As Europe prepares for another summer of top-tier football, all eyes turn to Switzerland, where the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 will unfold. With the tournament draw complete and anticipation growing, questions abound: Can England defend their crown? Will Wales surprise on their major tournament debut?

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming competition.

🗓️ When and Where Is Euro 2025 Taking Place?

Switzerland will host the tournament from 2 July to 27 July 2025—the first time it has staged a women’s football event of this magnitude.

Unusually, the host nation will not open the tournament. Instead, the first match will see Iceland face Finland. Switzerland’s own campaign begins later that same day against Norway at St Jakob-Park in Basel, which will also host the final on 27 July.

🏆 Tournament Groups

Group A

• Switzerland
• Norway
• Iceland
• Finland

Group B

• Spain
• Portugal
• Belgium
• Italy

Group C

• Germany
• Poland
• Denmark
• Sweden

Group D

• France
• England
• Wales
• Netherlands

⭐ Who Are the Favourites?

According to Opta’s supercomputer analysis:

• Spain lead the predictions with a 25% chance of lifting the trophy.
• England, the reigning champions, are given a 17% chance.
• Wales, despite their inspiring qualification, are not expected to progress far, with a 0% title projection.

📍 England and Wales: Group D Fixtures

5 July

• Wales vs Netherlands – Lucerne (17:00 BST)
• France vs England – Zurich (20:00 BST)

9 July

• England vs Netherlands – Zurich (17:00 BST)
• France vs Wales – St Gallen (20:00 BST)

13 July

• Netherlands vs France – Basel (20:00 BST)
• England vs Wales – St Gallen (20:00 BST)

🦁 England Squad Highlights

England’s 23-player squad features 13 members from their victorious 2022 campaign. However, key absentees include:

• Mary Earps, who retired weeks before the tournament.
• Fran Kirby, also recently retired.
• Millie Bright, sidelined due to fitness concerns.

Despite this, Lauren James returns, though she hasn’t played since April, while 17-year-old Michelle Agyemang is an exciting new face to watch.

🐉 Wales Squad Insight

Wales make their tournament debut with a mix of experience and resilience:

• Sophie Ingle returns after a long ACL recovery.
• Angharad James will captain the squad.
• Veteran Jess Fishlock brings unmatched experience.
• Kayleigh Barton, who recently retired from club football, has also been included.

Injuries have taken their toll, with Mayzee Davies, Megan Wynne, and Laura O’Sullivan all ruled out due to ACL injuries.

➕ Knockout Stage Outlook

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals:

• Group D winner faces Group C runner-up.
• Group D runner-up meets Group C winner.

With Germany, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden in Group C, England and Wales could face stiff competition if they progress.

🔥 Form Guide: Who’s Hot?

• Spain and Germany were early qualifiers and have only lost one match each in the lead-up.
• France, Sweden, and Poland arrive unbeaten in 2025.
• England have been inconsistent, with a big win over Portugal but defeats to Spain and Belgium.
• Wales are still seeking a first win in 2025 but earned credible draws against higher-ranked Sweden.

❌ Notable Absentees

Several top talents will miss Euro 2025:

• Caroline Weir (Real Madrid) and Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea) – both out as Scotland failed to qualify.
• Katie McCabe (Arsenal) – absent after the Republic of Ireland fell to Wales in the play-offs.
• Lena Oberdorf (Germany) – ruled out due to ACL injury.
• Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland) – also sidelined by ACL damage.

⚽ The Road Ahead

The stage is set for an exciting summer. With the established elite eyeing glory and underdogs like Wales ready to disrupt the script, Women’s Euro 2025 promises unforgettable drama.

Can England hold onto their crown? Or will the new generation of European stars reshape the landscape? We’ll find out in Switzerland.