The Women’s European Championship of 2025 has formally begun. Let’s update you on the current happenings, what you may have missed, and what remains in store.
We plan to update this document throughout each matchday, providing up-to-date reports, analyses, and entertainment from the competition.
– Women’s Euro 2025 knockout stage, scores, and schedule of matches
The focal point: France achieves victory, yet not with ease
Following a flawless showing against England, France performed carelessly when facing Wales three days later.
What Les Bleues demonstrated in St. Gallen on Wednesday was indeed alarming. While head coach Laurent Bonadei did implement seven alterations to the starting lineup — with only Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, Alice Sombath, Selma Bacha, and Grace Geyoro retaining their positions — the team was still expected to secure a straightforward win against Wales, who ultimately triumphed with a 4-1 score that evening.
Instead, the French experienced difficulties. There was an absence of rhythm, flow, innovation, desire, forcefulness, alongside poor ball control and errant passes. They conceded one of the competition’s poorest goals and were tied against the perceived underdogs of the Euros until the 44th minute.
The match commenced positively with Clara Mateo’s initial goal after a mere eight minutes, but progress halted thereafter. Displaying defensive naivety with a lineup featuring one 20-year-old and two 21-year-olds at the back, they allowed the Welsh team and Jess Fishlock to re-enter the contest after 15 minutes.
These inexperienced players transformed the game into a physical battle, succeeding in tackles and challenges — precisely what the French sought to avoid. It required a penalty just before halftime to reclaim France’s lead, followed by Safia Middleton-Patel, Wales’ goalkeeper, contributing a third and fourth goal to France’s tally in the second half.
While the victory was anticipated, the execution was underwhelming, and Bonadei seemed dissatisfied on the sidelines. Mateo, at least, with a goal, an assist, and a won penalty, likely impressed Bonadei.
As for the remaining players, notably regular substitutes like Kadidiatou Diani, Melvine Malard, and Amel Majri, a similar sentiment prevailed. They did not capitalize on the chance to leave a positive impression.
Meanwhile, Fishlock received a standing ovation from the entire stadium as she exited, smiling broadly, having added a new achievement to her nation’s record by becoming the first Welsh female player to ever score in a major tournament. — Julien Laurens
Key Updates for Euro 2025 Today
– Welsh team and staff ‘doing well’ post-Euros bus accident
– Russo insists England approaches match with Dutch ‘confidently’
– Spain and Putellas bring Belgium’s coach close to tears
Observations and Sounds from Euro 2025
Hamilton’s Analysis of England
When England celebrated their initial goal against the Netherlands, Leah Williamson and Alex Greenwood went to congratulate goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
The uncertainty surrounding England’s No. 1 goalkeeper position has been a significant narrative leading into this tournament, especially given Mary Earps’ retirement. Hampton played her initial major tournament minutes against France on Saturday, facing challenges in preventing either goal. Against the Dutch, she encountered more pressure in the second half, but her contribution to the first England goal highlighted why Wiegman selected her.
Hampton, positioned just outside her six-yard box, executed a precise pass that bisected the Dutch defense. Alessia Russo skillfully maneuvered past a defender, allowing Lauren James to score an impressive goal moments later. This play originated from Hampton’s insightful vision and accurate passing. Hampton was also instrumental in setting up James’ second goal after halftime.
It was a near-perfect day for England. Despite the pressure they faced, the team maintained unwavering confidence in their ability to perform against the Dutch. James and Georgia Stanway propelled England to a 2-0 advantage by halftime, with James and Ella Toone completing their 4-0 victory. — Tom Hamilton
Zurich Covered in Oranje
On paper, England against the Netherlands stood out as the most compelling match of the tournament thus far, and the immense magnitude of the event was apparent in the significant numbers of supporters — from both sides — who gathered in the streets of Zurich in the hours leading up to the kickoff.
Outside the Kraftwerk bar on Selnaustrasse, large groups of England enthusiasts queued around the block, hoping to enter Lionesses HQ, where they could watch the game while enjoying food, beverages, and live music.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Netherlands congregated in large numbers to participate in a fan march towards the stadium. Dressed in orange jerseys and waving scarves, banners, and flags, the Oranje supporters generated excitement, setting the stage for one of the tournament’s most memorable games to date. — Beth Lindop
I wish I was Dutch. pic.twitter.com/IDYsYhvrQW
— Beth Lindop (@beth_lindop) July 9, 2025
Interpreting Between the Lines
Athenea del Castillo glanced at the press officer, lowered her head into her hands, and began to chuckle. The Spain and Real Madrid forward had just been asked about the book she was reading during the Euros.
“You’ve got me,” she said, laughing. “I can’t remember the title right now.”
She explained that it was a book on leadership and teamwork, detailing her ambition to become a leader at Madrid next season, and mentioned that she was absorbing as much as possible.
Still, the 24-year-old wasn’t convinced that everyone fully believed her. To ensure clarity, she posted a selfie with the book upon returning to the team hotel. The title? “Trae, que ya lo hago yo, idiota (I’ll handle it myself, idiot).” — Sam Marsden
Sweden’s Aerial Supremacy
Sweden is once again leveraging their aerial dominance. At the Women’s World Cup, the set-play strategy involving Jonna Andersson (as the taker) and Amanda Ilestedt (as the scorer) proved effective against many teams. While the assists and goals are now more widely distributed, headers remain a significant source of their scores.
Three of the four goals scored by Peter Gerhardsson’s squad thus far have been headers. There have been only seven headers scored in total at this year’s Euros, with no other team scoring more than one (Spain, Belgium, Norway, and Germany each have one).
With two victories to date, Sweden, who have reached the semifinals in the last three major tournaments, are demonstrating their status as a formidable competitor. To defeat them, one will likely need to overcome their aerial strength — or, at minimum, disrupt their supply.
1:10
Sweden dominates Poland to secure top spot in Group C
Sweden defeated Poland 3-0 to claim the group lead in their second match of the European Championships.
A Fresh Milestone
The contest between Germany and Denmark on Tuesday established a new attendance record for a group stage match at the Women’s Euros that did not involve a host nation.
A total of 34,165 supporters — many adorned in Germany jerseys — filled the stadium in Basel to witness the eight-time champions secure a 2-1 victory, thus confirming their spot in the quarterfinal.
The German fans provided an outstanding display, with booming cheers, accompanied by drums and various other instruments, for every chance or goal, and loud boos when Denmark scored. The supporters were particularly vocal when VAR intervened to overturn their penalty for handball and to rule Klara Bühl’s opening goal offside. — Emily Keogh
In Remembrance of Woody
It is typical to see a player’s name across the back of a football jersey, possibly even your own… however, one German fan I spoke with ahead of the Denmark game took it a step further.
She wore a Switzerland jersey with her beloved pet guinea pig, “Woody,” printed on the back.
Woody was originally from Switzerland, which inspired the choice of jersey, but he sadly passed away last year and did not have the opportunity to experience the Euros in his homeland. — Keogh
Sydney Shines Brightly
At just 18 years of age, Switzerland forward Sydney Schertenleib has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout players. Her technical skills, agility, and elegance, both as a substitute against Norway in the opening game and as a starter against Iceland on Monday, were clearly visible to everyone watching.
However, she is not just a fan favorite; the Barcelona star is also highly regarded by her international teammates.
When asked to identify a quality from one teammate, Seattle Reign FC forward Ana Maria Crnogorcevic responded: “Sydney’s technique.” In the meantime, Roma forward Alayah Pilgrim and Grasshopper midfielder Noemi Ivelj both said that they “would like to sing like Sydney.” — Laurens
Dancing Hosts
Hosts Switzerland are hoping to dance their way into the quarterfinals on Thursday. Their 2-0 victory over Iceland captured the nation’s attention, with goal scorer Pilgrim’s impressive celebratory dance alongside youngster Leila Wandeler gaining viral status within the country in the following days.
Wandeler has channeled that energy, hoping it will assist her teammates in securing the draw they need against Finland to reach the quarterfinals of a major tournament for the first time in their history.
“I’m fairly good,” Lyon’s Wandeler told reporters when asked who the team’s best dancer is. “When there’s music playing, I waste no time getting my teammates to dance. I simply attempt to spread positive vibes.” — Marsden
Player of the Day
Lauren James, England
Following her lackluster performance against France, we anticipated a response from the England forward, and she delivered.
James is only 23, but the Chelsea star needed a strong performance on Wednesday in Zurich, and she demonstrated against the Netherlands why she ranks among the world’s best players and why she is indispensable for the Lionesses, particularly when in that kind of mood.
Deploying her centrally did not prove effective against Les Bleues. She lacked involvement and aggressiveness. Starting out wide against the Dutch with the freedom to move inside suited her much more effectively.
She was at times unplayable, combining effectively with Lucy Bronze behind her and Ella Toone alongside her. She scored two goals, elevating her stats to eight goal involvements in her five starts for England at a major tournament. Her tournament (as well as England’s) has officially begun. — Laurens
0:35
Reasons for Lying About Pia Sundhage’s Past in Football
Leading coach Pia Sundhage is in charge of Switzerland, who are hosting Euro 2025.
Preview and Odds for Thursday Matches
Finland against Switzerland
Odds (via ESPN BET): Finland (+250), Draw (+235), Switzerland (+110)
With one win and one loss, Switzerland and Finland are prepared to compete for the Group A second qualifying position. Switzerland needs a draw and Finland must win to overtake Norway and grab second place.
Finland has been notable with their performances during the competition and were unlucky to have a final score of 2-1 versus Norway last game. It is always pleasant when a host nation gets far into the competition and it is clear to see that going to the knockouts would be special to the supporters who are rooting for Switzerland. — Lindop
Norway versus Iceland
Odds (via ESPN BET): Norway (+125), Draw (+240), Iceland (+210)
Norway has guaranteed their spot in the knockouts after failing to get past the groups in the last two Euros, but are struggling to find perfect form. There are amazing players within their group, but luck has been on their side with own goals happening and Caroline Graham Hansen attempting to find space on the right in hopes of a header in the middle. They hope to create a more fluid showing on Thursday.
Already out of the competition from back-to-back defeats, Iceland will try to get a last punch before they leave as they try to win their first Euros in 12 years. Expect this game to be close as both teams ended with draws in their two games this year. — Hamilton
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45699496/euro-2025-daily-france-cruise-wales-england-bounce-back
