England and Wales have been drawn together for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular tournament next summer. The draw, held on December 16, revealed the group stage matchups, bringing excitement to fans as the Lionesses find themselves alongside France and the Netherlands, two formidable opponents.
The tournament will take place from July 2 to July 27, 2025, across eight venues throughout Switzerland. England, the defending champions, will kick off their title defense against France on July 5, marking the beginning of their campaign to replicate their success from Euro 2022.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman, who led England to glory last summer, faces a unique challenge as she prepares to meet her former team, the Netherlands, on July 9. The last match for England will be against Wales on July 13, rounding off what can be considered the ‘group of death’ considering the strength of the teams involved.
Wales, making their debut at this prestigious tournament, will look to make history after qualifying through playoffs, defeating the Republic of Ireland 3-2 on aggregate. This matchup is particularly notable as Rhian Wilkinson's squad aims to upset their more seasoned competitors.
According to Ian Wright, former Arsenal and England player, this tournament holds special significance for women's football. He stated, "It totally changed women's football in our country forever," referencing the impact the last Euro had on the visibility and support for women's sports.
With these historic matchups set, attention also turns to the logistics of the tournament. Group stage matches will be hosted across cities including Zurich, St. Gallen, and Basel, with the final scheduled for July 27 at St. Jakob-Park. This multi-city format will allow fans across Switzerland to engage with the matches, creating festival-like atmospheres.
Each of the teams drawn faces significant challenges. England must handle the pressure of being defending champions, expected to perform well against old rivals and newcomers alike. Meanwhile, the Lionesses also need to navigate the tricky dynamics of facing France, who topped their qualifying group just above them, and the Netherlands, whom they know well.
The knockout stage will advance the top two teams from each group, intensifying the need for every match to count. Players will understand the importance of establishing strong game strategies right from their opening fixtures.
Of course, Wales’ position as the lowest-ranked team (ranked 30th) does not diminish their aspirations; they are aiming to leave their mark on this major stage. They will face the Netherlands first, followed by Australia and then England, with each match providing invaluable experience for the squad.
Wiegman noted the emotional weight of returning to face her old team, stating, "It will be special to play against the Netherlands," reflecting on her successful legacy with the Dutch national team prior to taking the reins with England.
Other groups were also drawn during this ceremony, with Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Italy forming Group B, and Group C includes Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. Fans are already buzzing with excitement over potential matchups and rivalries.
UEFA has also taken steps to increase the prize money available for this year's tournament, with total winnings set to exceed €41 million, over a 150% increase from 2022. It signifies the growing recognition and support for women's football across Europe.
Looking forward, the competition is shaping up to be challenging for all teams involved. Engaging storylines, historic matches, and the aim for high-stakes success will be the undercurrent of this tournament.
With the matches on the horizon, anticipation continues to build, and the excitement surrounding Euro 2025 is palpable. Fans are eagerly awaiting the action as teams converge for the biggest women's football event of the year.
The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 is set to create unforgettable memories and highlight the phenomenal growth of women's football. All eyes will be on these matches starting on July 5, 2025; let's see who prevails to shape the future of the sport on this competitive stage.
