After Italy became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the EURO 2025, with a dramatic 2-1 win over Norway on Wednesday, the remaining three quarter-final ties promise even more excitement. With some of Europe’s biggest sides facing off, the stage is set for a thrilling end to the knockout round.
Sweden vs England
This match is a repeat of the EURO 2022 semi-final, where England stunned Sweden with a 4-0 win. That heavy defeat will still be fresh in the minds of the Swedish players, who now come into this clash with something to prove, and serious momentum behind them.
Sweden cruised through their group with three wins from three, including a commanding 4-1 win over Germany. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has stood out with her pace and directness, and the Swedes’ counter-attacking threat will likely test England’s back line.
England bounced back well after losing to France in their group opener, but questions remain about their full-back positions. Lucy Bronze’s forward runs could leave gaps, and Alex Greenwood, playing out of position, may be targeted.
This looks like the most evenly matched of the quarter-finals. Expect a tactical battle and a tight scoreline, perhaps decided by a single moment of brilliance.
Spain vs Switzerland
Switzerland have already done well to make it out of the group stage, but their reward is a daunting test against one of the tournament favourites. Spain, reigning world champions, have been unstoppable so far, scoring 14 goals in three matches.
The Swiss will know just how difficult this task is, Spain have beaten them 5-1, 5-0, and 7-1 in their last three encounters. Spain’s high pressing, creativity, and clinical finishing make them overwhelming favourites here.
Still, there are small glimmers of hope. Spain’s defence has looked shaky at times, conceding against both Belgium and Italy. If Switzerland can stay organised and strike on the counter or from a set-piece, they might cause a scare.
That said, anything other than a comfortable Spain win would be one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.
France vs Germany
Once a dominant force in women’s football, Germany are now a team struggling for consistency. Their group-stage campaign ended with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sweden, and their problems are mounting. Captain Giulia Gwinn is out injured, and stand-in full-back Carlotta Wamser is suspended following a red card.
By contrast, France have looked one of the most complete sides in the competition. They topped a tough group with wins over England, Netherlands, and Wales, showcasing discipline, pace, and attacking depth.
Germany haven’t shown the same sharpness or structure, and without key players, they’ll need a huge performance to knock out one of the most in-form teams at the tournament.
Unless Germany can rediscover their identity quickly, France look set to march on to the semis, potentially for a blockbuster clash with Spain.
