European champions England are set to rekindle their rivalry with France and the Netherlands, while also facing newcomers Wales during the group stage of the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, following Monday’s draw in Switzerland.
World Cup victors Spain, ranked second by FIFA and eager to secure their first Euro title, appear to have a smoother journey ahead against Group B competitors Portugal, Belgium, and Italy. Germany, the eight-time European champions and third in the world rankings, will compete in Group C alongside Poland, Denmark, and Sweden. Host nation Switzerland will battle Norway, Iceland, and Finland in Group A, with the tournament commencing on July 2 in Basel against the Norwegians. Despite being reigning titleholders, Sarina Wiegman’s England squad found themselves in Pot 2 for the draw after finishing just behind France in their Euro qualifying group by a single point, having exchanged victories with identical 2-1 outcomes. England’s first group match against France is scheduled for July 5.
In what promises to be an electrifying group stage, the Netherlands, known for being Wiegman’s homeland and her previous team, managed to edge out the Lionesses from the Paris Olympics by surpassing them in the Nations League standings. These two familiar rivals are set to clash on 9th July. Wiegman stands as the sole manager to have clinched the women’s Euros with two different nations, having also secured victory with the Dutch team back in 2017. “I believe we have a very intriguing and thrilling group,” Wiegman remarked. “It’s quite challenging. You simply need to face it head-on and be prepared for 5th July. That’s my perspective.” She added, “Everyone enters a tournament with the aim to win it, and we are no exception. I have faith in my squad.”
Rhian Wilkinson’s Welsh team secured their inaugural Euro appearance by defeating Ireland with a 3-2 aggregate in a playoff, facing a daunting journey ahead as the lowest-ranked team at 30th in the tournament. The fourth-ranked England will encounter Wales on 13th July in St Gallen.
“Firstly, well done to them for qualifying for the very first time in their history, which is incredible,” Wiegman remarked. “There will be some competition when we step onto the field. I’m eager for that match.” The tournament, featuring 16 teams, will be held in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July, with the final taking place in Basel. The top two teams in each group advance to the quarter-finals.
GROUP A
Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Finland
GROUP B
Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy
GROUP C
Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden
GROUP D
France, England, Wales, Netherlands
