The Lionesses are heading to Switzerland for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 with a blend of familiar faces and exciting new talent, aiming to defend their title and replicate the success of their historic 2022 victory. The tournament, hosted across eight venues in Switzerland, kicks off on July 2nd, with the final set for July 27th in Basel.
England's journey begins in Group D, a challenging pool that includes France, the Netherlands, and Wales. Their first match is against France on July 5th in Zurich, followed by a clash with the Netherlands on July 9th, also in Zurich. They will then face Wales on July 13th in St. Gallen. Prince William, who is patron of the Football Association, is expected to be in Switzerland to support the Lionesses.
Several key players from the 2022 squad are no longer available. Ellen White and Rachel Daly have retired, while goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby have also called time on their England careers. Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for selection to address her physical and mental health. Despite these absences, the Lionesses are confident in their squad's depth and ability.
Sarina Wiegman's squad features 13 returning players from the 2022 triumph, including experienced stars like Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Georgia Stanway, and Alessia Russo. Russo, in particular, is expected to play a more significant role this summer. There are also seven major tournament debutants looking to make their mark. Aggie Beever-Jones, fresh off a breakout season with Chelsea, scored a hat-trick on her Wembley debut for England. Michelle Agyemang, a 19-year-old who has returned to Arsenal after a loan spell at Brighton, scored just 41 seconds into her first senior international appearance in April.
The Lionesses have emphasized that this is a "new England" team, ready to forge its own path. The squad numbers for the tournament have been revealed, with Hannah Hampton taking the number 1 jersey, Lucy Bronze number 2, and Leah Williamson number 6.
Wales have also qualified for Euro 2025, marking their first major tournament appearance. Their campaign starts against the Netherlands on July 5th in Lucerne, before facing Switzerland and then England.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. The total prize money for the tournament has more than doubled since 2022, with a total of €41 million (£34 million) up for grabs. The maximum prize money achievable for the tournament winners, if they also win all their group stage matches, is €5.1 million (£4.3 million).
The Lionesses' opening match against France and their subsequent games will be broadcast live on BBC and ITV in the UK.
