 2029?
Hamilton: Larger grounds. All however two matches bought out right here, which is a superb effort, however you’re feeling much more followers may have packed themselves in with bigger stadia. We have gone on some journey since pool stage matches have been performed at Leigh Sports activities Village and Rotherham’s New York Stadium at Euro 2022, however you’re feeling this event can often hit 30,000 attendances for all matches, and you can’ve simply bought out the ultimate two instances over. It is also superb we do not but know who’s internet hosting the subsequent event in 2029.
Keogh: It’s positively the final time we see a Euros being held in a rustic this small. For a way effectively Switzerland have completed this event, getting followers into the bottom and boosting the environment, it is felt smaller. The stadium capability could be greater — we have seen a hovering demand for it and the press bins have to be greater — press have been being turned away for each sport as a result of they have been oversubscribed. I hope issues like free journey and the fanzones stick for 2029, however UEFA must be enthusiastic about upscaling the event in 4 years to match the expansion of the sport.
Lindop: I will second Tom’s sentiments and say bigger stadiums. Switzerland did such an incredible job of internet hosting this event nevertheless it does really feel like — within the knockout levels notably — we have advanced previous venues under 40,000 capability. A small factor from a journalist’s perspective too; extra screens within the press field — it makes our job an terrible lot tougher with out them!
Laurens: I need to see extra of all the pieces: extra followers, greater stadiums, extra prize cash, extra targets, extra drama, extra stars, extra prime video games and performances. And likewise, I need to see higher penalties, that is for positive! Just because individuals who do not like girls’s soccer use unhealthy pens to place it down much more.
Marsden: An evolution of this Spain facet with López taking part in a key position and Salma Paralluelo displaying the potential she confirmed on the 2023 World Cup; Switzerland utilizing this summer season as a stepping stone and kicking on led by potential celebrity Schertenleib; conventional soccer powerhouses like Portugal, with the good Kika Nazareth, and Italy, on the again of their semifinal look, difficult; the likes of Poland and Wales utilizing this expertise to come back again stronger; and France, Germany and Sweden regrouping and getting nearer to Spain and, the brand new back-to-back champions, England.