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The Assist: Euro 2025 Preview
Introducing a special edition of the newsletter previewing the Women's Euros set to start in Switzerland this week.
To look ahead to the 2025 Euros, we have partnered with GirlsOnTheBall, seasoned veterans of seven major tournaments who will be providing their expert analysis on the ground throughout the next few weeks.
Do you want to receive updates from the Euros?If you select "yes" we'll send a handful of emails throughout the tournament, from on the ground in Switzerland. |

With the women’s game more competitive than ever before, we are expecting one of the most exciting tournaments to date as the best in Europe go head-to-head. Our plan is to attend a game every match day, visit every ground and cover every single team at least once. From match insights, predictions, in-game photos and content from the all the various host cities, we’re hoping to make you feel like you’re right there with us.
Group A
Group A is perhaps the hardest to call. Hosts Switzerland (FIFA ranking #23) will be counting their lucky stars that they have managed to avoid Europe's best teams. Managed by Swedish legend and former USA manager Pia Sundhage, they enter their home tournament in indifferent form and with fitness issues surrounding key players, such as Champions League winner and captain Lia Wälti.

Gemma Grainger's Norway (#16) are the favourites in the group but struggle with consistency. On paper, they have one of the most talented squads with the likes of former Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg and Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen. But they struggle to turn their firepower into goals and indifferent recent results show no sign that this is changing.
The queens of a draw, Iceland (#14) will be feeling confident at their chances of progressing. Direct and hard to break down, Þorsteinn Halldórsson's side know they can hit opponents on transition but do struggle in the goalscoring department. Four draws in their last six games are emblematic of this problem.
Finland (#26), meanwhile, are a bit of an unknown entity. They qualified through the play-offs, beating Scotland, and have been competing in the Nations League, League B this year. They will be looking to improve on their Euro 2022 record where they lost all three games and will be hoping creative spark Jutta Rantala is fit enough to compete.
One to watch: Caroline Graham Hansen (30 | Forward | Norway | Barcelona)
One for the future: Sydney Schertenleib (18 | Forward | Switzerland | Barcelona)
Key fixture: Switzerland vs. Norway (2 July | 21:00 CET) – the tournament opener for the hosts in Basel could decide who eventually tops the group.
Group B
Spain (FIFA ranking #2) are undoubtedly tournament favourites. Despite troubles behind the scenes, the World Champions and Nations League holders have been impressive since losing to England in the quarter-finals last time out. In Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí and Patri Guijarro, they boast the best midfield in Europe and they can suffocate opponents when allowed to play through central areas. They can, however, struggle for a Plan B and their defence looks shaky when faced with direct, pacy forwards.

Neighbours Portugal (#22) are appearing in their second Euros following some significant progression. Francisco Neto is one of the longer serving managers but his side have undergone a dip in form, conceding 16 in their last three matches that included both Spain and Belgium. They have fast and creative forwards but are frail defensively.
Belgium (#20) are another side who have been inconsistent in 2025. Willing to sit back against higher-ranked teams, they proved how potent they can be on the counter against England in April with captain Tessa Wullaert leading from the front. Equally, however, their defence can be exploited.
Italy (#13), in contrast, will be feeling buoyant about their chances in this group. A well-organised outfit under Andrea Soncin, they have some strong wins under their belt, including a 2-1 victory over Germany in December. The experience of their front line is second to none with centurions Cristina Girelli and Barbara Bonansea at the helm while Sofia Cantore has been making waves in Serie A.
One to watch: Clàudia Pina (23 | Forward | Spain | Barcelona)
One for the future: Vicky López (18 | Midfielder | Spain | Barcelona)
Key fixture: Italy vs. Spain (11 July | 21:00 CET) – Italy are our dark horses for the tournament and beat Spain in December 2023. Can they shock the favourites?
Group C
This will be Peter Gerhardsson's final tournament in charge of Sweden (#6), a side who consistently reach the latter stages but have never managed to claim the top prize. They will inevitably be there again and for several players, this tournament will be a last throw of the dice. Unbeaten since July 2024, they are defensively solid and strong in the press but can struggle to score.
Denmark (#12) have the ability to cause problems and finished runners-up at Euro 2017. Captain Pernille Harder leads by example and the team is built around her. But Andrée Jeglertz's side can be caught out and a recent 6-1 defeat to Sweden will be a warning sign.
Germany (#3) are looking frightening despite a bit of disruption away from the field. Unbeaten this year, Christian Wück's side have scored 24 in their last five matches and possess an ample collection of creative players. Bayern Munich forward Lea Schüller has stepped up to fill the shoes of Alexandra Popp while Selina Cerci enjoyed a brilliant goalscoring season at Hoffenheim. The loss of Lena Oberdorf is a blow with the midfielder unable to recover from an ACL injury in time.

Poland (#27) are one of two tournament newcomers and this group will be a tough challenge. Their biggest asset is captain Ewa Pajor, one of the deadliest strikers in the world. She scored 43 in 46 for Barcelona last season and Nina Patalon's team will know that if they can get her the ball, she will more than likely hit the back of the net.
One to watch: Lea Schüller (27 | Forward | Germany | Bayern Munich)
One for the future: Ellen Wangerheim (20 | Forward | Sweden | Hammarby)
Key fixture: Sweden vs. Germany (12 July | 21:00 CET) – two heavyweights of the women’s game coming head-to-head and they will both likely be competing to top the group
Group D
Holders England (#5) will be looking to back up their historic win in 2022. There have been disruptions over the last two years with injuries, and the recent retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby and withdrawal of Millie Bright are not ideal. But Sarina Wiegman has a squad full of major tournament experience and creative talent to draw on. The return to full fitness of Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James and Georgia Stanway is a big positive.

France (#10) are one of the biggest conundrums. On paper, they have always had a team with the quality to win trophies but, for whatever reason, it has never quite happened. Laurent Bonadei's decision to omit the experienced Wendie Renard, Eugenie Le Sommer and Kenza Dali so close to the tournament raised eyebrows. Les Bleues are stacked with quality - Chelsea's Sandy Baltimore is in the best form of her career, Marie-Antoinette Katoto is one of the top strikers in the world and Melvine Malard is in fine form.
The return of Vivianne Miedema to full fitness scoring a brace in her first game back will have given Andries Jonker a huge boost. The Netherlands (#11) captain is on 99 goals for her country and is central to their success. Lineth Beerensteyn is also a potent outlet having just won the Golden Boot in the Frauen Bundesliga. A 4-0 defeat to Germany in June will serve as a warning sign that there is work for them to do.
Wales (#30) will make history this summer with their first major tournament appearance. The lowest-ranked team will inevitably be the underdogs, but Rhian Wilkinson's side will relish that role. Jess Fishlock is their talismanic midfielder and will finally get to show her talents on a major stage.
One to watch: Sandy Baltimore (25 | Forward | France | Chelsea)
One for the future: Aggie Beever-Jones (21 | Forward | England | Chelsea)
Key fixture: England vs. Netherlands (9 July | 18:00 CET) – with two Dutch coaches at the helm, Sarina Wiegman and Andries Jonker know each other well. A fixture that always delivers.

Eight host cities were selected for Euro 2025.
ST. JAKOB-PARK, BASEL (capacity 34,250)
Basel is situated in the north-west of Switzerland and its third most populated city. St. Jakob-Park is home to FC Basel, the current Swiss champions. It will host the official opener between Switzerland and Norway, one quarter-final and the Final.

ARENA THUN, THUN (8,100)
A picturesque town set in the Bernese Oberland region, Thun sits on a lake with panoramic views of the Alps and has a famous 12th century castle. FC Thun secured promotion to the Swiss Super League this season. It will host three group matches.
STADE DE TOURBILLON, SION (7,750)
Situated in the canton of Valais near the borders of Italy and France, Sion is an ancient Roman City that has roots from prehistoric times. The Stade de Tourbillon is home to FC Sion who have just completed their first season back in the Swiss Super League. It will host two group matches.
STADION WANKDORF, BERN (29,800)
Switzerland’s capital city and the home of Toblerone is one not to be missed. Stadion Wankdorf is the country’s second-largest stadium and home to BSC Young Boys who last won the league in the 2023-2024 season. It will host three group matches and a quarterfinal.
STADE DE GENÈVE, GENEVA (26,750)
Based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Geneva is host to the largest population. Set on Lake Geneva with the famous fountain, it is home to various global organisations and famous for its watchmaking. The Stade de Genève is home to Servette FC who will play in qualifying for next season’s Champions League. It will host three group matches, one quarterfinal and one semifinal.
ARENA ST. GALLEN, ST. GALLEN (16,300)
Another of Switzerland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, St. Gallen is situated in the north-east and possesses a world-famous library. The stadium is home to FC St. Gallen who are the oldest football club on the European continent. It will host three group games.

STADION LETZIGRUND, ZURICH (22,700)
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and one of the main financial centres. It is once again based around a lake and is close to the famous Lindt Home of Chocolate. Stadion Letzigrund is home to FC Zurich who have won the Swiss Super League 13 times. It will host three group matches, a quarterfinal and a semifinal.
ALLMEND STADION LUZERN, LUCERNE (14,350)
Based in the centre of the country, Lucerne is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. It is home to Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Europe. FC Luzern play at Allmend Stadion and they have won the title and cup three times each. It will host three group matches.


The famous (to some) FotMob Predictor games have recently gone through a major overhaul and if you know you’re stuff, we challenge you to play our Women’s Euro game over at predict.fotmob.com.
The game is free to play and super intuitive - use your regular FotMob sign in method and access the predictors via the link above, or via the More tab in the app itself.
You can even join a mini-league for the tournament that we’ve set up for readers of The Assist. Just click here to enter. We’ve got stickers and other FotMob merch to give away to the eventual winners!

Watch: Extra Time with GOTB x WEURO2025 | Group Preview Episode 1
Read: "It's excitement more than anything": Lionesses' Agyemang ready to embrace major tournament debut
You can follow our Euro 2025 journey across X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. We are @girlsontheball on all platforms. Also find our Substack here.