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Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What comes next for Wales after Euro 2025?
Wales, who were competing in a first major tournament, have played less international matches than Netherlands international Sherida Spitse [Getty Images] For Wales women's football, the big question will now be, what comes next? Wales' Euro 2025 adventure is over, but the hope is that it can have a transformative effect. Underfunded and definitely underappreciated, the entire sport has been playing catch up for over 30 years, but now it feels like a moment of seismic possibility. Advertisement Banned for 50 years, the refusal of the Football Association of Wales to sanction the women's side meant another 20 years in the doldrums until the first 'official game' was played in 1993. The attempts to catch-up continue. Wales' time in Switzerland in their first major tournament ended with a disappointing defeat to England, but the legacy of the achievement in simply qualifying for a major finals is tantalising. "Being here for the first time and putting Wales on the biggest stage is a win for us," captain Angharad James said. "Before we kicked a football, before we stepped off the plane, we spoke as a group and said we already won regardless of what happens." Advertisement The fans: Wales win hearts in Switzerland, can they capitalise? Wales' men qualifying for Euro 2016, their first major finals in 58-years, has transformed the way football has been viewed in Wales ever since. Once undisputedly a rugby country, Wales' men's side are more than used to seeing 'sold out' signs at the Cardiff City Stadium and it is now more of a talking point when Wales don't qualify for a major finals than when they do. The fervour of that support has not, however, translated to the women's side, until now. Wales sold more tickets than two of their Euro 2025 group D opponents, Netherlands and France, with the Red Wall showing a commitment to Rhian Wilkinson's side that has previously been missing. Advertisement Many supporters in Switzerland have attended their first women's football matches and the hope is that the visibility of the tournament will add interest in the women's game, with boss Rhian Wilkinson previously expressing disappointment that supporters prioritise watching the men's side. The Welsh support in Switzerland has caught people's attention, both inside and outside of the Wales camp. "The fans have been loving it, they have been superb this whole journey, they have been our 12th person," captain Angharad James reflected. "The fans have given us so many special moments with the noise they have created, there have been times when all we've seen and heard is that Red Wall, just a sea of red. Advertisement "Wales have been by far the best crowd that I've seen out in this Euros." Wales' cap centurion Sophie Ingle revealed that after Wales defeat by the Netherlands, her former Chelsea teammate, Wieke Kaptein, messaged her to say how moving she found the rendition of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau. Wales will now hope that support will translate to bigger crowds for home matches, with Wales' record attendance still not having even reached the 20,000 mark. "Hopefully that's what it's going to do in so many ways," former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon said. "The game is growing. Football now is the most popular sport that girls are playing in Wales. Advertisement "That process has started, but it needs to continue. This is just the start for this team." The players: Improved depth - but the end for Fishlock? In a quite literal sense, Welsh women's football is 20 years behind the likes of England, having never played a sanctioned international until 1993 and the journey to being serious about women's football has been painfully slow. It was only 20 years ago that the team almost ceased to exist again, with the side pulled out of Euro qualifying as it was cheaper to pay the fine for withdrawing than funding a qualifying campaign. Things are vastly different now, with the women's team receiving equal pay to their male counterparts and sharing the same state-of-the-art training facilities, but it is still a period of transition in terms of Wales building the depth they need to regularly compete at major finals. Advertisement Several lynchpins of the Wales side from the past decade have retired, including cap centurions Helen Ward, Loren Dykes and Natasha Harding – with striker Kayleigh Barton possibly the next to call time on her Wales career - though an increased focus on adding to their playing pool has seen the likes of Ceri Holland, Lois Joel and Hannah Cain switch their international allegiance from England to Wales. Vastly improved funding at grassroots level should help with the talent pool in the future, but in the short-term Wales are going to have to start planning for life without their greatest ever player, Jess Fishlock. Now 38, Euro 2025 has demonstrated that Fishlock is no longer able to influence games in quite the same way and it seems inevitable that her international retirement will be coming sooner rather than later. "Her career spans the whole of Welsh history on the women's side," manager Rhian Wilkinson said about a player who has incredibly played in 67% of Wales' matches since 1993, despite only making her debut in 2006. Advertisement Wales' second highest goalscorer behind Fishlock, Helen Ward, says replacing Fishlock will be every bit as hard as the men have found filling the void left by Gareth Bale. "It is virtually impossible to replace Jess," she explained. "I think it is going to be like – and I don't like to compare – replacing Gareth Bale. "There is a fear of what Wales will be like without Jess Fishlock. She's a generational, once-in-a-lifetime player. We have been lucky to have her as long as we have." How can Wales improve and become more competitive? Football is now the largest participation sport among girls in Wales, with record investment and a 45% rise in the number of girls playing. Advertisement Vastly improved funding from the FAW should certainly improve the level of young talent coming through, but in the short-term, Wales have an issue with how few of their current players are playing regularly. For the first time Wales have a fully professional squad, but they are still lacking in players who regularly play club football at the top level, with several of Wales' Women's Super League players unable to command regular first team football. For example, none of Wales' Euro 2025 goalkeepers are currently playing regularly, despite being at Leicester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa Wales boss Wilkinson says that issue is her current number one priority to address. Advertisement "My players have to be playing," she said. "I had five players out of contract here at the Euros. It's mind-blowing to me. Esther Morgan starts all of our games, plays and she doesn't have a club. It drives me wild. "I look at some of my players and it does frustrate me. So I've got to try and find them opportunities abroad. "Maybe I have to send them to North America, which is a tough challenge. But they have to be playing, firstly. That's the basic. "Same with my goalkeepers. My goalkeepers don't start for their clubs. So the next stage is how do I get them in an environment where they are getting that game time? Advertisement "I've told their agents that, excuse me, I need them playing. Just like any international coach, you just want your players playing." Wilkinson feels the lack of regular club football gives Wales a physical disadvantage when they face top sides like France and England. "They're international players, so what is it that we're doing with Wales to help support their sports scientists? Because they have to be ready," she added. "How do we work with them to continue to push on their physical standards? Because I'll be honest, we don't have enough of my players right now who are hitting the top-level benchmark." Wales' first major tournament is in the books, but their bid to become a nation that continues to rise through the ranks of women's football is only just beginning.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
What comes next for Wales after Euro 2025?
For Wales women's football, the big question will now be, what comes next?Wales' Euro 2025 adventure is over, but the hope is that it can have a transformative and definitely underappreciated, the entire sport has been playing catch up for over 30 years, but now it feels like a moment of seismic for 50 years, the refusal of the Football Association of Wales to sanction the women's side meant another 20 years in the doldrums until the first 'official game' was played in attempts to catch-up time in Switzerland in their first major tournament ended with a disappointing defeat to England, but the legacy of the achievement in simply qualifying for a major finals is tantalising."Being here for the first time and putting Wales on the biggest stage is a win for us," captain Angharad James said."Before we kicked a football, before we stepped off the plane, we spoke as a group and said we already won regardless of what happens." The fans – Wales win hearts in Switzerland, can they capitalise? Wales' men qualifying for Euro 2016, their first major finals in 58-years, has transformed the way football has been viewed in Wales ever undisputedly a rugby country, Wales' men's side are more than used to seeing 'sold out' signs at the Cardiff City Stadium and it is now more of a talking point when Wales don't qualify for a major finals than when they fervour of that support has not, however, translated to the women's side, until sold more tickets than two of their Euro 2025 group D opponents, Netherlands and France, with the Red Wall showing a commitment to Rhian Wilkinson's side that has previously been supporters in Switzerland have attended their first women's football matches and the hope is that the visibility of the tournament will add interest in the women's game, with boss Rhian Wilkinson previously expressing disappointment that supporters prioritise watching the men's Welsh support in Switzerland has caught people's attention, both inside and outside of the Wales camp."The fans have been loving it, they have been superb this whole journey, they have been our 12th person," captain Angharad James reflected."The fans have given us so many special moments with the noise they have created, there have been times when all we've seen and heard is that Red Wall, just a sea of red."Wales have been by far the best crowd that I've seen out in this Euros."Wales' cap centurion Sophie Ingle revealed that after Wales defeat by the Netherlands, her former Chelsea teammate, Wieke Kaptein, messaged her to say how moving she found the rendition of Hen Wlad fy will now hope that support will translate to bigger crowds for home matches, with Wales' record attendance still not having even reached the 20,000 mark."Hopefully that's what it's going to do in so many ways," former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon said."The game is growing. Football now is the most popular sport that girls are playing in Wales."That process has started, but it needs to continue. This is just the start for this team." The players: Improved depth - but the end for Fishlock? In a quite literal sense, Welsh women's football is 20 years behind the likes of England, having never played a sanctioned international until 1993 and the journey to being serious about women's football has been painfully was only 20 years ago that the team almost ceased to exist again, with the side pulled out of Euro qualifying as it was cheaper to pay the fine for withdrawing than funding a qualifying are vastly different now, with the women's team receiving equal pay to their male counterparts and sharing the same state-of-the-art training facilities, but it is still a period of transition in terms of Wales building the depth they need to regularly compete at major lynchpins of the Wales side from the past decade have retired, including cap centurions Helen Ward, Loren Dykes and Natasha Harding – with striker Kayleigh Barton possibly the next to call time on her Wales career - though an increased focus on adding to their playing pool has seen the likes of Ceri Holland, Lois Joel and Hannah Cain switch their international allegiance from England to improved funding at grassroots level should help with the talent pool in the future, but in the short-term Wales are going to have to start planning for life without their greatest ever player, Jess 38, Euro 2025 has demonstrated that Fishlock is no longer able to influence games in quite the same way and it seems inevitable that her international retirement will be coming sooner rather than later."Her career spans the whole of Welsh history on the women's side," manager Rhian Wilkinson said about a player who has incredibly played in 67% of Wales' matches since 1993, despite only making her debut in second highest goalscorer behind Fishlock, Helen Ward, says replacing Fishlock will be every bit as hard as the men have found filling the void left by Gareth Bale."It is virtually impossible to replace Jess," she explained."I think it is going to be like – and I don't like to compare – replacing Gareth Bale."There is a fear of what Wales will be like without Jess Fishlock. She's a generational, once-in-a-lifetime player. We have been lucky to have her as long as we have." How can Wales improve and become more competitive? Football is now the largest participation sport among girls in Wales, with record investment and a 45% rise in the number of girls improved funding from the FAW should certainly improve the level of young talent coming through, but in the short-term, Wales have an issue with how few of their current players are playing the first time Wales have a fully professional squad, but they are still lacking in players who regularly play club football at the top level, with several of Wales' Women's Super League players unable to command regular first team example, none of Wales' Euro 2025 goalkeepers are currently playing regularly, despite being at Leicester City, Manchester United and Aston VillaWales boss Wilkinson says that issue is her current number one priority to address."My players have to be playing," she said. "I had five players out of contract here at the Euros. It's mind-blowing to me. Esther Morgan starts all of our games, plays and she doesn't have a club. It drives me wild."I look at some of my players and it does frustrate me. So I've got to try and find them opportunities abroad."Maybe I have to send them to North America, which is a tough challenge. But they have to be playing, firstly. That's the basic."Same with my goalkeepers. My goalkeepers don't start for their clubs. So the next stage is how do I get them in an environment where they are getting that game time?"I've told their agents that, excuse me, I need them playing. Just like any international coach, you just want your players playing."Wilkinson feels the lack of regular club football gives Wales a physical disadvantage when they face top sides like France and England."They're international players, so what is it that we're doing with Wales to help support their sports scientists? Because they have to be ready," she added."How do we work with them to continue to push on their physical standards? Because I'll be honest, we don't have enough of my players right now who are hitting the top-level benchmark."Wales' first major tournament is in the books, but their bid to become a nation that continues to rise through the ranks of women's football is only just beginning.
The Independent
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
England v Wales live: Women's Euro 2025 team news as rivals clash for quarter-final place
England face Wales in the final group stage match of Euro 2025 as the Lionesses look to reach the quarter-finals with a victory over their rivals. The holders are prepared for a 'derby' against the tournament debutants Wales, who are the lowest-ranked team at the Euros and are all-but eliminated after defeats to France and Netherlands. England bounced back from their opening defeat to France with an impressive 4-0 win against the Netherlands and Sarina Wiegman's side can book their place in the quarter-finals with a win. Wales, however, will be determined to not come from the Euros empty handed and potentially play a part in knocking the Lionesses out of the tournament before the quarter-final stage. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson said Wales are out to 'spoil the party' while the captain Angharad James said: 'It's in our blood, it's in our DNA, the rivalry has always been and always will be there.' Sarina Wiegman wants England to stay calm against Wales passion Sarina Wiegman says England have to make sure their Euro 2025 derby against Wales does not become a 'fighting game' and urged the Lionesses to focus on their own performance in order to reach the quarter-finals. After beating the Netherlands 4-0 England can reach the quarter-finals with a win over rivals Wales, who are making their tournament debuts at the Euros and are the lowest-ranked side in the 16-team competition. Wales are all-but out of the Euros and require a four-goal win in their final group game against England while also needing France to beat the Netherlands. Sarina Wiegman wants England to stay calm and avoid 'fighting game' against Wales The Lionesses can reach the quarter-finals with a win but Wales will be determined to deny their rivals Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 18:00 Lauren Hemp on what it means to be 'proper England' 'I think off the back of that disappointing result, it was a bit more reinforced and sort of taking a step back and remembering why we're here and how we all got here, the journeys that we've been on, we've touched on that a lot, coming into all the prep camps, we've all spoken about our journeys and what it feels like to be here. 'Sort of us going back and remembering all that, especially after that first game, that disappointment, it's like, right, we're here to win, we want to do that and I think that just shows the mentality of the group to be able to bounce back in the way that we did . 'This England want to show and I think it's about like that fight in us.' Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 17:45 'Proud' Jess Fishlock keen to look at the positives after Wales defeat History-making Jess Fishlock will let her double achievement sink in after Wales' Euro 2025 campaign comes to an end. Wales are all-but eliminated from the tournament in Switzerland after a 4-1 defeat against France leaves them needing to beat England and manufacture a nine-goal swing in goal difference in their final Group D game on Sunday. But it was a historic night for Fishlock as not only did she score her country's first goal at a major tournament, she also became the oldest women to score at the European Championships at the age of 38 years and 176 days when she prodded home Ceri Holland's improvised cross. When informed of her age record, she said on ITV1: 'I guess I'll take that as a compliment. But I couldn't get these accolades without my entire team behind me.' 'Proud' Jess Fishlock keen to look at the positives after Wales defeat It was a historic night for the midfielder although the team's Euro 2025 hopes hang by a thread after loss to France. Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 17:30 Wales on the brink of Women's Euro 2025 exit despite landmark goal Wales have been all-but eliminated from Euro 2025 after a 4-1 defeat to France in Group D. Rhian Wilkinson's side were put to the sword by Les Bleus in St Gallen, despite Jess Fishlock scoring her country's first-ever goal at a major tournament. Clara Mateo, Kadidiatou Diani, Amel Majri and Grace Geyoro bagged for France to leave Wales needing to beat England and manufacture a nine-goal swing in goal difference in Sunday's final match. Even if they can achieve that unlikely feat, they also need France to beat the Netherlands. Wales on the brink of Women's Euro 2025 exit despite landmark goal France 4-1 Wales: Jess Fishlock scored a historic goal but the Dragons are all-but out Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 17:10 What is the Wales team news? Former Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle returned to the pitch off the bench in the defeat against France so could start following a year out due to a knee injury. Olivia Clark may return in goal and Hayley Ladd could also return to the starting line-up. Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 16:50 What is the England team news? England made some key changes for the Netherlands game and looked to have found a settled formula with Lauren James on the right wing, Ella Toone in midfield and Jess Carter at centre-back. Sarina Wiegman could name an unchanged team in order to build some momentum and consistency. Possible England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; James, Russo, Hemp Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 16:30 England forward Aggie Beever-Jones: It's hard to block 'outside noise' at Euros Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones admits it can be difficult to ignore the 'outside noise' as one of England's buzziest new faces at the Women's European Championship. The 21-year old memorably netted a 30-minute hat-trick on her first senior start for the Lionesses at Wembley in late May, and she was a favourite of former Blues-turned-United States boss Emma Hayes, who predicted Beever-Jones would be 'a legend not just for Chelsea but for England'. England manager Sarina Wiegman handed Beever-Jones her major tournament debut in the 84th minute of the defending champions' 4-0 group-stage triumph over the Netherlands on Wednesday, though many had hoped she would have been introduced a game sooner, in their 2-1 defeat to France. England forward Aggie Beever-Jones: It's hard to block 'outside noise' at Euros The 21-year old memorably netted a 30-minute hat-trick for the Lionesses at Wembley in May Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 16:10 'Special' Lauren James among best players at Women's Euro 2025, says Lucy Bronze England's Lauren James is among the best players at Euro 2025 for creating 'something special' and unlocking a game in a moment, team-mate Lucy Bronze has said. James scored England's opening goal in the 4-0 win over Netherlands with a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner and added a second after half-time as the Lionesses bounced back from their defeat to France. The 23-year-old had been an injury doubt before the tournament due to a hamstring injury but was moved to the right wing against the Netherlands and sparked England's big win with her opening goal. Bronze said James is up there with Spain's Ballon d'Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati for creating a magic moment Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 15:50 How Sweden exposed Germany in the wildest 30 minutes of Euro 2025 If given the choice, who out of Sweden or Germany would England prefer to play should the holders make it past Wales and into the Euro 2025 quarter-finals on Sunday night? After a frenetic opening 10 minutes in Zurich, where Germany were able to carve Sweden apart at will, the answer appeared obvious. A little over 20 minutes later, as Sweden counter-attacked their way to triggering a capitulation in the Germany defence, that answer had completely flipped again. How Sweden exposed Germany in the wildest 30 minutes of Women's Euro 2025 Sweden 4-1 Germany: A chaotic opening spell gave England plenty to think about if they play either of these teams in the quarter-finals Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 15:30 England faced deserved criticism - then they responded in the perfect way In the aftermath of England's opening defeat to France at Euro 2025, shell-shocked players were starting to realise the scale of the criticism that could come their way if they crashed out of the tournament after just two games. The criticism England received, and a lot of it came from within as well as from outside, meant there was nowhere to hide. 'We finished the game against France and we got cameras and microphones shoved in our face telling us how bad we are,' said Lucy Bronze. This is the new world the Lionesses have created, where their achievements in winning the Euros and reaching the World Cup final have rightly resulted in greater attention, but also greater scrutiny should they fall short of those standards. Even Sarina Wiegman admitted to feeling 'tense' before facing the Netherlands, where defeat would have led to elimination. The Lionesses are in a new world at Euro 2025 but they bounced back from the threat of elimination to thrash the Netherlands and stay alive at the tournament Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 15:10
Wales Online
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Angharad James asserts Wales belief to cause Euro 2025 shock against England
Angharad James asserts Wales belief to cause Euro 2025 shock against England Wales will face England in St Gallen hoping to cause an upset and knock rivals England out of Euro 2025 Angharad James of Wales speaks to the media (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency ) Wales have the belief to cause an upset against defending European champions England in St. Gallen, according to captain Angharad James. Currently sitting bottom of Group D, Wales have yet to win a match at Euro 2025 having fallen to defeat against the Netherlands and France in their first major tournament. But as the Dragons face a crunch clash with rivals England, James believes her side can get one over the Lionesses and knock them out of the competition. 'The pressure is all on England. They have to come out, they have to perform and they're expected to win this game,' she explained. 'Within our group, we believe that we can upset a very top team. We've prepared as normal and we're ready for the fight tomorrow. 'There's no hiding behind the history of Wales vs England. Whatever sport you're playing in, it's a rivalry match and it's one that everyone wants to play in. Article continues below 'As a group, we've come on so much since the first game and the second game was such a big improvement from us. We're looking to step it up again in this game.' Having lost 3-0 to the Netherlands in the opening match, Wales made history in the second game through 38-year-old Jess Fishlock. The Dragons legend latched onto Ceri Holland's pass at the back post to turn home the first major international tournament goal in Wales' history. It saw them equalise against France in the 13th minute but Les Bleues went on to win 4-1. 'Moments win or lose you games,' reflected James. 'We've been so close to those moments. Looking at the game it's 4-1 against France, but it wasn't a 4-1 game if you watch the game. 'Those small margins are what we need to work towards as a group and we're prepared to have those honest and hard conversations to make sure that we keep improving and keep moving in the right direction.' Wales' Angharad James getting a picture at with young fan at the Cardiff Airport (Image: PA ) The Wales squad have been turning to history in search of those small moments. In 2018, the national team held England to a 0-0 draw at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, leaving Jayne Ludlow to hail it the greatest performance in their history at the time. Ten members of the current squad were involved in that performance and have been drawing inspiration from the embattled display in the hopes of pulling off a result of an even greater magnitude. 'You don't forget when you get a result against England, that's for sure,' said James. 'We've spoken about it and a lot of time has gone on since then and new players have come into the squad. 'We've got a nice mixture of younger players, more experienced players and there's a really nice blend within the group.' Just as back then, midfielder James is expecting another physical contest against an England side who need a win to ensure their progression to the Euro 2025 quarter-finals. 'As soon as this group got announced, we knew they were going to be three tough games, three very competitive games and three games that, as a midfielder, you love to play in,' she said. 'This group has come very far the last few games and we're looking to step it up again against England. Article continues below 'The rivalry, the history behind Wales-England, whether it's football, rugby, whatever, we're ready for the fight. 'We'll be preparing the best we can in the next 24 hours to bring all of that.'
The Independent
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
England v Wales live: Women's Euro 2025 team news as underdogs vow to ‘spoil the party'
England face Wales in the final group stage match of Euro 2025 as the Lionesses look to reach the quarter-finals with a victory over their rivals. The holders are prepared for a 'derby' against the tournament debutants Wales, who are the lowest-ranked team at the Euros and are all-but eliminated after defeats to France and Netherlands. England bounced back from their opening defeat to France with an impressive 4-0 win against the Netherlands and Sarina Wiegman's side can book their place in the quarter-finals with a win. Wales, however, will be determined to not come from the Euros empty handed and potentially play a part in knocking the Lionesses out of the tournament before the quarter-final stage. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson said Wales are out to 'spoil the party' while the captain Angharad James said: 'It's in our blood, it's in our DNA, the rivalry has always been and always will be there.' What is the Wales team news? Former Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle returned to the pitch off the bench in the defeat against France so could start following a year out due to a knee injury. Olivia Clark may return in goal and Hayley Ladd could also return to the starting line-up. Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 10:34 What is the England team news? England made some key changes for the Netherlands game and looked to have found a settled formula with Lauren James on the right wing, Ella Toone in midfield and Jess Carter at centre-back. Sarina Wiegman, who confirmed that everyone is fit and ready to play 90 minutes, could name an unchanged team in order to build some momentum and consistency. Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 10:32 When is England v Wales? Women's Euro 2025 kick-off time and TV channel When is England vs Wales? The Euro 2025 match kicks off at 8pm BST (UK time) on Sunday 13 July in St Gallen, Switzerland. How can I watch it? It will be shown on ITV 1 and ITV X, with coverage starting from 7pm. Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 10:31 Good morning England face Wales at Euro 2025 as the British rivals clash with a place in the quarter-finals on the line. Holders England could have been out if they lost to the Netherlands on Wednesday but produced an excellent performance to win 4-0 and spark their tournament into life. The Lionesses are guaranteed to reach the quarter-finals with a win of any kind while Wales need to win against England and hope other results go their way. Wales, who have lost both of their games, need to win and for France to beat the Netherlands but the tournament debuts also require a huge goal swing to advance. Jamie Braidwood13 July 2025 10:30 How Sweden turned Germany's biggest strength against them in the wildest 30 minutes of Euro 2025 If given the choice, who out of Sweden or Germany would England prefer to play should the holders make it past Wales and into the Euro 2025 quarter-finals on Sunday night? After a frenetic opening 10 minutes in Zurich, where Germany were able to carve Sweden apart at will, the answer appeared obvious. A little over 20 minutes later, as Sweden counter-attacked their way to triggering a capitulation in the Germany defence, that answer had completely flipped again. How Sweden exposed Germany in the wildest 30 minutes of Women's Euro 2025 Sweden 4-1 Germany: A chaotic opening spell gave England plenty to think about if they play either of these teams in the quarter-finals Jamie Braidwood12 July 2025 22:16 Why England v Wales will reveal how far the Lionesses will go at Women's Euro 2025 If there was any question about how England would prepare for Sunday's 'derby' against Wales, Sarina Wiegman actually revealed it the moment the build-up started. The coach had been asked whether goal difference had been a consideration in the minutes after the 4-0 win over the Netherlands. 'No,' Wiegman responded. 'We discussed how to play at our best.' As classically simple as that sounds, and as different as this game is to the Dutch, it does illustrate the mentality running through the squad now. Why England vs Wales will reveal how far the Lionesses can go at Women's Euro 2025 The Lionesses don't want to just beat Wales, but to make a statement as they reach the quarter-finals Miguel Delaney12 July 2025 21:05 England's Alex Greenwood: Women's Euro 2025 derby may mean more for Wales England defender Alex Greenwood admitted the big-rivalry billing for their final Euro 2025 group-stage encounter might hold more weight for their Welsh opponents than it does for her. A win against their fellow home nation – the lowest-ranked team in the tournament – would be enough to book defending champions England a place in the quarter-finals, while newcomers Wales would require a victory of four goals or more, as well as France beating the Netherlands. Greenwood's cool demeanour and downplayed approach to the opposition was in direct contrast to Wales captain Angharad James, who, when sat at the same St Gallen table moments before and asked if she wanted to knock England out, said: 'Of course you do. It's in our blood. It's in our DNA.' But quizzed as to whether or not she felt the same sense of rivalry, Greenwood conceded: 'Maybe not as much. I think, for me personally, it's another game. 'It's now the most important game that we're going to play and I think that's how I look at it, that's how I treat it. I think for the fans and everybody around it, the rivalry is brilliant. 'I think the atmosphere tomorrow is going to be great and something we should all look forward to, but from a personal perspective, it's another really important game.' England's Alex Greenwood: Women's Euro 2025 derby may mean more for Wales An England win would be enough to book defending champions a place in the quarter-final. Jamie Braidwood12 July 2025 20:05 Rhian Wilkinson: 'Wales want to spoil the party against England' Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson not shying away from the chance to 'spoil the party' ahead of facing England at Women's Euro 2025, 'These women have fought for so long, many of them their whole careers, to have this opportunity and I will not allow us to feel like we're just here to just participate. So we will continue to celebrate. 'England, of course there's a storyline. Why wouldn't we go towards a rivalry? This will only benefit the women's game. We're going to give them as much as possible, push them to the very end. 'And it is the very end. We're in an incredibly close group. England will be forced to play a strong line-up because it is such a close group and there's also a goal differential. So for my women, we get to show up and spoil the party and that's a wonderful job.' Jamie Braidwood12 July 2025 19:05 'It's in our blood': Wales determined to knock England out of Women's Euro 2025 Wales captain Angharad James said the motivation to beat England and knock the holders out of Euro 2025 is 'in our blood and DNA' as the rivals prepare to meet in the final round of the group stage. Wales are the lowest-ranked nation at Euro 2025 and landed in the group of death at their major tournament debut, being drawn alongside the last two champions in England and the Netherlands as well as France. Wales are all-but eliminated after a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands was followed by a 4-1 defeat to France but James said her team-mates are focused on delivering a performance to be proud of. 'It's in our blood': Wales determined to knock England out of Women's Euro 2025 Both teams are aware of the historic rivalry as Wales and England clash in the final group match of Euro 2025 Jamie Braidwood12 July 2025 19:03 'For them it is a big game but for us it is too' - Sarina Wiegman Sarina Wiegman speaking ahead of England's game against Wales at Euro 2025. "I hope we will see a game where we have a lot of the ball and we play very good in possession, so we don't let it become into a fighting game. 'I am not worried [it will become a fighting game]. I think Wales are very compact and they can fight and are really together but also when they have the ball they can play direct. 'We are trying to prevent that, and the best way is to be good on the ball yourself and move the ball quickly to exploit the spaces. "For them it is a big game but for us it is too. We want to win and get through the group stage. There is passion but we have passion too. We want to be really focused and good on the ball. We have to be patient." Jamie Braidwood12 July 2025 18:14
