Euro 2025 team-by-team preview, predictions, key gamers, extra

Within the historical past of the ladies’s European Championship courting again to 1982, solely 5 nations have claimed the trophy: Sweden, Netherlands and England have every received as soon as — the latter two underneath the steering of Sarina Wiegman — whereas Norway have earned the title twice and Germany have dominated with eight victories.

Now, from July 2-27, 16 nations will compete at Euro 2025 in Switzerland for the possibility to be topped European champions.

The stakes are larger than ever, with prize cash greater than doubled in contrast with the earlier match. The 16 groups will share €41 million, with every federation receiving no less than €1.8 million and required to allocate no less than 30% to gamers. The eventual champions stand to earn as much as €5.1 million.

There are many storylines, so how will all of it form up?

Emily Keogh, Tom Hamilton, Beth Lindop, Julien Laurens and Sam Marsden will likely be on the bottom on the match this summer season, so right here is their evaluation of the groups.

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GROUP A

Nickname: La Nati (The Nationwide Crew)
FIFA rank: 23
Supervisor: Pia Sundhage
Document in 2025: W0, D2, L4
Group stage fixtures: Norway (July 2), Iceland (July 6), Finland (July 10)

Key participant to look at: Lia Wälti

Recent off Arsenal’s sudden triumph within the Champions League, Wälti stays the heartbeat of a Swiss facet in transition. A composed and commanding presence in midfield, she anchors the workforce with quiet authority. Because the long-standing captain, Wälti is the bridge between seasoned stalwarts and rising expertise. At 31, she is going to play at what may very well be her remaining main match, and it’s all the extra poignant that it’s on residence soil. In each sense, she is the workforce’s lynchpin.

Potential breakout star: Sydney Schertenleib

After a season at European powerhouse Barcelona, the place she shares the stage with a pair of two-time Ballon d’Or winners in Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, 18-year-old Schertenleib is primed for her first main match. With eight caps and two targets already to her title, she’s poised to step up as Switzerland’s new technology emerges. And there is not any higher place to do it than a Euros on residence soil.

Why they will not win all of it:

Switzerland’s shallow participant pool means they lack depth. Rising abilities like Schertenleib, Iman Beney, and Naomi Luyet convey aptitude however little expertise, with all three heading into their first main match. In the meantime, the workforce’s veterans, minus the injured Ramona Bachmann (ACL), are ageing out simply as different nations are pivoting towards youth. The generational hole is proving expensive.

Add within the strain of internet hosting and the truth that skilled coach Pia Sundhage continues to be discovering her footing with La Nati, and the workforce seems to be sliding backwards whereas their rivals surge forward.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Switzerland have by no means made it previous the Euros group stage, falling quick in each 2017 and 2022. Nevertheless, with round-of-16 finishes on the 2015 and 2023 World Cups — and a familiar-looking group to the one they confronted two years in the past — there’s cautious optimism. Although usually inconsistent in opposition to equally ranked sides (4 losses and two attracts within the latest Nations League), La Nati have proven they’ll grind out outcomes. Ranked twenty third on this planet, they sit behind Iceland (14th) and Norway (sixteenth) of their group, however historical past suggests they’ve a strong probability of progressing.

With residence assist behind them, this might lastly be the 12 months they break their curse, although something past the quarterfinals feels out of attain. — Emily Keogh

Norway

Nickname: The Grasshoppers
FIFA rank: 16
Supervisor: Gemma Grainger
Document in 2025: 11W, 9D, 8L
Group stage fixtures: Switzerland (July 2), Finland (July 6), Iceland (July 10)

Key participant to look at: Caroline Graham Hansen

With a squad filled with expertise, Norway face an uncommon problem. Nobody participant has stood out persistently above the remaining and whereas lots of their skilled stars thrive on the highest ranges of membership soccer, their performances for the nationwide workforce have usually fallen quick. Nonetheless, Graham Hansen is arguably Norway’s most instinctive and artistic participant, and the dynamic Barcelona winger has been a driving drive behind her membership’s latest dominance. She brings aptitude, imaginative and prescient, and one eye on aim. Shey can also be Norway’s greatest hope of development.

Potential breakout star: Signe Gaupset

After breaking by way of with SK Brann and incomes her nationwide debut final season, Norway’s 19-year-old wonderkid has earned a spot at her first senior match. Surrounded by veterans nearing the top of their careers, Gaupset has the right alternative to study from one of the best and start carving out her personal legacy.

Why they will not win all of it:

With a star-studded squad that includes the likes of Graham Hansen, Ingrid Engen, Guro Reiten, Elisabeth Terland, and Ada Hegerberg (the first-ever girls’s Ballon d’Or winner), Norway’s ongoing struggles are baffling. Regardless of the gamers shining at membership stage, the nationwide workforce has been unable to seek out consistency or cohesion. Their disappointing 2023 World Cup marketing campaign, which led to the departure of coach Hege Riise, was simply the newest chapter in a puzzling decline. For a nation as soon as thought-about a European powerhouse, their failure to ship regardless of boasting such elite expertise defies simple clarification. One thing clearly is not clicking, and hasn’t been for some time.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

On paper, Norway’s expertise is plain and so they’re favorites to high a gaggle wherein solely Iceland — with whom they drew twice within the Nations League — outrank them. Underneath new head coach Gemma Grainger, the workforce is displaying indicators of cautious progress, and outcomes over the previous 12 months present modest enchancment, together with a balanced Nations League marketing campaign (two wins, two attracts, two losses), the place in addition they beat group opponent Switzerland twice. Although latest years have marked a gradual decline, they continue to be robust contenders to achieve the quarterfinals. — Keogh

Iceland

Nickname: Stelpurnar okkar (Our Women)
FIFA rank: 13
Supervisor: Thorsteinn Halldórsson
Document in 2025: W2, D2, L2
Group stage fixtures: Finland (July 2), Switzerland (July 6), Norway (July 10)

Key participant to look at: Glódís Viggósdóttir

Iceland’s most essential participant is arguably their captain. Nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2024, the Bayern Munich middle again helped her workforce to the Frauen-Bundesliga title this season, and at 29, her high quality and expertise will likely be key to making sure Iceland get pleasure from a profitable match.

Potential breakout star: Sveindís Jónsdóttir

Scorer of an excellent aim in opposition to Norway within the UEFA Nations League final month, Jónsdóttir may very well be one to look at this summer season. In December, the 24-year-old turned the primary Icelandic participant to attain 4 targets in a single UEFA Girls’s Champions League match, netting 4 occasions in 25 minutes for Wolfsburg of their 6-1 win over AS Roma. She has additionally not too long ago accomplished a switch to NWSL facet Angel Metropolis FC.

Why they will not win all of it:

Whereas Jónsdóttir is an thrilling expertise, Iceland merely do not have sufficient firepower up entrance to go all the best way. They’ve failed to attain in 5 of their previous eight matches, and it is troublesome to see the place their targets will come from, which might show problematic contemplating they’ve solely three clear sheets of their previous 10 video games. Whereas their squad is strong, it lacks the mandatory star high quality for a serious match.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Iceland discover themselves in one of many match’s most attention-grabbing teams. They’re technically the highest-rated workforce in Group A; nonetheless, Norway have extra standout people of their squad, whereas hosts Switzerland may very well be boosted by residence benefit. Competitors for one of many high two spots seems to be will probably be fierce, however progressing to the quarterfinals looks like a sensible intention for Halldórsson’s facet. Their place within the FIFA rankings suggests they shouldn’t be taken flippantly. — Beth Lindop

Finland

Nickname: Helmarit (the Boreal Owls)
FIFA rank: 25
Supervisor: Marko Saloranta
Document in 2025: W3, D2, L1
Group stage fixtures: Iceland (July. 2), Norway (July 6), Switzerland (July 10)

Key participant to look at: Emma Koivisto

Recognized for her versatility on the proper flank, AC Milan’s Koivisto is one in every of Finland’s brightest abilities. Having excelled for Liverpool within the WSL earlier than her transfer to Italy, the 30-year-old can play at fullback or on the wing and is essential to the best way Saloranta’s facet play.

Potential breakout star: Lilli Halttunen

At simply 19 years previous, Halttunen has luggage of potential. The Linkoping ahead made her worldwide debut final 12 months, scoring in a 5-0 win over Montenegro, and with fellow striker Jutta Rantala nonetheless working her approach again from harm, she may very well be given an opportunity to showcase herself this summer season.

Why they will not win all of it:

Finland are in good type coming into the match however that comes with the caveat that lots of their opponents over the previous 12 months have been in League B of the UEFA Nations League — the competitors’s second string. They’re the lowest-ranked facet in Group A and will probably be an enormous ask for them to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite in the event that they make it to the knockout levels.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Finland have already defied expectation to achieve Euro 2025, beating Scotland in a two-legged playoff final 12 months. They’re in a troublesome group, with logic dictating that they are prone to end final. But when they’ll surpass expectations by ending larger than that, their match may be thought-about a hit. — Lindop

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GROUP B

Nickname: La Roja (The Purple One)
FIFA rank: 2
Supervisor: Montse Tomé
Document in 2025: W5, D0, L1
Group stage fixtures: Portugal (July 3), Belgium (July 7), Italy (July 11)

Key participant to look at: Aitana Bonmatí

Even on a squad brimming with expertise, Bonmatí stands out. The back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner is able to working video games from deep or deciding them within the remaining third primarily based on the wants of the workforce. This is likely one of the trophies the midfielder is lacking and, after shedding the UEFA Champions League remaining with Barcelona, she will likely be determined to bounce again in Switzerland.

Potential breakout star: Clàudia Pina

Pina loved an excellent marketing campaign with Barça, ending the season as the highest scorer within the Champions League, and he or she seems set to take that type into the Euros. She scored twice in Spain’s latest comeback win in opposition to England and can carry a big aim menace this summer season. There are few higher finishers within the sport.

Why they will not win all of it:

Spain do provide up probabilities to the opposition. They did not maintain a single clear sheet of their six Nations League video games this 12 months, regardless of topping the group. In tight video games underneath Tomé, they’ve usually come up quick, too, paying for an absence of effectivity within the remaining third when it actually issues. Living proof: losses to Brazil and Germany on the Paris Olympics final 12 months. Defeat to England at Wembley in February continued that development, however a win in opposition to the Lionesses in June confirmed they’re nonetheless the workforce to beat in Europe.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

The world champions will anticipate to be lifting the trophy on the finish of July. There definitely will not be any complacency, however with a manageable group, it will be a serious shock in the event that they did not breeze by way of to the semifinals. From there, the likes of England, Germany and France may cause them issues, however it is a collective of gamers who, with Spain and Barça, have proven a capability to carry out when it issues. It is a competitors they’ve but to win, and they’re determined to vary that. — Sam Marsden

Portugal

Nickname: As Navegadoras (The Navigators)
FIFA rank: 22
Supervisor: Francisco Neto
Document in 2025: W1, D1, L4
Group stage fixtures: Spain (July 3), Italy (July 7), Belgium (July 11)

Key participant to look at: Jéssica Silva

There isn’t a doubt that Gotham FC ahead Silva is Portugal’s largest menace; the priority is what kind of type she will likely be in. Silva hung out on the sidelines earlier this 12 months because of a broken retina in her proper eye and has but to seek out her high gear since returning. With over 100 caps for her nation, Portugal will want all her expertise and expertise if they’re to get out of the group.

Potential breakout star: Andreia Jacinto

It might have been Kika Nazareth, however although the younger Barcelona ahead has been included within the squad, she could miss the match after struggling a severe ankle harm in March. Past Nazareth, 22-year-old Jacinto is likely one of the few gamers underneath 25 in a longtime squad. The midfielder, a constant starter for Actual Sociedad in Spain, will likely be trying to take her profile to the following stage.

Why they will not win all of it:

The timing of the finals is just not preferrred for Portugal. Nazareth’s harm is a hammer blow to Neto’s plans, putting much more weight on Silva’s shoulders as she recovers from her eye downside. That has been mirrored in latest outcomes, A 3-0 defeat to Belgium culminated a disappointing Nations League marketing campaign which noticed them relegated to League B as they conceded 20 targets of their remaining 4 matches. With these numbers, it is laborious to see them troubling the continent’s greatest groups.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Portugal, partly due to accidents and different points past their management, maybe have not progressed as some thought they could lately. That is their third consecutive Euros and, after drawing with america of their first World Cup look two years in the past, they need to be trying to get out of the group stage for the primary time of their historical past. Nevertheless, Spain look out of attain and with Belgium and Italy each in higher type, it will be robust for them to make the knockouts. — Marsden

Belgium

Nickname: The Purple Flames
FIFA rank: 20
Supervisor: Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir
Document in 2025: W2, D0, L4
Group stage fixtures: Italy (July 3), Spain (July 7), Portugal (July 11)

Key participant to look at: Tessa Wullaert

With expertise in Germany, England and Italy, Wullaert, together with veteran defender Janice Cayman, leads this Belgium facet by instance. The 32-year-old Inter Milan striker has scored 92 occasions in 144 appearances for her nation, together with twice in a shock 3-2 win over England in April.

Potential breakout star: Hannah Eurlings

As a 19-year-old, Eurlings first emerged on the worldwide stage at Euro 2022 in England. Three years on, at 22, the OH Leuven attacker has the platform to correctly announce herself to the world. If she delivers on her potential, a transfer away from Belgium could quickly be within the playing cards.

Why they will not win all of it:

There may be numerous expertise on this Belgium squad. Along with Wullaert and Cayman, Davina Philtjens, Laura Deloose and Tine De Caigny all have over 100 caps. De Caigny apart, although, they’re throughout 30 and it is laborious to see them stunning anybody in Switzerland. That stated, April’s win over England reveals they’ll compete with the favorites.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

The Purple Flames will likely be eyeing a second consecutive quarterfinal look on the Euros. Behind Spain, the battle for second place in Group B must be a great contest. Belgium bought by way of forward of Italy, who they face once more this time, three years in the past and, whereas they misplaced to Portugal in a World Cup qualifier playoff, they beat them 3-0 in a latest assembly. That can breed confidence, however even when they do get by way of, it is laborious to see them going past the final eight. — Marsden

Italy

Nickname: Le Azzurre (The Blues)
FIFA rank: 13
Supervisor: Andrea Soncin
Document in 2025: W3, D1, L2
Group stage fixtures: Belgium (July 3), Portugal (July 7), Spain (July 11)

Key participant to look at: Cristiana Girelli

Girelli is broadly regarded to be one of many most interesting gamers to emerge from Italy’s ranks on this technology and with 53 targets in 118 appearances, her intuition for aim has been instrumental to the workforce’s success. Now 33, Girelli is probably going approaching her remaining European Championship, if not her remaining main match altogether. If Italy are to make historical past this summer season, the enduring Juventus ahead will undoubtedly be on the middle of issues.

Potential breakout star: Giulia Dragoni

Although nonetheless solely 18 years previous, Dragoni acts like a seasoned professional with expertise and ability past her years. She made her senior debut, joined Barcelona and performed on the 2023 World Cup, all at simply 16. Following a precious mortgage spell at Roma, the dynamic midfielder is primed to tackle a starring function in Italy’s quest for European glory.

Why they will not win all of it:

Italy are unpredictable, which may be each an asset and a legal responsibility. On one hand, opponents battle to arrange to face them; on the opposite, Italy battle to seek out the consistency they should compete on the highest stage. They’ve not been capable of construct momentum with sustained successful type, and their lack of match success displays a workforce nonetheless looking for an identification. Regardless of latest progress in making the final two World Cups (after a 12-year absence), expertise stays restricted, and that would show expensive. Getting out of a difficult group will not be simple and whereas they’ve the potential to spark an upset, do not anticipate an excessive amount of.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Italy’s previous Euro runs have adopted a sample: group-stage exits in 2001 and 2005, quarterfinals in 2009 and 2013, then again to early exits in 2017 and 2022. In a tricky Group B alongside world champions Spain, a Belgium facet who beat England 3-2, and a Portugal workforce who drew 1-1 with the Three Lions not too long ago, Italy will probably be battling for second place. They’ve a sensible shot at reaching the quarterfinals, however something extra feels unlikely. Nonetheless rebuilding and looking for cohesion, they could battle to maintain tempo with more-polished groups. This match could come too quickly for a historic breakthrough, however it might lay important groundwork for the following. — Keogh

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GROUP C

Germany

Nickname: Die Nationalelf (The Nationwide Eleven)
FIFA rank: 3
Supervisor: Christian Wuck
Document in 2025: W5, D1, L0
Group stage fixtures: Poland (July 4), Denmark (July 8), Sweden (July 12)

Key participant to look at: Lea Schüller

Germany’s squad is filled with potential aim scorers, however nobody has been stepping up or discovering the again of the online fairly like Schüller. The 27-year-old Bayern Munich ahead is prone to lead Germany’s assault along with her tempo, technical means and skill to bounce round defenders. With 52 targets in 75 video games, the place is in protected palms.

Potential breakout star: Selina Cerci

Since making her senior debut for Germany in 2022, Cerci has earned simply 9 caps, however has netted 5 targets. After an ACL harm dominated her out of Euro 2022 and he or she missed the 2023 World Cup, she’s again. In a interval of transition for Germany, the 25-year-old is rising as a key determine and her latest hat trick in opposition to Austria is proof of that.

Why they will not win all of it:

Germany have not lifted a trophy since 2013; they got here agonizingly near European glory once more in 2022, however fell 2-1 to England within the remaining. Veteran Alexandra Popp was lacking from that essential match as she bought injured within the heat up, and he or she has since retired from the nationwide workforce. The Wolfsburg striker persistently discovered the again of the online for Germany, proving to be an important determine of their match runs, and the absence of the prolific, tenacious and instinctive aim scorer will damage. Whereas Germany boast many gifted forwards, none match Popp’s distinctive mix of poaching means and relentless drive. As they enter their first main match with out her, and with Wuck marking his debut match with the ladies’s workforce, that uncertainty may very well be their Achilles’ heel.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

The seven-time European champions (eight together with West Germany’s title in 1989), are reigniting their dominance after a disappointing group-stage exit from the 2023 World Cup. Their latest performances — reaching the Nations League finals in consecutive seasons, and going unbeaten this 12 months (W5, D1) — appears to recommend a return to type. With a squad that blends seasoned expertise and rising expertise, Germany look poised for a deep run. A spot within the semifinals feels just like the minimal to anticipate and as soon as once more, they’re one of many groups to beat. — Keogh

Poland

Nickname: Orlice (The Eaglesses)
FIFA rank: 27
Supervisor: Nina Patalon
Document in 2025: W5, D1
Group stage fixtures: Germany (July 4), Sweden (July 8), Denmark (July 12)

Key participant to look at: Ewa Pajor

The most effective strikers and finishers on this planet. Pajor had one other nice season individually and collectively (regardless of not successful the Champions League) with Barcelona, the place she is a key participant. Her motion, strike on the ball, intelligence and high quality make her so deadly in entrance of aim. The 28-year-old already has 68 targets in 101 caps for her nation.

Potential breakout star: Emilia Szymczak

She is just 19, however Barcelona have already recognized the middle again as one for the long run. She joined the membership’s B workforce in 2023 and has carried out properly for them, whereas additionally coaching with the primary workforce. Regardless of not having a senior look for her membership, she has managed 10 caps with Poland and her versatility means she will additionally play in midfield.

Why they will not win all of it:

Poland made historical past by qualifying for his or her first main match, however it has been a protracted journey to make the nationwide workforce aggressive and they aren’t but able to compete with the highest European groups. That is nonetheless very a lot the start of the story for the Eaglesses. Regardless of having probably the greatest gamers on this planet in Pajor and different gamers at high golf equipment like PSG, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Euro 2025 will come slightly bit early for them to make a mark. They lack the expertise and general expertise to trigger a lot of an upset.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Ending second and qualifying for the quarterfinals can be a large success in itself. It is a robust group, with rivals Germany, who Poland face first, after which two good Scandinavian groups in Sweden and Denmark. There will likely be no strain on Nina Patalon’s workforce as they don’t have anything to lose and they’re in Switzerland to study and enhance with no actual expectations other than doing their greatest. Ending third of a gaggle like this one can be an enormous victory for them wanting ahead. — Julien Laurens

Denmark

Nickname: De rød-hvide (The Purple and White)
FIFA rank: 12
Supervisor: Andrée Alexander Jeglertz
Document in 2025: W3, D0, L3
Group stage fixtures: Sweden (July 4), Germany (July 8), Poland (July 12)

Key participant to look at: Pernille More durable

Of their captain, Denmark have one of the crucial recognizable names within the girls’s sport. More durable could also be 32 years previous, however she’s loved one other spectacular season with Bayern Munich, registering 14 targets and 5 assists en path to the Frauen-Bundesliga title. If she has a great match, there’s each probability Denmark will as properly.

Potential breakout star: Olivia Holdt

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has endured a barely disjointed home season, selecting up an harm shortly after her January transfer. Whereas the 23-year-old is but to take the WSL by storm, her very good type for Swedish facet Rosengard marked her out as an distinctive expertise and, if she will discover that type once more this summer season, she might assist take Denmark to the following stage.

Why they will not win all of it:

4 of Denmark’s 5 defeats within the final calendar 12 months have come in opposition to groups above them within the FIFA rankings. They misplaced narrowly to world champions Spain in Euro 2025 qualifying, have been edged out by Netherlands in a pleasant, and crushed 2-1 by Sweden within the UEFA Nations League. Denmark are a match for any workforce on their day however their latest document doesn’t mean they’ve the innovative to topple one of many match’s big-hitters. Plus, their latest 6-1 Nations League defeat to Sweden — whom they share a gaggle with — would not encourage a lot confidence.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Denmark do not have one of the best squad within the match, however they do have a great mix of high quality and expertise. As such, they need to be trying to get out of their group as an absolute minimal. A run to the semifinals is just not past the realms of risk in the event that they play to their full potential; though, with Germany and Sweden of their group, they may come unstuck in the event that they fail to carry out. — Lindop

Sweden

Nickname: Blågult (The Blue-Yellow)
FIFA rank: 6
Supervisor: Peter Gerhardsson
Document in 2025: W3, D3, L0
Group stage fixtures: Denmark (July 4), Poland (July 8), Germany (July 12)

Key participant to look at: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd

A key cog in Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea machine this season (who has simply signed a brand new contract), Rytting Kaneryd is the type of participant able to getting followers out of their seats. Sweden have numerous thrilling attacking expertise, however her pace, directness and dribbling means make her the decide of the bunch.

Potential breakout star: Felicia Schroeder

It has been fairly the season for the BK Hacken ahead, along with her spectacular home type incomes a primary senior call-up in Might. Simply 18, she should not be put underneath an excessive amount of strain, this match might actually see her catch the attention.

Why they will not win all of it:

Sweden are a powerful facet who can beat anybody on their day, however whereas this squad has a broadly spectacular match historical past, they’ve but to really win one thing. Gerhardsson’s facet completed third at on the 2023 World Cup and reached the semifinals at Euro 2020, in addition to successful silver on the 2020 Olympics. However they nonetheless have not proven they’ll recover from the ultimate hurdle, and that may very well be a psychological stumbling block.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Sweden made it to the semifinals in 2022 and there is not any motive they cannot do the identical once more this summer season. They’re in a tricky group so will should be near their greatest if they’re to see off one in every of Germany or Denmark. However, make it by way of that, and Gerhardsson has proven he is adept at guiding this workforce deep into main tournaments. — Lindop

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GROUP D

France

Nickname: Les Bleues (The Blues)
FIFA rank: 10
Supervisor: Laurent Bonadei
Document in 2025: W6, D0, L0
Group stage fixtures: England (July 5), Wales (July 9), Netherlands (July 13)

Key participant to look at: Kadidiatou Diani

Former captain Wendie Renard and all-time main aim scorer Eugénie Le Sommer are usually not within the squad, so Diani is probably the most skilled participant remaining, with 112 caps and 30 targets. At 30, the ahead will likely be one of many leaders on and off the pitch and had a great season with OL Lyon regardless of not successful the Champions League, notching 16 targets and 10 assists in 29 video games in all competitions.

Potential breakout star: Alice Sombath

At solely 21, Sombath could be very a lot in rivalry for a spot within the beginning XI. She will be able to play proper again or middle again and was wonderful when she featured for OL Lyonnes this season, particularly within the Champions League semifinal in opposition to Arsenal.

Why they will not win all of it:

The glass ceiling continues to be there for Les Bleues. Solely as soon as have they managed to go previous the quarterfinals in the previous few main tournaments, and that was at Euro 2022 underneath a distinct supervisor. That is the primary huge match for Bonadei and his option to not name up legends Renard and Le Sommer has been very controversial in France — particularly the timing of the announcement and the way he did it. Exterior the dearth of expertise of their head coach, that is additionally a France workforce that lack the depth wanted to go all the best way.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

Qualifying for the quarterfinals is a should, even with a tricky group. They’ve simply certified for the Nations League semifinals and the target in Switzerland will likely be to get to the semis at least. They are going to have psychological points to recover from, and the ultimate appears a step too far. France have by no means received something at this stage, and they aren’t among the many favorites once more. — Laurens

England

Nickname: The Lionesses
FIFA rank: 4
Supervisor: Sarina Wiegman
Document in 2025: W3, D1, L2
Group stage fixtures: France (July 5), Netherlands (July 9), Wales (July 13)

Key participant to look at: Lucy Bronze

The likes of Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp are important to England but when Bronze went down injured on the eve of the match, England must urgently discover a Plan B. Whereas harm and type has seen Wiegman chop and alter some positions for the reason that 2023 World Cup remaining, Bronze has remained a relentless at right-back for England. She is indispensable.

Potential breakout star: Hannah Hampton

It could have been Grace Clinton, however then goalkeeper Mary Earps retired from worldwide obligation. Within the post-Earps world, Hampton is indispensable as England’s No. 1 because the choices behind her (Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse) have zero caps between them. A method or one other, the highlight will likely be on Hampton, and he or she might find yourself as England’s most essential participant on the age of 24.

Why they will not win all of it:

The build-up has been the stuff of nightmares for Wiegman. Earps retired from worldwide obligation simply six weeks out from the beginning of the match when she was informed she wasn’t assured the No. 1 spot, then 31-year-old ahead Fran Kirby additionally stepped away after discovering out she was not within the remaining Euro 2025 squad. A day later, key middle again Millie Shiny stated she would not go to the Euros as she wished to prioritize her personal psychological and bodily wellbeing. In the meantime, younger Ella Morris, the uncapped Tottenham midfielder, injured her ACL whereas on England obligation and needed to withdraw. Alongside all that, the workforce have been in patchy latest type. England and Wiegman at all times click on at main tournaments, however the build-up has been horrendous.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

If England end high of the hardest group on the match, they need to go all the best way to the semifinals the place you anticipate they’d play Spain. In the event that they end second, they are going to be within the different half of the bracket (assuming Spain high Group B) and would not face them till the ultimate.

Both approach, Wiegman’s main match experience will likely be key. Her document is frankly unbelievable, having reached the ultimate of her final 4 main tournaments (and successful two of them), and the workforce must draw on that if they’re to progress far. Holding key gamers match is crucial, as a few accidents to the improper personnel might go away them uncovered. — Tom Hamilton

Netherlands

Nickname: Oranje Leeuwinnen (Orange Lionesses)
FIFA rank: 10
Supervisor: Andries Jonker
Document in 2025: W3, D2, L1
Group stage fixtures: Wales (July 15), England (July 9), France (July 13)

Key participant to look at: Daniëlle van de Donk

The Lyon midfielder stated “the door is simply barely open” in regards to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, which implies Euro 2025 is probably going her final match. That’s motive sufficient to benefit from the Netherlands icon, who has received a European Championship (2017) and completed as a runner-up on the World Cup (2019), for one remaining time.

Potential breakout star: Veerle Buurman

Solely three years in the past, Buurman was enjoying for beginner membership SC Bemmel in a tiny Dutch city. Final summer season, she joined WSL powerhouses Chelsea, however returned to PSV on mortgage and will likely be shifting to London this summer season. At Euro 2025, the defender would possibly even displace the most-capped European worldwide, Sherida Spitse (241), from the beginning XI.

Why they will not win all of it

Other than the truth that Netherlands have been handed a brutal draw, their preparations have not been preferrred both. In January, the Dutch FA introduced it would not be renewing Andries Jonker’s contract, and no additional clarification has been given. In April, the brand new coach was introduced: Arjan Veurink, the assistant of England boss Sarina Wiegman.

Add to that the uncertainty surrounding star participant Vivianne Miedema’s health and the facet are going through a number of distractions main as much as the match. Then once more, the workforce coping with probably the most distractions in the course of the 2023 Girls’s World Cup received all of it: Spain.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

“We will beat anybody,” is a sentence usually heard within the camp, which could remind Oranje followers of their workforce’s success at Euro 2017 the place Netherlands knocked out Sweden and England on the best way to the title. This time, surviving the group stage goes to be an enormous problem as they face two of the highest international locations in England and France.

It is a daring assertion, but when they’ll survive Group D, then they may attain the semifinals no less than. In a 2-1 defeat to the USWNT again in December, the place Jonker’s workforce had 22 photographs to their opponents’ 5, they confirmed the extent they’ll obtain. — Audrey de Ridder

Wales

Nickname: The Dragons
FIFA rank: 31
Supervisor: Rhian Wilkinson
Document in 2025: W0, D2, L4
Group stage fixtures: Netherlands (July 5), France (July 9), England (July 13)

Key participant to look at: Jess Fishlock

The 38-year-old striker has smashed so many information: She heads into the match as Wales’ top-scorer (47 targets) and record-appearance holder (162). Fishlock, who performs for Seattle Reign FC, is the heartbeat of the facet, and it is her expertise together with Sophie Ingle (if match), Angharad James, Gemma Evans and Hayley Ladd that will likely be so essential. She additionally has the capability to provide the distinctive — try her long-range effort in Wales’ chastening 4-1 defeat to Italy in the beginning of June.

Potential breakout star: Carrie Jones

It might have been 18-year-old Manchester Metropolis defender Mayzee Davies, however she limped off of their defeat to Denmark, which implies the obvious candidate is Jones. The 21-year-old midfielder has already received 37 caps for Wales, however has established herself as one in every of their key gamers. She scored the decisive aim that guided Wales previous the Republic of Eire to qualify for the match and is excelling for Nörrkoping in Sweden.

Why they will not win all of it:

This their first-ever main match, it is all very new for them and so they’ve bought probably the most brutal draw potential. Wales have constructed some confidence not too long ago with two attracts in opposition to Sweden — proof they’ll combine it with one of the best — but when they get out of this group, then it will be one of the crucial monumental feats in latest historical past. The gamers are quietly assured that they’re able to inflicting a shock, however it will want a dab of fine fortune and an astonishingly excessive stage of efficiency.

Reasonable probabilities at Euro 2025:

It is extremely laborious to see Wales even selecting up a win within the group stage. Traditionally, their soccer groups (for women and men) thrive as underdogs and might produce one thing outstanding — this squad are drawing on what the lads achieved once they bought to the semifinals at Euro 2016 — however it’s extremely laborious to see them doing something related. In the event that they get out of the group, it is as a result of they managed to pluck out three miracle performances. However you simply cannot see it. The followers will convey loads of life to video games although. — Hamilton