The first match of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland on Wednesday, July 2, and the tournament promises to be filled with shocks and surprises.
Everything goes out the window when you’re competing for your country on the big stage – no script can be written.
To get you ready for the tournament, here’s my picks for the favourites, the underdogs and a bit about the debutants.
Women’s Euro 2025 Favourites: England and Spain
These two powerhouse nations are the clear favourites to win the trophy this year.
As the reigning champions, it’s impossible not to have England up there, and on paper Spain are the best nation in the competition.
England will be desperate to regain the title they won at home three years ago, thanks to an extra-time strike from Chloe Kelly.
They’re in an even better position now, due to the development of the Women’s Super League, which is becoming more competitive and challenging each season.
Spain will fancy their chances with star players such as Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati leading the side.
History is also on their side as they’ve already beaten England in a cup final, that being the last edition of the World Cup.
Sarina Wiegman’s side will certainly be out for vengeance, but first they will have to focus on getting out of a tough group that consists of France, the Netherlands and Wales.
Spain will be clear favourites to win Group B, facing sides, Belgium, Portugal and Italy, with none of them currently ranked in the world’s top ten.
It’s always a closely contested match between these two nations, with the last seven meetings all being decided by a single goal or less.
If the two sides meet again, expect nothing different.
Underdogs: Norway & Switzerland
Norway might only be ranked 16th in the world but they have a real chance to cause problems for teams at the Euros.
With a squad including Ada Hegerberg, Frida Leonhardsen Maanum and Guro Reiten, just to name a few, they have the quality to go far in the tournament.
For Norway, it’s about putting the pieces together, which they haven’t been able to do in recent tournaments.
However, they’ll fancy their chances of advancing through their group and from that point on, anything can happen.
As for Switzerland – who share a group with Norway – they’ll have the crucial advantage of playing on home soil.
One stat that bodes well for La Nati, is that the host nations have won the last two editions of the tournament.
That should provide some much-needed hope for Switzerland, who have been on a poor run under Pia Sundhage as of late.
They had a shocking UEFA Nations League, finishing bottom of their group and subsequently getting relegated.
However, they demolished Czech Republic in a friendly four days ago and the truth is you’re only as good as your last game.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The plague that is ACL injuries in women’s football
Debutants: Poland and Wales
Two sides will make their long-awaited debut and the best part for them is there are no expectations.
Poland find themselves in a tricky group with Germany, Sweden and Denmark but are coming into the tournament in good form.
Striker Ewa Pajor will look to continue her rich form in front of goal and if she does, Poland have the potential to make a few waves.
Wales, meanwhile, also face a tough group. After defeating the Republic of Ireland to qualify, they were drawn alongside England, France and the Netherlands.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side is officially the lowest-ranked team in the competition, but have shown some encouraging displays recently, including draws against Sweden which will give them belief they can compete with the best.
The Dragons will hope this Euros campaign sparks a surge in the popularity of women’s football in Wales – just as England’s triumph did in 2022.
Wales tournament slogan reads: “For us. For them. For Her.”
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 03.06.2025