Every team at Women's Euro 2025, dissected

Telegraph

25-06-2025

England will face stern competition when they defend their title at the 2025 European Championship in July.
Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses enjoyed an historic triumph at Wembley three years ago and while they have been somewhat inconsistent since, they have tended to perform well at major tournaments. World champions Spain are the favourites while Germany and France are also likely to be in the frame.
Telegraph Sport takes a closer look at all 16 squads, which players to keep an eye out for, and how far each team is likely to go this summer.
Group A
Group B
Belgium
Italy
Portugal
Spain
Group C
Denmark
Germany
Poland
Sweden
Group D
England
France
Netherlands
Wales
Star player
Injuries have hampered Finland's build-up. Forward Jutta Rantala was largely absent for Leicester City last season having led the scoring charts for the side the year before while experienced centre-back Natalia Kuikka withdrew from the squad in February with a knee injury. In their absence, the reliable Eveliina Summanen has been a fulcrum for Saloranta's side. The 27-year-old has proved herself irreplaceable as the hard-working heart of her national team and club Tottenham Hotspur.
How they play
Since taking over from Anna Signeul in 2023, Saloranta has introduced a sharp new playing identity. Flexible between 5-4-1, 5-3-2 or 4-3-3 formations, they have a more attractive, short passing game and attack with intent. Rantala's freedom to drift between forward positions alongside all-time top goalscorer Linda Sallstrom has proven productive, as have supporting runs from midfield through the likes of Emma Koivisto, although this can leave them vulnerable at the back.
Chances of victory
Saloranta's first major tournament as manager and a new-look squad as several veterans have retired since 2022 suggest Finland are slight unknowns. Following their failure to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, the players have adapted to their new playing philosophy and seen a steady improvement in results, but it still might be too soon for them to emerge from a tricky group. Group stage.
Star player
Glodis Viggosdottir. Last year she became the first Icelander to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or, and finished as the highest-ranked central defender. With more than 130 caps for her country, and the captaincy role for both Iceland and German champions Bayern Munich, the 29-year-old is one of the best defenders in the world.
How they play
Thorsteinn Halldorsson has designed a team that is tough to break down defensively and deploys a direct approach into the attacking third. This often means bypassing the midfield in attempts to get the most out of their emerging talent in a 4-3-3 system. Winger Sveindis Jonsdottir became the first Icelander to score four goals in a single Women's Champions League game in a Wolfsburg win earlier this season, whilst Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir of Bayer Leverkusen has become a key creative force.
Chances of victory
The highest-ranked team in Group A and in their fifth consecutive major tournament, Iceland are gathering momentum. Promising results in the last year, including a historic 3-0 victory against Germany, and a wave of new talent that has matured since 2022 may mean they surprise a few. Quarter-finals.
Star player
Norway can perhaps be described as a top-heavy team with three of the Women's Super League's top 12 goalscorers for 2024-25 in Elisabeth Terland, Guro Reiten, and Frida Maanum in their ranks, plus all-time Uefa women's top club goalscorer Ada Hegerberg. Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen is perhaps the pick of the bunch on current form, though, having netted 11 and assisted 10 in 22 Liga F matches last season.
How they play
Unsurprisingly, Norway have tended to prioritise getting the ball out wide or through the middle to their best creative assets. In their 7-0 aggregate play-off demolition of Northern Ireland to qualify for Switzerland, a 4-3-3 was the set-up to allow unrelenting attacks. Yet Gemma Grainger has shored up their defence, too, but the loss of Brighton's Guro Bergsvand on the eve of the tournament is a blow.
Chances of victory
This greatly talented Norwegian generation was dumped out at the 2022 group stage following an 8-0 defeat by England and former Wales boss Grainger was appointed with the central task of getting this squad to deliver on their potential. In what is probably the last hurrah for the squad's current crop, if they can fire in Switzerland and avoid the internal dramas that have plagued them previously, they will be a tough team to contain on a preferable side of the draw. Semi-finals.
Star player
Around a startling array of young talent at Sundhage's disposal – 18-year-olds Sydney Schertenleib, Noemi Ivelj and Iman Beney are all ones to look out for – central to club and country remains captain Lia Walti. The engine of Arsenal, the 32-year-old is ever-present at the heart of Switzerland and will embrace leading them out as the hosts.
How they play
Legendary manager Pia Sundhage has been enticed to stay in the game in her mid-sixties by the prospect of leading the host nation – but it is a bold assignment. She inherited a side that had been relegated from Nations League Group A and lacked chemistry across the pitch. There is still work to be done in possession, chance creation and defence, but Sundhage's 3-5-2 formation has given them more confidence. Expect wing-backs flying forward, particularly 34-year-old record goalscorer Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic.
Chances of victory
The impact of playing on home soil to the sound of home support cannot be underestimated. With Sundhage at the helm, as well as the fascinating blend of young and established talent, Switzerland have their best chance yet of getting out of the group stage for the first time, but it remains a tricky group to navigate. Group stage.
Star player
Tessa Wullaert, currently of Inter Milan, has been the face of Belgian women's football for years. She now has more than 140 caps and 90 goals for her country, including 12 in the qualifying campaign for this Euros, to accompany her wide array of domestic trophies across Europe. She is one of the most prolific strikers in the game and a vital figurehead for the 'Red Flames'.
How they play
Since her appointment early this year, Elisabet Gunnarsdottir has set up her side in a defensive 5-3-2 formation, with an emphasis on holding up the middle before springing counter-attacks. It has proven effective at times in the build-up, including a win against holders England. Rapid breaks upfield with the speed of wingers Hannah Eurlings and Mariam Toloba, and the clinical edge of Wullaert, has borne fruit.
Chances of victory
A mixed batch of results in Gunnarsdottir's short reign so far gives Belgium a surprise factor. However, in a tight group to call for second spot and with a potential over-reliance on Wullaert for goals, they may fall short. Group stage.
Star player
The maestro of the Roma and Le Azzurre midfield, Manuela Giugliano was the first Italian woman to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or last year. One of the most masterful creative midfielders in Europe, who led her club to their first consecutive league titles last year, she is one of the must-watch players of the tournament.
How they play
Appointed after Italy failed to progress beyond the group stages in the 2022 Euros and 2023 World Cup, Andrea Soncin has helped restore the work rate and defensive solidity on which they pride themselves. Their qualities in midfield through the likes of Giada Greggi, Arianna Caruso and Sofia Cantore, as well as the set-piece delivery threat of Giugliano, make them an intriguing prospect.
Chances of victory
A team with huge potential and a point to prove after recent disappointments, Italy have tapped into a talent pool with a wealth of top European experience and at the peak of their careers. Expect improvement, otherwise an impassioned implosion. Quarter-finals.
Star player
Portugal's leading light Francisca 'Kika' Nazareth has not played since suffering an ankle injury that required surgery in March and while she has still been named in the squad, expect Francisco Neto to lean on the solidity and experience of stalwarts such as Carole Costa. Having spent 14 years and won more than 160 caps as a Portugal player, the 35-year-old Benfica centre-back is a natural leader.
How they play
Neto has been in charge of the national team for an incredible 11 years, with his players settled in a 3-4-3 formation. They have a lot of experience – half a dozen players have 100-plus caps – and the consistency of the team makes them a strong unit.
Chances of victory
Despite improvements to the overall team over the last few years, a lot will depend on whether Kika can deliver her usual magic so soon after a serious injury. Group stage.
Star player
Aitana Bonmatí. Widely considered the best female footballer in the world, her dominance at the heart of Barcelona and a mountain of personal accolades must motivate her to fill the Euros-sized hole in her trophy cabinet. At 27, she is sure to take centre stage on the footballing world for years to come.
How they play
Like all the best Spain teams. The 4-3-3 formation that blew the rest of the field away at the 2023 World Cup has seemingly only become stronger. Mariona Caldentey has starred on the wing since moving to Arsenal, 23-year-old Clàudia Pina of Barcelona has emerged as a staple on the opposite flank, whilst youngsters Vicky López and Salma Paralluelo have gone from strength to strength. Midfielders Alexia Putellas and Bonmatí both fired last season, and will be anchored by the quietly brilliant Patricia Guijarro.
Chances of victory
The envy of Europe given the talent and style they boast. Difficult to see past them. Champions.
Star player
Pernille Harder: record goalscorer and a crown jewel of Danish football. When she is on the pitch, every Danish flurry forward will have her creative imprint.
How they play
After Denmark were knocked out at the round-of-16 stage of the 2023 World Cup, Andree Jeglertz took charge and he has subsequently switched between a 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 system that folds into a compact back five in defence. Attacking focus is usually through Harder and Signe Bruun, with the height and agile hold-up play of Amalie Vangsgaard – their top scorer in the qualifying campaign – also an option for a more direct approach.
Chances of victory
Heavy defeats by Italy (0-3) and group rivals Sweden (6-1) over recent months in the Nations League mean Denmark's build-up has not been that positive. They have an experienced squad of solid players but can overly rely on Harder for inspiration. Group stage.
Star player
Giulia Gwinn was awarded the armband earlier this year to usher in a new era for the national side this summer. She was named the Best Young Player at the 2019 World Cup, and will lead a relatively young German squad in Switzerland. She has cemented herself as an exciting figure in a successful Bayern team and a driving force from full-back for the national side.
How they play
Whilst retaining a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, Germany's personnel has seen a changing of the guard. In the dugout, Christian Wück arrived in the autumn of last year. His 13-year experience in the national federation's youth ranks makes him both a student of the classic German playing system, with defensive solidity and attacking ruthlessness, and a suitable figurehead in the search for a new core to the team.
Chances of victory
This new German generation are settling into a rhythm. In adapting to life without the likes of Alexandra Popp and other stalwarts who have retired since 2023, faith has been placed in a young squad with huge potential. Recent line-ups have often had an average age of 25. It might be a little early for them to truly challenge, but they are certainly ones to keep an eye on. Runners-up.
Star player
The greatest female footballer Poland has produced: Ewa Pajor. Since leading Poland Under-17s to victory in the 2013 European Championship, she now has 100 senior caps, and has been the driving force of progress in the women's game in the country. She starred in another scintillating season for Barcelona, plundering 25 goals in 28 Liga F games to top the charts. The most memorable of her 66 international goals, though, was the 94th-minute winner against Austria to secure Poland's spot in their first major tournament.
How they play
Nina Patalon has emphasised stability and consistency in her team, rarely mixing up the formation or line-up. A 4-3-3 is headed by Pajor and cemented by goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, who started every WSL game for West Ham last season. Unafraid to dig in defensively or go directly to the forwards, they put together a 10-match unbeaten run from October to June. Natalia Padilla-Bidas, 22, has impressed on the wing for Sevilla this season, and is one to watch.
Chances of victory
While their progress has been admirable, they are in a tough group for their major tournament debut; they have a mountain to climb. Group stage.
Star player
Kosovare Asllani has played for a host of the biggest teams in Europe throughout her career, from Paris St-Germain to Manchester City to Real Madrid to AC Milan. The 35-year-old is now with London City Lionesses and with her adept midfield play and eye for a pass, she is still the creative force of this Swedish side.
How they play
A 4-2-3-1 with a wealth of experience. While former Chelsea centre-back Magdalena Eriksson steadies the ship defensively, Sweden like to keep possession and unlock teams with clinical passes into the final third, making the most of their midfield options. Asllani is usually alongside Real Madrid's Filippa Angeldal, who has 70 caps to her name. They are often the ones to feed the likes of Barcelona's Fridolina Rolfo and Chelsea's Johanna Kaneryd on the wings.
Chances of victory
Often categorised in the 'always the bridesmaid, never the bride' box of international tournaments. Since 2013, whoever has beaten them in the knockout stages has gone on to triumph. It feels as though time is running out for this generation of Swedish stars and it could be all or nothing. Quarter-finals.
Star player
Alessia Russo stormed on to the stage in 2022 as a super-sub, but she is firmly in the starting XI now. She topped the WSL goalscoring charts with Arsenal last season and was key to the London club's European triumph. Now she will be in the Euros spotlight once again, lifting the Lionesses when she leads the line.
How they play
Sarina Wiegman has tinkered with her side more often in the last year than she did in 2022, when it was all about consistency. She has been forced to be flexible because of a number of injuries and, more recently, withdrawals and retirements. There will be no Mary Earps, Millie Bright or Fran Kirby in Switzerland, but there are still plenty of familiar names. The quality on the wings includes Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp, all glued together by Keira Walsh. When they are at their fluid best, they can be unstoppable.
Chances of victory
Despite an inconsistent and, at times, chaotic run-up, Wiegman and her side will be determined to repeat their success after setting the standard last time. They may look a different entity than three years ago, but they will be lifted once more by the occasion. Semi-finals.
Star player
Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Top goalscorer for France in qualifying, she netted six in the Olympics last year and made 16 goal contributions for Paris St-Germain in as many games last season. This will likely be striker Eugénie Le Sommer's final international competition, so the responsibility will fall to 26-year-old Katoto for the foreseeable future.
How they play
Real Madrid centre-back Maëlle Lakrar and defensive midfielder Sandie Toletti keep them ticking in possession, whilst Sakina Karchaoui can drive them forward through the thirds. Direct and talented forwards in Lyon's Kadidiatou Diani, Chelsea's Sandy Baltimore and, in her best scoring season of her career, Paris's Clara Mateo will all pose threats in attack.
Chances of victory
Laurent Bonadei was brought in last August in what will be the last chance of elusive silverware for some of this golden generation, after a gradual build to knock-out stage regulars but nothing more. Despite being very much in an all-or-nothing group, there is a sense that something might have to fall their way eventually. Quarter-finals.
Star player
After Vivianne Miedema missed the 2023 World Cup through injury, all eyes will be on her to deliver – and to stay fit. Since moving from Arsenal to Manchester City, she has once again shown her quality, averaging almost a goal a game in the league. An injury in April threw her chances of appearing in another major tournament in doubt, but she has recovered in time to play. The experience of Danielle van de Donk, in likely her final tournament, may prove decisive too.
How they play
Andries Jonker has flitted between a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 for an attack-minded team with high ambition. Their flexible line-up has a plethora of attacking threats in Miedema, van de Donk, Jill Roord, Lineth Beerensteyn and the return of Victoria Pelova from an ACL injury. Their experience is accompanied by an increasingly impressive midfield presence of Chelsea's 19-year-old Wieke Kaptein and Barcelona's 21-year-old full-back Esmee Brugts.
Chances of victory
If they can get out to the knock-out stages, anything can happen, but it will be an extremely tough group for a side that has suffered with injuries in their preparation. Group stage.
Star player
Jess Fishlock has long been the quintessential spirit and face of Welsh women's football. She is their most-capped player, their record goalscorer, and a symbol for the side's commitment and journey. Guiding her country through their first major tournament will be the culmination of an already-cemented legacy for the 38-year-old.
How they play
Usually set out in a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3, Wales rely on a hard-working unit featuring a mixture of WSL, Championship and NWSL talent at various stages of their careers. Since their promotion into Group A of the Nations League, they have held their own against higher ranked opposition with front-footed football. Leicester City's Hannah Cain and Liverpool's Ceri Holland have been standouts in driving the team forward and offering more industrial alternatives to Fishlock's quality.
Chances of victory
The lowest-ranked team in the competition and drawn in the hardest group, Wales will be enjoying the moment and their potential as a banana skin for their opponents. Group stage.