The 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro tournament is set to commence in Switzerland, featuring 16 of Europe`s premier football teams. England, as the defending champions, will be the team everyone is aiming to beat, while Spain enters the competition sharing the favorite status and expected to challenge for the trophy. Other European giants like Germany, France, and Sweden also face strong competition from emerging teams, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tournament football.
Predicting favorites, potential upsets (dark horses), and long shots always sparks debate. However, the true picture will only become clear once the group stage matches begin. Current form, team depth, and other factors will ultimately determine which nation proves to be the strongest in Europe. Below is an assessment of how the 16 participating teams currently rank:
1. England
Under the guidance of head coach Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses hold the top spot in the rankings as the reigning champions. Despite key international retirements, including Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright`s withdrawal, a strong core from the victorious 2022 squad remains, capable of another deep tournament run. While there are questions concerning the goalkeeping position, this situation offers an opportunity for Hannah Hampton to excel.
2. Spain
The champions of the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup are considered strong contenders to challenge England for the title. With a midfield featuring Ballon d`Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, widely regarded as the world`s best, Spain showcases technical excellence combined with dynamic attacking play. However, Bonmati`s recovery from meningitis and goalkeeper Cata Coll`s battle with tonsillitis present some uncertainty regarding their availability for the group stage. This might be the tournament where Claudia Pina steps up from an impact substitute role to a starter.
3. Germany
Adding another layer of complexity to the list of favorites is Germany. The team that finished as runners-up in 2022 and secured bronze at the 2024 Olympics enters the tournament in generally solid form. They are without Lena Oberdorf due to injury, and Alex Popp has retired from international duty. Nevertheless, a revamped attack, spearheaded by Lea Schuller and dynamic wingers, has proven potent against defenses, making Germany a formidable opponent throughout the competition.
4. Sweden
Consistently a threat in major tournaments, Sweden remains an intimidating side despite dealing with some injury concerns. The absence of Fridolina Rolfo, sidelined by an ankle injury for at least the initial group match, is a significant blow. Similarly, the loss of promising talent Rosa Kafaji and goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who is on leave due to pregnancy, impacts the squad. However, the team possesses considerable depth, and Stina Blackstenius is in excellent form, having recently won the Champions League and scored the decisive goal.
5. France
The attacking flair of players like Kadidiatou Diani and Marie Antoinette Katoto is undeniable, and Sandy Baltimore and Salma Bacha are formidable on the counterattack. These players ensure France remains a threat throughout the competition. However, France has historically struggled with a `tournament mentality,` and this narrative persists, particularly with experienced veterans Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer omitted from the roster.
6. Netherlands
Winners of the Euro in 2017, the Dutch have experienced a slight dip compared to other top global teams since then. While their 2017 success is a notable achievement, there`s currently too much uncertainty surrounding their recent form and starting lineup consistency for them to be firmly placed among the top favorites. Yet, they are too strong to be considered mere dark horses. Vivianne Miedema appears to have overcome her fitness issues in recent Euro warm-up matches, while Lineth Beerensteyn`s status remains questionable.
7. Norway
It seems counterintuitive that an attack featuring talents like Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Guro Reiten wouldn`t be in the top five, yet here Norway is. While their offense, boasting set-piece prowess and explosive transitions, can match any in Europe, this squad has a history of underperforming in major international tournaments.
8. Italy
Every ranking needs a potential surprise pick, and Italy comfortably sits in the middle of the pack. They offer sufficient tactical flexibility, and with the experience of veteran Cristiana Girelli, the team has the potential to adapt their play effectively to create challenges for opponents. They will miss Giulia Dragoni`s creativity, but Cecilia Salvai could provide an alternative option in midfield.
9. Denmark
Denmark`s attacking play often revolves around Pernille Harder`s elite ability. The team is proficient in quick transitions and crossing, and their defense is bolstered by NWSL player Isabella Obaze. However, an over-reliance on a single player carries risks, and Denmark`s tendency for turnovers during slower play could prove costly.
10. Iceland
This team is typically well-organized and defensively robust. Led by centerback Glódís Viggósdóttir, who has been managing a persistent injury since May, the squad has found it difficult to convert closely contested matches into convincing victories. Forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir is a notable bright spot in attack and known for her long throws, but if Iceland reaches the knockout stages, they may face significant challenges.
11. Belgium
Belgium enters with significant long-shot potential. Placed in a challenging group alongside Italy, Spain, and Portugal, they will need to embrace the pressure associated with a major tournament. Their counterattacks will heavily rely on team captain Tessa Wullaert, while young midfielder Marie Detruyer is key to their playmaking.
12. Switzerland
It`s common to expect the host nation to perform well, especially when they have an exciting young talent like 18-year-old forward Sydney Schertenleib to rally behind. A breakthrough performance from her could energize both the squad and the nation. However, losing multiple players to ligament tears before the tournament suggests they might face a challenging start.
13. Portugal
After suffering four consecutive Nations League defeats, the team was anxious about the potential absence of Kika Nazareth. Tournament football offers a fresh start, and Portugal has demonstrated their capacity to be a difficult opponent in high-stakes games. Nazareth`s return from injury, bringing her flair to the pitch, might just provide the needed boost to change Portugal`s fortunes.
14. Poland
Making their tournament debut, Poland`s hopes are significantly tied to forward Ewa Pajor. She is undeniably one of the world`s top strikers, having scored 25 goals for Barcelona. With the rising profile of Paulina Tomasiak also in the squad, perhaps over-reliance on one player won`t be a major issue. However, their very limited experience in major tournaments could pose a significant hurdle.
15. Wales
These debutants enter the Euros with nothing to lose and everything to gain, carrying an unshakeable belief. Team captain Angharad James attributes this shift in mentality to head coach Rhian Wilkinson, a sentiment echoed by veteran Jess Fishlock. If Sophie Ingle`s return from injury means she is fit enough to compete, the Welsh Dragons could potentially cause some upsets.
16. Finland
Finland is known for its disciplined defense and using set pieces or counterattacks to disrupt games. However, concerns linger regarding the fitness of defensive star Natalia Kuikka, who has had limited playing time due to injury management. The absence of Elli Pikkujämsä in defense and Jutta Rantala in attack adds further challenges to team chemistry as the tournament begins.
