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BBC News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Who will win Euro 2025? BBC pundits make their predictions
The Women's Euro 2025 starts on Wednesday in Thun and ends in Basel on Sunday, 27 England are one of 16 teams to contest the tournament, which will feature 31 matches over 26 will lift the trophy this time? Who are the favourites? And how will England and Wales do, as they begin in Group D with France and the Netherlands?BBC Sport's TV and radio football presenters and pundits predict what will happen in Switzerland. Who will win Euro 2025? Former England captain Steph Houghton: I think either Spain or Germany... Spain are current World Cup holders with a lot of good players in Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas and Claudia Pina. Germany have a new manager [Christian Wuck], they have gone through that transition period and have performed really well in the last record women's goalscorer Ellen White: I genuinely think on any given day England can beat anyone. They have got a great and talented squad. There are other great teams as well, but we have a talented group and I think we can win England midfielder/defender Anita Asante: Germany are quietly going about their business. They have a long legacy and history of winning this competition and they just might be on the rise most-capped international Fara Williams: I am torn between Germany and Spain. I'm going to go with Spain on the back of winning the World Cup and their momentum. With the players they have got and the squad as a whole, their depth is probably the best in the England defender Alex Scott: I am saying England. I know Spain are favourites, but I think with everything going on with the announcement of retirements and some players not playing, sometimes that can galvanise a team and I'm hoping England prove everyone wrong and retain that City and England U21 defender Nedum Onuoha: It's tough to not pick Spain given the fact they are world champions and given the fact in this European campaign there have been some inconsistencies shown by so many sides. Spain have that quality and it will be very tough to beat Wales striker Helen Ward: It's too hard to look past Spain. They are such a good side with balance, talent and youngsters coming through. I see them as the big Wales defender Danny Gabbidon: Spain are World Cup holders and they are a fantastic footballing team. The nucleus of the Barcelona team that they have – particularly the midfield three – are difficult to play against. They are a really good team to watch and have so many different threats all over the pitch. What are England's chances? Alex Scott: England have a very tough group, but they are going all the way. They are going to be in the final and hopefully we will all be cheering when they lift that trophy Onuoha: I have genuine belief that England will get out of the group. It might not be glamourous, but I think they will probably finish top. With the path they will be on, I think the game they might lose would be a semi-final appearance against Spain, but realistically anything can Asante: England are in a really tough group, but in Sarina we trust. I think they can get to the final. It's going to be challenging with players retiring and withdrawing, but this could be the next generation to step into those shoes and make it happen. If they get out of the group stage, everything is Williams: I hope England go to the final and win it, but the key word is hope. I think England and France will progress out of the group. I hope England finish first and then we will get to the semi-final. If we finish second we are in trouble because we will get the Germans in the Houghton: I think England will get to the final. Our group is tough in terms of the competition with three different types of opponents, but I really do believe in the quality and the strength in depth in the squad. Especially in the forward areas. I think England will play Spain in the Gabbidon: As a Welshman I am hoping England don't progress too far. They are a fantastic team. They are the holders and have such a talented squad of players. They have had a little bit of upheaval, but you would expect them to be there or thereabouts at the end of the tournament. Behind Spain they are the second-best Ward: I expect them to get out of the group and that would be their expectation. As holders they are going to be up there as one of the favourites and I wouldn't be surprised to see them go deep in the tournament. How far will Wales go? Helen Ward: Wales can go as far as they believe. The Netherlands might look as that opening game as the perfect one for them and maybe Wales can play on that and take people by surprise and go under the radar. They have some fantastic talent with Welsh heart, grit and determination. We are the ultimate underdog. No other country has a dragon on their badge or flag, so that has got to mean something, hasn't it?Danny Gabbidon: I'm hoping Wales go all the way and win it, but being realistic with it being their first tournament I'm going to say something similar to what I said when the men qualified for Euro 2016 - if they can get out of the group that would be a really good achievement with how difficult that group is. If they get out of the group that would be a magnificent Onuoha: I feel for Wales because they have been so unlucky to end up in this group with Netherlands, France and England. They are the underdog in every single one of those games. But I think they will get a win, I just don't think it will be enough to get them out of the group. I imagine the games they play, especially against England, will be very hard-fought. With a strong start, they could be playing for a place in the knockouts in that final game. But I can't see them getting out of the Williams: I am rooting for Wales. It's always important that we support home nations and the growth at their first tournament. I think they will go out in the group stages. They are in a tough group and will probably finish bottom of the group, but they won't go out without a fight. Those Welsh players will give absolutely everything for the badge. Having played with a few at club level, their country means everything to Scott: I think it is epic they have reached their first major tournament and I'm all for that feeling that it can bring you together. They have waited a long, long time. I hope they can be a dark horse and surprise France and the Houghton: I think Wales will find it tough, but they have done unbelievably well to get to this tournament. To be involved in a group full of experienced teams at the highest level is going to be tough, but with this Welsh side I know they will never give up so it could be a surprise one for us Asante: History will tell us that for newcomers to major competitions, often it's about experiencing tournament football and learning a lot from the first experience. Not many have progressed out of the group stages in the very first tournament. Wales have been really unfortunate to draw highly ranked teams with the know-how and experience. I think they will probably struggle to get out of the group, but if they do then everything is possible. They go in with that fearlessness and underdog status. I hope it can happen for them. Who might be the dark horse? Ellen White: I think France might be a dark horse. They have suffered in a few major tournaments and haven't quite got over the line, but they have a talented squad with great youth and experience. I am excited to see how they fare and what their team looks Onuoha: Sweden will not be one of the highest-ranked teams, but the way they play and the fact they tend to turn up in these big international tournaments make them a very tough side to play against. I wouldn't be surprised for them to go further than some people Williams: Switzerland have a few good individual players and the support of the home crowd - we saw what it did for England in 2022 and this can really help them. They have a very experienced manager [Pia Sundhage] who will allow that balance for the players to experience what the home support is as well as keeping them focused. They are in a good Houghton: Sweden might be dark horses. Not many people have spoken about them, but when it comes to major tournaments they always find a way to get to the latter stages and they have a lot of players with a lot of Ward: I think Wales are going to throw a few surprises at the tournament. You can expect heart, passion, desire, togetherness, a real case of the true underdog. The biggest thing is the passion. They are going to give it absolutely everything and leave nothing out Asante: Norway have had such a bad showing of themselves in recent Euros, but on paper the squad is unreal. This could be the one that they finally get right and it just clicks and comes Gabbidon: I saw Italy in the Nations League as they were in Wales' group and I was really impressed. They thrashed Wales and played really good football. They are really organised and good off attacking set-pieces with lots of variation so I fancy Italy to surprise a few Scott: I'm going with Sweden. I think they will progress out of the group and they have a real resilience about them. They are one to keep an eye on. Can you call Sweden a dark horse? They are always there or thereabouts. Who will win the Golden Boot? Ellen White: Alessia Russo had a great season and is very influential for England, not just for scoring goals but her work ethic, her runs, her selflessness. I don't want to put too much pressure on her because if she doesn't win the Golden Boot but England win the Euros then great. But I think she has had a great season. It could be someone random, but I hope it's Alessia Ward: Claudia Pina has been in fantastic form for Barcelona and Spain. She doesn't always start, but she comes on and makes a big impact. She has an eye for goal, she is young, exciting, talented and she is in absolutely flying form at the Gabbidon: Alessia Russo had a fantastic season for Arsenal with more than 20 goals. She is a Champions League winner and comes into this tournament full of confidence. She is going to be the one leading the line for England and with the quality players around her creating chances you would expect her to be there or thereabouts for the Golden Boot and you would expect England to go deep in the tournament which helps with Asante: Seeing as I have picked Germany as potential winners I'm going to have to pick Klara Williams: I'd love Alessia Russo to win it if she can carry on that form. If England get all the way, Russo wins it. If not, I'm going with Onuoha: I'm going to go for Claudia Pina. Whether or not she starts is not guaranteed, but you have seen the quality of her finishing and the impact she can have and the clinical nature she has, I think she is going to be a big part of their Houghton: Hopefully Alessia Russo is the Golden Boot winner. That is what I Scott: It could be between Alessia Russo and Esther Gonzalez for Spain. Who could have a breakthrough tournament? Steph Houghton: Claudia Pina is the next big superstar from Spain to go alongside Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati. She will score goals, she loves to dribble at people and cause problems and she is very quick. I would have my eye on her for sure. She might not start all the time, but in terms of impact, what she can bring to that Spain team and how they play, I feel as though she can be Onuoha: I'm going to say Michelle Agyemang. I think Sarina Wiegman has seen her quality and given how tough England's games will be throughout the tournament, she could be someone that comes on and makes a difference towards the end of matches when people are tired and people are playing against her probably for the first time on most of these occasions. With the quality she has, she can definitely be the Asante: If Grace Clinton gets a chance it could be her tournament. Otherwise I'd like to see Aggie Beever-Jones break through and show everybody what we already know. She has had an exceptional season, her goal-to-minutes ratio is ridiculous in the WSL. She can be England's Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly from the last Williams: We saw what Claudia Pina did for Spain when she came off the bench against England in the recent Nations League game. She is not a regular starter in the Spanish team, but I think she will work her way into the starting Ward: Wales' Carrie Jones could have a breakout tournament. She is a young talent that plays in Sweden for her club side. That has brought her game on a lot. She might not start every game for Wales but she can have an Scott: There are a few young players that we need to keep an eye on. This could be a breakout tournament for [Spain teenager] Vicky Lopez. When you look at the Spanish team they are stacked and Aitana Bonmati is just class with her elegance on the ball. Everyone is going to be watching her glide and control the midfield like she normally Gabbidon: My must-watch player would be Lauren Hemp. I know she is just off the back of a long-term injury but she is one of those players that gets bums off seats. Her ability to create goals, score goals, dribble, go past players. She has a fantastic left foot and is capable of those magic moments.
The Review Geek
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Knock Out – Season 1 Episode 8 Recap & Review
Episode 8 Knock Out Episode 8 returns us to the hospital where Pakorn appeals to Thun. Then in walks Keen, overhearing Pakorn call him his son. After Pakorn leaves, Phuwish tells Petch that he'd like to visit him at the gym this evening to talk about the academy. As the two walk out, Keen is noticeably frosty with Thun, who still hasn't explained himself. Back at the gym, Thun tries to take Keen's hand, but he pulls it away, saying he's tired. When they get to their room, they find it's been ransacked, yet nothing seems to be missing. Everyone comes running but Win notices Ait's absence and checks his room to find his locker empty. READ MORE: Thai and BL drama reviews As the group discusses Ait, they hear noises in the gym. Fight mode snaps on and the team battles the loan shark lackeys who'd come to collect. They continue to rail on Win as he hasn't yet paid his debt. Thun promises to fight to pay off the debt but that's not good enough to deliver the money now. Just in time, Phuwish and his guys arrive. Finding out that they owe money, Phuish says he wants to meet the boss and agrees to pay the debt before hearing it's 1 million Baht. He hands over a check, telling the gang he'll drum out corruption in sports. After the thugs take leave, Phuwish asks the favor he'd come for – he'd wanted to buy the academy from Petch. But now he says he'll call it an even exchange for the debt. Thun suggests they talk it over first. All together, Keen suggests they sell and put it all behind them. Thun notes that White Tiger Gym has made an offer too. He'll buy the academy and pay off all the debts, claiming he'd like to do the right thing as a father. In response, Keen demands a private chat, believing Pakorn may have set everything up to reach this end. Thun explains that he hasn't seen Pakorn as his father in a long time, ever since he abandoned him. As Thun takes Keen's hand, Keen accuses Pakorn of killing his dad. Talking it out, Keen shows him the evidence from Klao, noting that Pakorn wasn't wearing his pin in the hospital. Thun agrees to support Keen no matter who committed the crime. Just as they start to cuddle, Win throws open the door. He suddenly knows who drugged Thun. Could it be Ait? Flashback to the dressing room where Ait does the deed. His mystery caller is the loan shark boss himself, Sia Thep. At the hospital, Ait suggests that Sia Thep may be trying to get to Phuwish. Originally, it was the boss who suggested going to Phuwish for help. Ait takes the blame and apologizes to everyone and Petchak immediately forgives him. Later, Ait thanks Win for cheering him on and returns his confession. Feeling guilty after Phuwish paid the debt, Petch signs over the academy to him. Phuwish instantly hands Keen a promo for another fight. It's tomorrow and he'd love them all to participate. Even though it's last minute, they feel they have to agree. Klao stops by and checks out the Ring Rage event with Keen. She also tells him that she now believes the pin she found may have belonged to Muay. She's also noticed that several bigwigs have that same pin. Could it be a club? As they discuss possibilities, Thun watches from afar. Incensed, Thun visits his father to find out if he killed Keen's father. But he'll only answer if Thun gets in the ring with him. He somehow manages to KO his son, which Typhoon spots from the doorway. At the gym, as the team jumps into a van to head to Ring Rage, Keen receives a message that Thun will meet him there. Meanwhile, Pakorn apologizes for being late, saying he had some trouble with a 'new product.' He shows the other man – it's Phuwish – and calls him Sia Thep (yes, the loan shark). The 'product' is a trussed-up Thun. The Episode Review Nice one, Dad. Well, I figured Phuwish had something to do with the loan shark when he handed over a check so easily. It certainly felt like the jaws were closing when he tried to rush them into a decision. I didn't guess, however, that he and Pakorn were on the same (evil) team. And that Pakorn would hand over his son, presumably shot up with Hulk juice or soon to be. Now that Klao has caught on to the idea of a 'club' of greedy adults, she'll be able to help Keen figure out what's happening. Hopefully, before they do something horrible to the fearless Thun. Anyone else think there's a chance that Typhoon will help? He and Thun were friends once… Wait a minute… this is the second time Keen's home has been searched. What could they be seeking? Likely something from his Dad, no? Who else is getting sucked in? Is anyone watching Knock Out? I'd love to hear your take. Drop-kick those ponderings into the comments below. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes READ MORE: Thai and BL drama reviews
The Review Geek
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Knock Out – Season 1 Episode 7 Recap & Review
Episode 7 Knock Out Episode 7 brings us to set up activity for the match – Hero Fight is nearly here. As the camera operators take a final break, Thun finds Keen alone in the room and can't resist a few kisses. Until Phuwish shows up, apologizing for interrupting as most of the rooms are soundproof. But he can't help a quick leer at Keen after Thun exits to get ready. As the announcer sets up a new era of Muay Thai, the Hero Fight. In alternating scenes, neither Bung nor Ait seem to be winning their matches. As Ait gets up, Win tells him he loves him. While Bung hears cheering from audience member, Klao. Both invigorated, Ait and Bung each claim a turnaround knockout. READ MORE: Thai and BL drama reviews In the control room, Keen gets an unlucky papercut as the camera switches to the promo for the main fight. While, backstage, Phuwish slyly mentions Keen to Thun, catching him off-guard. Back to the winning matches and the crowd cheers for both Bung and Ait. As Ait steps out of the ring, he receives an urgent call and walks away to take it. Meanwhile, Klao speaks to a police officer friend who's recently been suspended. She notes a case where money lender Muay was mauled to death by a large dog. What? In the dressing room, Coach Petch tells Thun he can definitely take Yut. Then, 'Lord of the Martial World,' Yut, enters to cheers as does 'The Heartless Left Hook,' Tiger Taming Cannon. And Hero Fight is ready to rock. As the guys square up in the middle, Round One begins. In the box, Keen holds his couple necklace, tensing as the fight begins. Petch immediately notices that Thun looks off, wondering what's wrong. The audience too, wonders if the Cannon can make it. A couple more hits and Thun is thrown to the ropes, looking discombobulated. With blurred vision, he takes his stance but falls to the floor before he can complete the punch. As he's counted out, the team shouts his name but Thun doesn't even open his eyes. He's eventually removed via stretcher only a few minutes after the fight had begun. What happened to the Cannon? The crowd wonders if he was possibly drugged and even Phuwish looks worried. In the locker room, Petch finds that someone has tampered with Thun's water bottle. While the audience complains about an event where a champ can be tainted, the news speculates whether he was given a diuretic. In the hospital, Keen waits for Thun to wake up. Phuwish calls to say the police are looking into it while Keen confirms his team checked every water bottle. Petch joins Keen at his vigil, saying he's unfortunately seen things like this before. As Petch heads back to the gym, Keen stays the night to look after Thun, full of remorse for not preventing the attack. The next morning, Thun rises to find a sleeping Keen at his side. When he wakes, Thun stops Keen from apologizing, assuring him that he's fine. On the news, speculation spreads that rival promoter Pakorn drugged the Cannon to discredit Phuwish. They're also saying the failed fight could end things for the budding Petchsak promoter. At the gym, Win waits for Ait, wondering if he made him uncomfortable with his ring-side confession but holds off texting him about it. Watching news updates at the hospital, Yut talks of their disappointment but commends promoter Keen for revitalizing the sport. As Keen cuddles Thun we don't get to hear the response of whether Yut will fight again. Giving a news update outside, noting returning some money to the audience, an angry viewer throws red paint on Phuwish, cursing him for cheating. Keen and Thun catch the clip, worriedly watching Phuwish apologize. Elsewhere, Klao follows up on a report of a dead Muay found in the woods near the market. She notices tire tracks and blood stains as they talk of the incredulity of being killed by a dog. Klao sweeps away the leaves to find a clue, taking photos and bagging the evidence. She checks videos and finds a similar symbol on Pakorn's jacket. At the hospital elevator, Keen apologizes to Phuwish but their backer is there to check on Thun, assuring Keen it's ok. They head upstairs just as Pakorn visits Thun. Klao calls Keen but he's already in the elevator and can barely understand as she suggests both Muay and Keen's father may have been murdered. Keen opens the door to Thun's room to find him fighting with Pakorn – his father – just as Klao proposes that the murderer of Keen's father may be Pakorn. The Episode Review Well, there's an 'I am your father' moment. Keen couldn't have looked more shocked than Skywalker himself. And to think his love has been keeping this little droplet of information to himself the whole time. Did anyone guess? I sure didn't. This also puts a new light on who tampered with the water bottle. I'm not sure Yut would bother, especially since he already took the Hulk drug – would he need Thun to be off balance? Wouldn't he prefer a chance to beat him in front of Keen? Win off his own (ish) merit? Maybe Ait's secret employer forced him to do it – but somehow I was thinking perhaps Pakorn was the one controlling Ait. Would he want his own son to take a dive? Maybe he'd be happy to see Keen and Petch fail, which is exactly what happened. Hhhmm. How 'bout you all? Whatcha' thinking? I'd love to hear your theories. I don't think Win would ruin his father's reputation even if he is a little jealous of Keen. With Muay dead, it's not her, so who else is left? Is anyone watching Knock Out with me? I'd love to hear your take. Drop-kick those ponderings into the comments below. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes READ MORE: Thai and BL drama reviews
BBC News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
When is the Women's Euros 2025?
Euro 2025 is finally here, with 16 teams from across Europe ready to showdown!The 2023 Women's World Cup ended in heartbreak for England's Lionesses, losing out in the final to Spain - but will they fare better this time around? And which of the home nations has qualified for the first time? Find out all this and more with this article from Bitesize! Switzerland will be the host nation for Euro 2025, marking the first time they've played host to a major women's sporting event on this will be played right across the country, with the tournament kicking off in Thun and coming to a close at St-Jakob Park, in other host cities include St Gallen, Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Sion and Geneva. Euro 2025 kicks off on Wednesday 2 July, as Iceland face off with Finland at the Stockhorn Arena in Thun. The game will kick off at 5pm UK time, with hosts Switzerland taking on Norway later that group stage of the tournament will continue on through to 13 July, with the quarter-finals beginning on July 16 - all leading up to the final on Sunday 27 July. 16 teams will compete for the crown of Euro 2025 champions this summer, including two of the home nations - one of them for the first time!The nations who qualified are: Iceland, Finland, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Wales, Netherlands, France and teams will be split evenly across four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. Euro 2025 marks the Euros debut of the Wales women's national football team, with Rhian Wilkinson's side joining England in Group will kick off their tournament in Lucerne, taking on Netherlands on Saturday 5 July at 5pm UK time. England will begin their campaign later that day, facing off against France at 8pm UK teams will play their second match on Wednesday 9 July, with England playing Netherlands in Zurich, and Wales matching up against France in St their final group stage game, England and Wales will come face to face with one another, kicking off in St Gallen at 8pm UK time on Sunday 13 July. The first official UEFA Women's Euro took place between 1982 and 1984, with 16 teams across Europe coming together to compete for the trophy. England, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland all took part - alongside nations like France, Italy and Portugal, amongst competition's first game took place on 18 August 1982, with Sweden comfortably beating out Finland in a 6-0 final took place in 1984, with England facing off against Sweden over a two-leg final. The Swedes beat England on home turf, before an England win at Kenilworth Road sent the final to a penalty unsurprisingly, England lost on penalties, with Sweden becoming the first ever Women's Euro champions! England go into the 2025 Euros as reigning champions, with the Lionesses roaring to victory over Germany in the final of Euro 2022. Chloe Kelly's goal in extra-time marked an end to over 50 years of hurt for England's men and women's national hold the record for the most number of Women's Euro titles, having won eight of the 13 that have taken place as of this year. Other winners include Sweden, Netherlands and Norway with the possibility of a further nation being added to those ranks this summer! The first Women's EurosEverything you need to know about Euro 2025Ella Powell: How my teachers helped kickstart an international football careerSix things you need to know about women's football
The Independent
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Women's Euros host cities in Switzerland: Where they are and how to visit
After a three-year wait, the Women's Euros Championship is back, and this time, Switzerland will be hosting the female football teams in eight different stadiums across the country. Back in 2022, England hosted the games after a delay due to Covid, seeing the Lionesses win their home tournament for the first time in women's (and men's) Euros history. The 2025 championship will kick off on 2 July in the city of Thun, sitting on the banks of a deep blue lake in the heart of the country, with the final then scheduled on 27 July in Basel, which has just hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. Throughout the month, matches will be held in some of Switzerland's most breathtaking destinations, from the chocolate artisan haven of Geneva to the town of Sion tucked away in the Rhone Valley between the snowcapped Swiss Alps. Most locations have charming Old Towns, peppered with sandstone medieval landmarks and red-tiled timber houses lining the banks of rivers or at the mouth of some of the country's most magnificent lakes. If you are heading to Switzerland for the Euros, or are inspired to book a trip to the host cities later in the year, take a look at our guide to where the matches will take place this year, as well as a recommendation on where to stay. EUFA Women's Euro host cities 2025 1. Basel Stadium: St. Jakob-Park It seems that 2025 has been Basel's year. Coming off the back of hosting Eurovision, the city will now welcome teams from around the continent for the Women's Euros next month. Tucked between the borders of France and Germany, Switzerland's third most populous city sits in the northwest region of the country on the river Rhine, where its picture-book half-timbered buildings line the water, with the red sandstone Basler Münster cathedral towering above. Aside from Basel's charming Old Town, the city is known for having a high volume of galleries and museums held up by an internationally-renowned arts scene. Some highlights include the eclectic sculpture collection in Museum Tinguely, while Kunstmuseum Basel houses the oldest public art collection in the world. As the days start to get warmer, the Rhine will fill with locals bobbing along with colourful Wickelfisch (a fish-shaped dry bag holding belongings) in tow. River swimming, as well as bathing in one of the many hundreds of fountains in Basel, is a long-standing ritual as the summer months arrive. Where to stay For an option not far from St. Jakob-Park, Gaia Hotel has 86 hotel rooms that include access to its Finnish sauna and hydrotherapy pool. The hotel has a focus on sustainability, using a zero-waste strategy and organic products in its 'Bio Breakfast'. 2. Bern Stadium: Stadion Wankdorf The city of Bern is hailed as one of Switzerland's most beautiful, with its Unesco-listed Old Town filled with sandstone architecture, cobbled alleyways and the famous Zytglogge medieval astronomical clock tower. One of the city's most unusual attractions is its bear 'pit', where brown bears roam around in a park on the banks of the Aare. Bern has a long history with bears, having roamed the area before the city was established, and are now the city's heraldic animal. Since 2009, the Bernese bears moved out of their old pit and have continued to live in a 6,000-square-metre park, which guests can tour to get a little closer to the furry mammals. When not exploring medieval architecture in the Old Town or stopping to visit its resident bears, tourists find themselves checking out Parliament House, the centre of Swiss democracy, or taking it easy in Bern's green spaces, such as the flower-filled Rose Garden. Where to stay To stay near Stadion Wankdorf, a short bus ride from the city centre, the Moxy Bern Expo has twin, queen-bed and family rooms, with an on-site fitness centre and a casual breakfast bar to grab a quick bite to eat before heading to the match. 3. Geneva Stadium: Stade de Genève When thinking of Geneva, it's entirely possible that international diplomacy hubs and United Nations' offices will spring to mind over tourist sights. And while it may not be up there with some of Europe's most visited cities, Geneva attracts travellers who want to sink their teeth into something sweet. The city offers a 'Choco Pass', which guides visitors through a series of chocolatiers serving up tasters of Pavés de Genève, a little cube of chocolate dusted in cocoa powder, and other confectionaries as you go along. Some of Switzerland's historic family chocolate establishments originated in Geneva, such as Rohr, which is the only company to still produce Pavés de Genève by hand according to an original recipe. The chocolate artisans can be found in the city centre near the Rhône river, which flows into the magnificent Lake Geneva. After a stroll around Geneva's charming Old Town, take a boat tour out onto the lake for a close up view of the bright blue waters and the Jet d'Eau, a fountain in the harbour that shoots water 140 metres into the air, and has become a popular selfie opportunity as it sprays up into the sky. Where to stay Geneva has some magnificent five-star options such as Hotel d'Angleterre and Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues. However, if you are seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Geneva sits right next to Stade de Genève, offering clean and simple rooms that can be adapted with sofa beds depending on your group size. 4. Zurich Stadium: Stadion Letzigrund Switzerland's largest city is known for being an international economic hub, yet Zurich is much more than finance bros in business meetings; the city has a wealth of cultural heritage and historical architecture to immerse yourself in. Visitors starting in the city's Old Town, wandering down narrow alleyways, antique shops and small boutiques, up to the spectacular Grossmünster church, will have more than their fill of picturesque scenery before even reaching the city's Lindenhof viewpoint. The view from this little inner-city oasis extends across Lake Zurich and to the rugged Alps. A trip to Zurich would not be complete without a trip down Bahnhofstrasse, even if it's just for window shopping, as this downtown street is lined with exclusive stores, designer boutiques and department stores, making it one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. If the lure of trying Swiss chocolate pulls stronger than designer gear, take a trip 15 minutes outside of Zurich to Lindt Home of Chocolate, to watch the master chocolatiers at work and take part in workshops, as well as visit the giant chocolate fountain in its foyer. Where to stay For an option that's close to the city centre, but also just a 20-minute tram ride away from Stadion Letzigrund, check into Hotel Helmhaus where you'll find comfy beds with added touches you would expect from a boutique option, such as high-quality bath products and abstract art decorating the walls. 5. St Gallen Stadium: Arena Like most Swiss cities, St Gallen has a chocolate-box Old Town that looks like it was plucked out of a picture book, but what sets this destination apart is the city's vibrant textile heritage that has remained an important industry today. The city has a long tradition of creating textiles, especially delicate embroidery, examples of which can be found at the Textiles Museum. For the Women's Euros, the museum is putting on a temporary exhibition of women's national jerseys throughout history, showing how textiles evoke a particular identity within football. The city's history can be further explored in the Abbey District, where the Abbey of stands tall among the red tiled roofs. The Unesco-listed Abbey Library, one of the oldest in the world, houses priceless texts dating back to the 8th century under its ceiling frescos. The surrounding natural landscape of St Gallen is made up of the Alpstein mountains and Lake Constance, earning it the nickname of 'The City in the Green Ring'. To get a bird's-eye view of this magnificent countryside, ascend into the sky in the Säntis cable cars, where you will be able to glimpse six countries at once: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. Where to stay For a simple stay, a five-minute walk from Arena book a room at Hotel one66, a highly rated hotel that offers modern rooms, a Swiss breakfast and parking in its underground garage. 6. Lucerne Stadium: Allmend Stadion Luzern The bustling city of Lucerne is found in the heart of the country, sitting on the banks of the lake of the same name and nestled next to imposing limestone mountains like Pilatus. Its cityscape is recognisable by the Chapel Bridge, which is considered to be Europe's oldest roofed bridge that runs across the banks from the new to the old town, twisting around the centuries-old water tower. The city's 800-metre Musegg Wall is also a prominent feature, with visitors able to walk along sections of the old natural sandstone fortifications, with a stop at the Hinter Musegg Farm along the way to visit the city's alpacas, Highland cattle and organic farm shop. Being on the banks of the Lucerne Lake, the city attracts many visitors with its watersports activities, such as windsurfing, bathing and the world-class annual regatta in the summer. Where to stay To stay near the city centre and the lake, and also be within a half-an-hour walk from the stadium, book into Hotel Wilden Mann, offering rooms and suites filled with antique furnishings and vintage decoration, as well as an on-site cafe-bar on the second floor. 7. Sion Stadium: Stade de Tourbillon Found in the Rhone Valley in the heart of the Valais region is the small town of Sion, sitting near the foot of some of the Swiss Alps' most domineering peaks, such as the Matterhorn and Les Diablerets. While the surrounding area is home to top-rated ski resorts, Sion itself is not to be overlooked. As one of Switzerland's oldest cities, Sion's surroundings are dotted with fortresses, such as the fortified Basilique de Valère and the 13th-century Tourbillon Castle, both standing proud on the hillside. Historians believe the town dates back to the Stone Age, as one of Switzerland's largest Celtic necropolises and 5,000-year-old stone menhirs (monoliths) can be found in Sion. When not getting a fill of the town's thousands of years of history, travellers will be indulging in the Valais region's specialities, from raclette cheese and saffron, to wine and dried meat, which can be found in shops or the weekly town market. Close to Sion lies one of Europe's largest underground lakes, St-Leonard, which can be explored via boat tours that take visitors through the glittering grotto that sparkles from the reflection of the calm, clear water. Where to stay A short walk from both the town centre and Stade de Tourbillon is Moxy Sion, providing guests with mountain-view rooms, a games room and bicycle rentals to explore the area on two-wheels. 8. Thun Stadium: Arena Thun Tucked away in the foothills of snowcapped mountains, the town of Thun sits on the banks of the deep blue lake of the same name, giving the town one of the most arresting landscapes in the entire country. Despite its picturesque scenery, most people pass through the town, making a beeline for the Swiss capital of Bern further north. However, there is plenty to see in Thun, such as the medieval fairytale Thun Castle, overlooking the Old Town below. A stroll through the town's alleyways and arcades past the quaint facades of family-run shops and wooden bridges is a popular pastime, or if you are looking for something a little bit more challenging, hikers often tackle the nearby Niederhorn mountain peak, at just under 2,000m above sea level. Where to stay Half an hour's walk from the stadium, and sitting in the middle of a small green area on the banks of the lake is Schloss Schadau, a hotel adorned with a castle-like facade and just as grand interiors to match.
