England to bounce back? Brown-Finnis' Euro 2025 predictions
Group A
Brown-Finnis' pre-tournament picks: Norway (winners) and Switzerland (runners-up).
6 July, 17:00 BSTStade de Tourbillon, SionWorld ranking: 16th v 26thBest Euros finish: Norway: winners in 1987 & 1993. Finland: semi-finals in 2005Norway made such a slow start against Switzerland in their opening game but they were unrecognisable in and out of possession in the second half.They looked like a different team after the break as they fought back from a goal down to beat the hosts, and I feel like they will build on that performance now they know the levels they need to reach.Finland showed in their win over Iceland that they are well organised at the back and how tough they are to break down, but I still think Norway will find a way through.Brown-Finnis' prediction: 1-0
6 July, 20:00 BSTStadion Wankdorf, BernWorld ranking: 23rd v 14thBest Euros finish: Switzerland: groups in 2017 & 2022. Iceland: quarter-finals in 2013.It feels like the tournament has only just got started but this is a huge match for both teams. If the earlier game in Group A finishes in a draw, then whoever loses here is out.Iceland are the higher-ranked team and they will definitely believe they can get the result they need - but they were held to two draws when they played each other in this year's Nations League.Switzerland's defeat by Norway was a disappointing result for the hosts but I thought they were fantastic in the first half and I don't think they let their lead slip because of a lack of application or a dip in their performance.The swing in that game was more down to Norway changing their tactics and the Swiss failing to adapt. Even then, they were a bit unfortunate not to get anything from the game.If Switzerland can play with the same intensity here then, with the crowd behind them, I think they will have enough quality to get their tournament back on track.Brown-Finnis' prediction: 2-1
Group B
Brown-Finnis' pre-tournament picks: Spain (winners) and Portugal (runners-up).
7 July, 17:00 BSTArena Thun, ThunWorld ranking: 2nd v 20thBest Euros finish: Spain: semi-finals in 1997. Belgium: quarter-finals in 2022.Spain were hugely impressive in their 5-0 victory over Portugal. It's already clear how much better they are this time than they were at the 2022 European Championship, when England beat them in the quarter-finals, and they are only just getting started at this tournament.Lots of teams have seen changes in personnel since that tournament, and the 2023 World Cup, but none of them have improved to the extent that Spain have.We saw against Portugal what happens when a team does not adapt at all to the dominant way Spain play - you have to acknowledge you are not going to see much of the ball, sit off them and play on the counter, but Portugal did not really do that and paid the price.I am not expecting Belgium to make the same mistake, but it is still hard to see them getting anything out of this game. Losing to Italy was a big blow to their hopes of getting out of the group, and this is clearly a much harder task.Belgium have played Spain four times in the past few months, in the Nations League and in qualifying for these Euros, and lost every time.A couple of those defeats were heavy ones, but Belgium did cause them a few problems at times too.I am not sure how close they will get to the world champions this time, but at least they know what to expect.Brown-Finnis' prediction: 2-0
7 July, 20:00 BSTStade de Geneve, GenevaWorld ranking: 22nd v 13thBest Euros finish: Portugal: groups in 2017 & 2022. Italy: runner-up in 1993 & 1997Portugal were quite naive against Spain. They have got some quality, but not enough to take risks against the world champions and get a result.This game is going to be much closer, and I am expecting a reaction from Portugal after seeing the way they have grown over the past couple of tournaments. They know they have to perform here, or they will be going home soon.Italy may have a bit of a swagger about them after beating Belgium in their first game but they can be quite open themselves at times and I'd be surprised if they find this straightforward.Brown-Finnis' prediction: 2-1
Group C
Brown-Finnis' pre-tournament picks: Germany (winners) and Sweden (runners-up).
8 July, 17:00 BSTSt Jakob-Park, BaselWorld ranking: 3rd v 12thBest Euros finish: Germany: Eight-time winners between 1989 & 2013. Denmark: runners-up in 2017.Germany got off to a good start with their win over Poland but losing captain Giulia Gwinn to injury was a big blow, and she will not play again at these Euros.I still think they have the squad depth to see off Denmark, and they already look composed and like they have found some rhythm, but this won't be easy.The Danes badly need to get something out of this game, and Pernille Harder will be desperate to kickstart her tournament after hitting the bar in their defeat against Sweden.Brown-Finnis' prediction: 2-0
8 July, 20:00 BSTAllmend Stadion Luzern, LucerneWorld ranking: 27th v 6thBest Euros finish: Poland: first-time qualifiers. Sweden: winners in 1984Poland put in a spirited performance against Germany, but still lost on their debut at a major finals.It's hard to see them getting anything here, either. Sweden's win over Denmark was massive for their hopes of getting out of the group and I am expecting them to get another victory here too.Like Wales, Poland are finding out that the level of tournament football at a European Championship really is the best of the best.When you look at the world ranking of the teams here, then Europe is the strongest continent, which is why it's so hard to get out of your group - let alone go all the way and win it.For teams who are at their first major finals, it is a case of looking upwards - not just in terms of everyone else's world rankings, but with factors like experience and confidence too.Sweden have got lots of know-how at major finals and that should help them get the win they want before they face Germany in their final group game.Brown-Finnis' prediction: 0-1
Group D
Brown-Finnis' pre-tournament picks: England (winners) and France (runners-up).
9 July, 17:00 BSTStadion Letzigrund, ZurichWorld ranking: 5th v 11thBest Euros finish: England: winners in 2022. The Netherlands: winners in 2017.England started well against France but after having a goal ruled out for offside they were just not good enough in the first half. The Lionesses improved and dominated possession after the break but still didn't manage any shots on target until the closing stages.That defeat means this is a must-win game for them but, if they are going to beat the Netherlands, they will have to be much better at the basics.Too many simple passes went astray on Saturday night, and we didn't see the kind of sharp and polished England performance that we have become used to.We know England can be better, and I do think they will be much improved against the Dutch, but they will have to be careful because Vivianne Miedema looked like she is back to her best with her brilliant goal that broke the deadlock against Wales.It was a reminder of her class, and also how she is not a player who needs loads of chances, but makes her opportunities count - which is why she has scored 100 goals and counting for her country.
Miedema can sometimes look disinterested, or seem uninvolved, but that's just how she plays - it means she is sometimes underestimated, when she is always dangerous.I still believe England will rise to the challenge, however, even if manager Sarina Wiegman may have to review the tactics she used against France - they looked much more threatening when Michelle Agyemang came on late on, compared to when Alessia Russo was up top on her own.When it comes down to games like this, where they have to get the three points, I would always back England and Wiegman to find a way of winning.Brown-Finnis' prediction: 2-1
9 July, 20:00 BSTArena St Gallen, St GallenWorld ranking: 10th v 30thBest Euros finish: France: semi-finals in 2022. Wales: first-time qualifiers.France were worthy winners against England. They got a bit of momentum in the first half, and took control.Wales will know what to expect after watching that game, because Les Bleues looked pumped, and never gave England any easy possession of the ball at all, but stopping France is a huge ask - they looked fresh and fiery and their intensity and work-rate was simply relentless.Wales had a way of playing against the Dutch that worked for a while - they defended in numbers, worked hard and pressed hard, and tried to attack on the break when they won the ball back - but they couldn't sustain it.They found out the hard way what happens when you give players like Miedema too much space and time on the edge of your area, and if they drop off against France, then their quality will shine through too.Brown-Finnis' prediction: 3-0
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Wimbledon officials apologise after line-calling tech is turned off in error
After an investigation, organisers have admitted the technology was turned off in error on a section of the court for a game, with the mistake only becoming apparent when a shot from Kartal that clearly missed the baseline was not called out. Had the call been correct, it would have given Pavlyuchenkova a 5-4 lead in the first set, but instead umpire Nico Helwerth ruled the point should be replayed, with Kartal going on to win the game. Intriguing scenes! Pavlyuchenkova thinks Kartal has put her forehand long and stops before the Brit slams back a winner. The umpire checks and confirms the electronic line calling system was unable to track the point, which leads to the point being replayed.#Wimbledon — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 6, 2025 The Russian accused the official of home bias, saying: 'Because she is local, they can say whatever. You took the game away from me.' In a statement, a Wimbledon spokesman said: 'It is now clear that the live ELC system, which was working optimally, was deactivated in error on part of the server's side of the court for one game by those operating the system. 'In that time, there were three calls not picked up by live ELC on the affected part of the court. Two of these were called by the chair umpire, who was not made aware that the system had been deactivated. 'Following the third, the chair umpire stopped the match and consulted with the review official. It was determined that the point should be replayed. The chair umpire followed the established process. We have apologised to the players involved.' Pavlyuchenkova discussed the matter with Helwerth after the match, and she said: 'It was very confusing in the beginning because the ball looked very long to me. 'It was a very crucial moment in the match. I expected a different decision. I just thought also the chair umpire could take the initiative. That's why he's there sitting on the chair. He also saw it out, he told me after the match. I don't know if it's something to do because she's local. 'I think we are losing a little bit of the charm of actually having human beings. Like during Covid, we didn't have ball boys. It just becomes a little bit weird and robot sort of orientated. 'They're very good at giving fines, though, and code violations. This they don't miss because every time any little thing, they are just right there on it. I would prefer they looked at the lines and call the errors better.' Kartal, who insisted she did not know if the ball was in or out, defended Helwerth's handling of the situation. 'That situation is a rarity,' she said. 'I don't think it's really ever happened. It's tough luck. What can you do? The umpire is trying his best in that situation. I think he handled it fine. I think the fairest way was what he did, to replay the point.' Pavlyuchenkova regrouped well after the incident, saving a Kartal set point and going on to claim a 7-6 (3) 6-4 victory and a place in the quarter-finals. Asked how she would have felt had she lost, the 34-year-old joked: 'I would just say that I hate Wimbledon and never come back here.' The incident is hugely embarrassing for Wimbledon, with organisers having staunchly defended the innovation amid controversy over the removal of line judges. Britain's leading duo Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu have both complained about the accuracy of the system, which is now widely used on the tour, this week. After her defeat by Aryna Sabalenka on Friday, Raducanu said: 'It's kind of disappointing, the tournament here, that the calls can be so wrong.' The Wimbledon spokesman added: 'We continue to have full confidence in the accuracy of the ball-tracking technology. 'The live ELC system relies on the Hawk-Eye operators, the review official and the technology to work in harmony. This did not happen. In this instance there was a human error and as a consequence we have fully reviewed our processes and made the appropriate changes.'
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘He lit up a room': Trent Alexander-Arnold pays tribute to Diogo Jota
Trent Alexander-Arnold has described his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota as 'someone who lit up a room'. The Liverpool forward died along with his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain on Thursday. Alexander-Arnold is at the Club World Cup in the United States with Real Madrid having left Anfield at the end of their title-winning 2024-25 season. He spoke to Dazn after Madrid's quarter-final victory over Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey. 'Some things are bigger than the game,' the right-back said. 'It has been difficult but it's been very emotional, very heartwarming to see the footballing world uniting and come together to show their love and support to him and his family, and obviously his brother as well. 'So although it's been difficult, it's also been a nice showing out from everyone, all clubs, all people, uniting and showing love and support for what must be a mind-blowingly hard time for the family. 'I've been … around him and his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his parents, his amazing three children. It's truly, truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that. It's something that you would never, ever expect. 'He was a very close friend, someone who lit up a room when he was in it. I shared the dressing room for five years [and have] amazing memories on and off the pitch with him. It goes without saying he will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in all our memories for the amazing man and player he was.'
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
Izak Rankine is born to play to full houses as his talent ensures Adelaide stay on song
A fine singer, Izak Rankine plays his football like he's taking requests. Adelaide were nearly five goals down halfway through the second quarter against Melbourne. If they had lost, they would have coughed up third spot and been in the ruck of teams on 40 points including ninth-placed Fremantle. Rankine stepped up on stage, showcased his full suite of talents and tilted the game the Crows' way. Rankine got his five goals when Adelaide needed them most and he got them in so many different ways. He got them by floating through the middle, by ducking into space in the pocket, by getting front and square, by banana bending them from set shots and by sharking ruck contests. He nearly had a career-high sixth after a wonderful lunging spoil and a bit of jujitsu hustling forced a free kick. He has a remarkable ability to get down low and still move at high speed. But he's not just a lurker who kicks freak goals. He applies pressure and works hard at both ends of the ground. His field kicking and his ability to push up the ground and pinpoint a fellow forward are standouts. If he gets a clear run at it, he's capable of being one of the best players in the country. He is already one of the best to watch, one of the hardest to match up on and one of the most important to his team. He's a footballer born to play to full houses, and to ignite what was a pretty plain team prior to 2025. Rankine missed about two months of footy last year and the Crows missed him desperately. It was such a frustrating year for the club. They were beaten by a wretched Richmond and allowed Joel Amartey to put nine goals on them. This year they have their swagger back. Their backline and midfield are honest but it's the forward line that packs out Adelaide Oval. Six of them have kicked more than 20 goals this year. It's a mix of the gargantuan, the canny, the flashy, the freakish, the unobtrusive and the selfless. When one is quiet, another will step up. Against the Demons, it was Rankine's turn. Earlier in the day, Sydney kept their slim finals hopes alive by hanging on against Fremantle. The Dockers have excelled in close finishes recently, an area that cost them a finals spot last year. And with Shai Bolton springing to life, they looked as though they might run over the top of the Swans. But the home side had a bit too much class, and their stars were everywhere in the dying minutes. With a fairly soft draw and the faintest sniff of finals, they're exactly the sort of team you'd be keen to avoid in the next two months. GWS Giants, Brisbane and Geelong (at the SCG) wouldn't want to put a foot wrong against them on the run home. Sam Powell-Pepper and his wife Brya welcomed their third daughter earlier this week. The Port Adelaide forward was like a man possessed in the first half against Brisbane, powering out the front of stoppages and kicking two goals. Port were more than holding their own in a high standard affair. In the third term, he led and marked on the wing, played on immediately and his left buckled. It's the opposite knee to the one he injured just over 12 months ago. He was as angry and as devastated as you see a footballer in that circumstance. Powell-Pepper is one of those aggressive, high adrenalin, low possession, maximum impact footballers who gets the Power motoring and who coach Ken Hinkley adores. 'It gets a bit sadder for me because it's my last game of coaching Sam, and he's been such a great player for me,' Hinkley said. Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion Earlier, Geelong had a walk in the park against a bunch of kids from Richmond, one of whom, No 1 pick Sam Lalor, tore his hamstring in the opening few minutes. Apart from Nick Vlastuin ironing out Patrick Dangerfield, it felt as far removed from the years of their great rivalry as you could get. Just to drum home the genius of the AFL fixture, the two teams meet again next month. But for all the hype over the Tigers' draftees – and the ones still in the shed might be the best of the bunch – the Cats rolled out yet another bargain pick who slotted in seamlessly. George Stevens is a lantern-jawed ball magnet who was overlooked by every other club in the 2023 national draft. Maybe they were put off by the torn ACL, the lack of speed, and the fact he didn't go to one of the private school football factories. He did his year in the VFL, regularly amassing 25 or more touches. Like Tom Mitchell, he plays an uncomplicated game and gets a heap of the ball. He played his junior footy at South Warrnambool, home of Jonathan Brown, Hugh McCluggage and Wayne Schwass. These players are out there – in local leagues and on the fringes of the draft – and more often than not they're snapped up by Geelong.
