Latest news with #Euros2025
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside 'Switzerland's grandest hotel' where England's Lionesses will reside during the Euros - including 'press for champagne' buttons and a high-tech spa
The Euros 2025 tournament kicked off in Switzerland to great fanfare on Wednesday night - and England's Lionesses are in residence at their very luxurious home for the next few weeks. The 23-woman squad has checked into the five-star Dolder Grand in Zurich ahead of their first tough match against France on Saturday. And England's footballing stars are currently enjoying getting acquainted with some very swish amenities, including a 4,000-square-metre high-tech spa, Japanese restaurant and, should they need it, a personal butler service. The defending Euros champions are likely to find their Swiss sojourn a cut above the the four-star stay in South West London ahead of their history-making win two years ago at Wembley. Rooms at the historic Dolder Grand come in at around £640 a night, just over £500 more than a bed at The Lensbury in Twickenham, which hosted the squad in 2022 and where rooms currently cost around £130 a night. Previous guests at the turreted Swiss lakeside property, which first opened its doors in 1899, include Nelson Mandela, The Rolling Stones and Karl Lagerfeld. The hotel may be 19th century but it's a state-of-the-art affair, with guests having the option to pay in bitcoin should they so wish. The Lionesses - including Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Beth Mead - are training at the nearby Sportanlage Au facility, normally home to FC Glattbrugg in the city of Opfikon. The players will spend much of their downtime enjoying the hotel though - although they'll probably have to avoid the Krug Lounge X bar, where guests can push gold-plated buttons to request glasses of champagne to their table. The belle époque hotel, which boasts two modern annexes designed by Lord Norman Foster, is considered one of Switzerland's most luxurious places to reside, with rooms enjoying Lake Zurich and forest views. It's thought an area of the hotel will be decorated with England flags to make the squad feel welcome - with the hotel management team describing it as an 'honour' to stay at the hotel. And should things go their way, the team might enjoy a tipple in the hotel's Canvas bar and lounge, where there's DJ sets and mixologists on hand to make 'Dolder Negronis'. The 19th century hotel has steel and glass annex buildings that were designed by Lord Norman Foster, left. Right: A music themed area of the hotel, which has been a home-from-home for The Rolling Stones in Switzerland The squad will be able to reside in understated luxury, with many rooms having forest and lake views Exactly how long the Lionesses will be able to enjoy the Dolder Grand will unfold in the coming weeks, England have been drawn in a 'group of death' alongside 2017 Euros champions the Netherlands and heavyweights France. Back in 2022, the Lionesses had never won a major tournament and the then £118-a-night four-star Lensbury, which sits on the banks of the Thames at Teddington, close to Twickenham, was considered the right fit. The South West London hotel sits on a 25-acre site and boasts a state-of-the-art gym, two heated indoor pools, a sauna, work-out studios, 22 tennis courts and two full-sized sports pitches in its grounds. After the squad's victory in the Euros final at Wembley, the hotel doubled up as a party palace for the squad and their friends and family.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Lionesses share their home comforts at Women's Euros - from teabags to Lego
As the Lionesses jetted off the Zurich for the Women's Euros 2025, several players told how they would be packing a little slice of home to get them through the tournament From board games and Lego to teabags and dressing gowns, the Lionesses have packed a whole host of goodies to give them a taste of home between games at the Euros. After Ella Toone opened up about her special pillow bearing a picture of her late dad, the England women have revealed their creature comforts to get them through the Swiss tournament. And for star striker Alessia Russo, there's nothing better than her own "soft" dressing gown from home. Speaking before she jetted out to Zurich earlier this week, Alessia, 26, said: "There's a few things I'm going to take; a candle - I'm really into my candles at the moment. Just to have it in the room with me to make it homely. "I'll also take Yorkshire teabags.... and if I've got the room in my case I'd like to take my dressing gown." She added: "For me my ideal evening is having a full shower, a real deep cleanse, and then getting in a fresh pair of pyjamas, sat on the sofa with a cup of tea with a film or series on." Also taking teabags is fellow striker Lauren Hemp who told the Mirror: "I love a cup of tea, I have about three or four a day." But the self-confessed Lego-lover admitted she'll have to rethink which Lego model to build in Switzerland after a near-catastrophe coming home from the Australian World Cup. Lauren, 24, said: "I did about four or five [models] and on a 20-hour plane journey back. That wasn't fun trying to look after them and make sure they didn't get broken, so I'm going to reconsider which one I take with me this time, so its a bit smaller and I don't have to worry about all that." At the World Cup two years ago, the squad confessed they were hooked on Love Island and were having to set it up on someone's laptop to catch up with it every night in Australia. But when they're not catching up with their favourite TV series, the competitive Lionesses can't resist playing a little game or two off the pitch. Responding to how they defy boredom, manchester -united-fc> Manchester United hero Ella, 25, said: "We don't ever forget to take Partners, the board game.. I don't know what we'd do if we didn't have that. One game lasts 40 minutes so it kills a lot of time. Pal Alessia added: "And Monopoly deal.. It's so good." The pair, who revealed they also like to play Scrabble, told how playful Alessia introduced the squad to the card game 'Werewolf'. Explaining 'it's a bit like traitors' the game divides the team into villagers and werewolves, who secretly 'kill' players in the night before the villagers get to vote off someone they suspect to be a werewolf. Ella said: "It's not good when you get voted out the first time every time, they all come for me!" While others like Niamh Charles will be relaxing with her kindle, outdoors-lover Georgia Stanway admitted she can't wait to check out Switzerland's spectacular landscape. The 26-year-old who hails from the Lake District recently told how she grew up fishing and ghyll-scrambling with her dad and three brothers around Cumbria. Speaking on her downtime plans at the tournament, Georgia said: "The lakes and mountains are insane. I hope one of the days if we are not too far away we can go and have a swim in one of the lakes." Teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy added: "It's a bit like Barrow in Furness... it's a home away from home!" But as the beating sun in Zurich hit a scorching 33C, the players admitted they'll have 'limited time' outdoors and will have to find ways to entertain themselves inside the camp hotel. The 5* Dolder Grand Hotel where the team are based boasts a world class spa overlooking the Adlisberg forest, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a golf course and a fitness centre.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Why is Mary Earps not playing for England at Euro 2025?
Mary Earps was one of England 's breakout stars when the Lionesses won the Euros three years ago, changing the way that goalkeeping is viewed in the women's game, but will play no part in Euro 2025 after announcing her shock retirement before the tournament. Earps was twice named the world's best goalkeeper after helping England to Euros glory in 2022 and reaching the World Cup final in 2023, becoming one of the most popular members of the England team, but had lost her place in Sarina Wiegman 's starting line-up to Hannah Hampton. Wiegman told Hampton in May that she would be England's No 1 this summer, with Earps, 32, announcing it was the 'right time' to end her international career just five weeks before the Euros. She will continue playing for her club, Paris Saint-Germain, and last month took part in the TV coverage of the annual charity match Soccer Aid. In a statement, Earps said: 'I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. 'I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.' England captain Leah Williamson said she was 'devastated' by Earps' decision, while Wiegman confirmed that she wanted the goalkeeper in her squad alongside Hampton but could not convince Earps to travel to Switzerland as England's No 2. Wiegman said: 'Of course, I had a couple of conversations which I don't want to share here because that's between us. I find it hard and it's hard for her at the same time. She has done such a great job for England. We've had an incredible journey. I really cherish that. 'It's emotional because we also have a relationship and we've had such a massive journey together with lots of highs and of course some lows too. But we have to move on and we don't have time now to celebrate [before the Euros].' Earps is not the only Euros winner to be missing the tournament at short notice. England vice-captain Millie Bright made herself unavailable for selection due to mental and physical burnout, before undergoing knee surgery. And Fran Kirby, who has struggled with various fitness and injury issues over the last year, also brought forward her decision to retire after being told by Wiegman that she was not going to be part of her squad for the Euros this summer. England will play at the Euros with a clear No 1 in Hampton and two uncapped goalkeepers, in Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating. Chelsea goalkeeper Hampton, 24, paid tribute to Earps' career last month and said she wanted to live up to her 'legacy' between the posts. 'I think there's been quite a bit of scrutiny that she probably doesn't deserve with everything that she's achieved in the game and putting women's goalkeeping on the map for the younger generation inspiring to now be a goalkeeper,' Hampton said. 'It was never really a thing, and Mary's changed that. There's so many more young boys and girls taking part in goalkeeping, which was never the case when I was growing up. 'We're gonna miss her as a person here. She's a big personality in this team and she glued us all together at times when we needed to be. I think it's been difficult for everyone to come to terms with what her decision is, but we have to respect that. And yeah, now I've got to just go and live up to her legacy. I'll give it my best shot for sure.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince William's Surprise Royal Visit Will Have Princess Charlotte, 10, Completely Starstruck
NEED TO KNOW Prince William made an unannounced visit to the England women's soccer team, nicknamed the Lionesses, before they head off for the Euros 2025 tournament During the visit, he spotlighted the booming grassroots movement, which has surged since the Lionesses' triumph at the last Euros Back in 2022, William and Princess Charlotte shared a touching video message to cheer on the Lionesses at the Women's World Cup Prince William is back in his element — rallying behind England's top soccer stars as they gear up for the Euros On Monday, June 30, the Prince of Wales, 43, made a surprise visit to the England women's national team — known as the Lionesses — to personally present official squad jerseys to all 23 players ahead of the tournament. Advertisement The prince — who serves as patron of the Football Association, the governing body of the sport in England — began his visit to the team's training base at St. George's Park in the English Midlands with a chat with England Head Coach Sarina Wiegman about the squad's preparation and strategy for success. He then spent time with several players and their families, hearing how they're gearing up for the tournament. The Lionesses kick off their Euro 2025 campaign against France on July 5. DARREN STAPLES/POOL/AFP via Getty Prince William meets the England 'Lionesses' Prince William meets the England 'Lionesses' Prince William's daughter, Princess Charlotte, is sure to be thrilled to hear all about his visit to the team. As a passionate soccer player herself, Charlotte, 10, has a special connection to the Lionesses. She previously appeared alongside her father in a heartfelt video message sent to the team during the 2022 Women's World Cup. Three years ago, as the tournament kicked off in Australia, William surprised the Lionesses with a warm video greeting, joined by Charlotte, who held a soccer ball in her lap. 'We're so proud of everything you've achieved and the millions you've inspired here and around the world,' William said at the time. 'So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.' On Monday, William also took part in a Made for This Game session with junior girls' teams, joining former Lionesses Rachel Brown-Finnis and Kerry Davis to cheer on the next generation of talent. Advertisement The teams, made up of elementary and high school players, were created in the wake of the Lionesses' historic victory at the 2022 Euros — a milestone that sparked a nationwide surge in girls' participation in football. Since 2020, the Football Association reports a 56% increase in female youth players. The Made for This Game campaign was launched to build on that momentum and grow grassroots involvement across the country. DARREN STAPLES/POOL/AFP via Getty Prince William with the Lionesses Prince William with the Lionesses Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! During a 2022 visit with the team, William was gifted personalized jerseys for his three children — Prince George, 11, Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. Advertisement A devoted soccer fan, William has had an action-packed season cheering on his favorite club, Aston Villa — often with Prince George by his side. The Birmingham-based team enjoyed a standout year, making a strong run in the Champions League. William followed the action closely, traveling to Monaco with friends and to Paris with George to watch the team compete on the European stage. Read the original article on People
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Womens Euros 2025 Odds: Who are the favourites to win the tournament? England, Spain and Germany chances rated
In a matter of days, the highly-anticipated Women's European Championships gets underway in Switzerland, with the first game scheduled to begin on on Wednesday 2 July. Kicking off in Thun, Iceland and Finland will begin the tournament in Group A, with the opening game taking game at Stockhorn Arena. England Lionesses are the reigning champions, having won the tournament on home soil in 2022 with a 2-1 win over Germany, but were beaten finalists in the World Cup final two years ago, where they were defeated by Spain. Netherlands lifted the trophy in 2017, can they repeat the trick eight years later? Or could football powerhouses Germany return to the top table of women's football and make up for their defeat in the final three years ago? Here are the latest odds for the Women's Euros 2025 - including England, Spain, Germany and more*. *All odds are offered by SkyBet and are subject to change at any time. Please gamble responsibly. 1 . Wales - 150/1 Taking part in their first major tournament in history, Wales are huge outsiders to win the tournament. They have an extremely difficult group to navigate, too. | Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Switzerland - 28/1 The home nation are outsiders to win the tournament, with odds of 28/1. Switzerland have never made it past the group stages of the tournament. | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Norway - 25/1 A former women's football powerhouse, Norway still have a number of world class players but are seen an outsiders to win the competition at 25/1. They have won the tournament twice, in 1987 and 1993. | NTB/AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Denmark - 25/1 Runners-up in 2017, they lost the final to the Netherlands. Can they make the final - but win it this time? At 25/1, the bookies don't rate their chances highly. | Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima Photo Sales
