England will face stern competitors once they defend their title on the 2025 in July.
Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses loved a historic triumph at Wembley three years in the past and, whereas they’ve been considerably inconsistent since, they’ve tended to carry out nicely at main tournaments. World champions Spain are the favourites, whereas Germany and France are additionally more likely to be within the body.
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Telegraph Sport takes a more in-depth have a look at all 16 squads, which gamers to maintain a watch out for, and the way far every staff are more likely to go this summer time.
Group AGroup BGroup CGroup DStar participant
Accidents have hampered Finland’s build-up. Ahead Jutta Rantala was largely absent for Leicester Metropolis final season having led the scoring charts for the aspect the 12 months earlier than, whereas skilled centre-back Natalia Kuikka withdrew from the squad in February with a knee damage. Of their absence, the dependable Eveliina Summanen has been a fulcrum for Saloranta’s aspect. The 27-year-old has proved herself irreplaceable because the hard-working coronary heart of her nationwide staff and membership Tottenham Hotspur.
How they play
Since taking up from Anna Signeul in 2023, Saloranta has launched a pointy new enjoying id. Versatile between 5-4-1, 5-3-2 or 4-3-3 formations, they’ve a extra engaging, quick passing recreation and assault with intent. Rantala’s freedom to float between ahead positions alongside all-time prime goalscorer Linda Sallstrom has proved productive, as have supporting runs from midfield via the likes of Emma Koivisto, though this may go away them susceptible on the again.
Probabilities of victory
Saloranta’s first main event as supervisor and a new-look squad as a number of veterans have retired since 2022 counsel Finland are slight unknowns. Following their failure to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, the gamers have tailored to their new enjoying philosophy and been rewarded with a gentle enchancment in outcomes, nevertheless it nonetheless is likely to be too quickly for them to emerge from a difficult group. Prediction Group stage.
Glodis Viggosdottir. Final 12 months she turned the primary Icelander to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and completed because the highest-ranked central defender. With greater than 130 caps for her nation, and the captaincy function for each Iceland and German champions Bayern Munich, the 29-year-old is among the greatest defenders on the planet.
How they play
Thorsteinn Halldorsson has designed a staff who’re robust to interrupt down and deploy a direct method into the attacking third. This typically means bypassing the midfield in an try and get probably the most out of their rising expertise in a 4-3-3 system. Winger Sveindis Jonsdottir turned the primary Icelander to attain 4 targets in a single Girls’s Champions League recreation in a Wolfsburg win earlier this season, whereas Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir, of Bayer Leverkusen, has grow to be a key inventive pressure.
Probabilities of victory
The best-ranked staff in Group A and of their fifth consecutive main event, Iceland are gathering momentum. Promising ends in the final 12 months, together with a historic 3-0 victory towards Germany, and a wave of latest expertise could imply they shock a couple of. Quarter-finals.
Norway can maybe be described as a top-heavy staff with three of the Girls’s Tremendous League’s prime 12 goalscorers for 2024-25 in Elisabeth Terland, Guro Reiten, and Frida Maanum of their ranks, plus all-time Uefa ladies’s prime membership goalscorer Ada Hegerberg. Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen is probably the choose of the bunch on present type, having netted 11 and assisted 10 in 22 league matches final season.
How they play
Unsurprisingly, Norway have tended to prioritise getting the ball out vast or via the center to their greatest inventive belongings. Of their 7-0 mixture play-off demolition of Northern Eire to qualify for Switzerland, a 4-3-3 was the set-up to permit unrelenting assaults. But Gemma Grainger has shored up their defence, too, however the lack of Guro Bergsvand on the eve of the event is a blow.
Probabilities of victory
This significantly gifted Norwegian technology was dumped out on the 2022 group stage following an 8-0 defeat by England, and former Wales supervisor Grainger was appointed with the central activity of getting this squad to ship on their potential. In what might be the final hurrah for the squad’s present crop, if they will fireplace in Switzerland and keep away from the inner dramas which have plagued them beforehand, they are going to be a tricky staff to include on a preferable aspect of the draw. Semi-finals.
Round a startling array of younger expertise at Pia Sundhage’s disposal – 18-year-olds Sydney Schertenleib, Noemi Ivelj and Iman Beney are all ones to look out for – central to membership and nation stays captain Lia Wälti. The engine of Arsenal, the 32-year-old is ever-present on the coronary heart of Switzerland and can embrace main them out because the hosts.
How they play
Legendary supervisor Sundhage has been enticed to remain within the recreation in her mid-sixties by the prospect of main the host nation – however it’s a daring task. She inherited a aspect who had been relegated from Nations League Group A and lacked chemistry throughout the pitch. There may be nonetheless work to be completed in possession, probability creation and defence, however Sundhage’s 3-5-2 formation has given them extra confidence. Count on wing-backs flying ahead, significantly 34-year-old report goalscorer Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic.
Probabilities of victory
The impression of enjoying on residence soil to the sound of residence assist can’t be underestimated. With Sundhage on the helm, in addition to the fascinating mix of younger and established expertise, Switzerland have their greatest probability but of getting out of the group stage for the primary time, nevertheless it stays a difficult one to navigate. Group stage.
Tessa Wullaert, at present of Inter Milan, has been the face of Belgian ladies’s soccer for years. She now has greater than 140 caps and 90 targets for her nation, together with 12 within the qualifying marketing campaign for this Euros, to accompany her big range of home trophies throughout Europe. She is among the most prolific strikers within the recreation and a key figurehead for the Pink Flames.
How they play
Since her appointment early this 12 months, Elisabet Gunnarsdottir has arrange her aspect in a defensive 5-3-2 formation, with an emphasis on holding up the center earlier than springing counter-attacks. It has proved efficient at occasions within the build-up, together with in a win towards holders England. Fast breaks upfield, with the velocity of wingers Hannah Eurlings and Mariam Toloba, and the scientific fringe of Wullaert, has borne fruit.
Probabilities of victory
A combined batch of ends in Gunnarsdottir’s quick reign to date provides Belgium a shock issue. Nevertheless, in a decent group to name for second spot and with a possible over-reliance on Wullaert for targets, they could fall quick. Group stage.
The maestro of the Roma and Le Azzurre midfield, Manuela Giugliano was the primary Italian girl to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or final 12 months. Probably the most masterful inventive midfielders in Europe, who led her membership to their first consecutive league titles final 12 months, she is among the must-watch gamers of the event.
How they play
Appointed after Italy did not progress past the group stage within the 2022 Euros and 2023 World Cup, Andrea Soncin has helped restore the work fee and defensive solidity on which they pleasure themselves. Their qualities in midfield via the likes of Giada Greggi, Arianna Caruso and Sofia Cantore, in addition to the set-piece supply menace of Giugliano, make them an intriguing prospect.
Probabilities of victory
A staff with enormous potential and a degree to show after latest disappointments, Italy have tapped right into a expertise pool with a wealth of prime European expertise and on the peak of their careers. Count on enchancment, in any other case an impassioned implosion. Quarter-finals.
Portugal’s main mild Francisca “Kika” Nazareth has not performed since struggling an ankle damage that required surgical procedure in March. She has nonetheless been named within the squad, however count on Francisco Neto to lean on the solidity and expertise of stalwarts comparable to Carole Costa. Having spent 14 years and gained greater than 160 caps as a Portugal participant, the 35-year-old Benfica centre-back is a pure chief.
How they play
Neto has been in control of the nationwide staff for an unbelievable 11 years, together with his gamers settled in a 3-4-3 formation. They’ve a number of expertise – half a dozen gamers have 100-plus caps – and the consistency of the staff makes them a powerful unit.
Probabilities of victory
Regardless of enhancements to the general staff over the previous few years, rather a lot will rely on whether or not Kika can ship her common magic so quickly after a severe damage. Group stage.
Aitana Bonmatí. Extensively thought-about the most effective feminine footballer on the planet, her dominance on the coronary heart of Barcelona and a mountain of private accolades should inspire her to fill the Euros-sized gap in her trophy cupboard. At 27, she is certain to take centre stage on the footballing world for years to return.
How they play
Like all the most effective Spain groups. The 4-3-3 formation that blew the remainder of the sector away on the 2023 World Cup has seemingly solely grow to be stronger. Mariona Caldentey has starred on the wing since transferring to Arsenal, 23-year-old Clàudia Pina, of Barcelona, has emerged as a staple on the alternative flank, whereas kids Vicky López and Salma Paralluelo have gone from power to power. Midfielders Alexia Putellas and Bonmatí each fired final season, and can be anchored by the quietly good Patricia Guijarro.
Probabilities of victory
The envy of Europe given the expertise and elegance they boast. . Champions.
Pernille More durable: report goalscorer and a crown jewel of Danish soccer. When she is on the pitch, each Danish flurry ahead may have her inventive imprint.
How they play
After Denmark have been knocked out on the round-of-16 stage of the 2023 World Cup, Andree Jeglertz took cost and he has subsequently switched between a 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 system that folds right into a compact again 5 in defence. Attacking focus is often via More durable and Signe Bruun, with the peak and agile hold-up play of Amalie Vangsgaard – their prime scorer within the qualifying marketing campaign – additionally an choice for a extra direct method.
Probabilities of victory
Heavy defeats by Italy (0-3) and group rivals Sweden (6-1) over latest months within the Nations League imply Denmark’s build-up has not been that constructive. They’ve an skilled squad of stable gamers however can overly depend on More durable for inspiration. Group stage.
Giulia Gwinn was awarded the armband earlier this 12 months to usher in a brand new period for the nationwide aspect this summer time. She was named the Greatest Younger Participant on the 2019 World Cup, and can lead a comparatively younger German squad in Switzerland. She has cemented herself as an thrilling determine in a profitable Bayern staff and a driving pressure from full-back for the nationwide aspect.
How they play
While retaining a well-known 4-2-3-1 formation, Germany’s personnel has seen a altering of the guard. Within the dugout, Christian Wück arrived within the autumn of final 12 months. His 13-year expertise within the nationwide federation’s youth ranks makes him each a pupil of the basic German enjoying system, with defensive solidity and attacking ruthlessness, and an appropriate figurehead within the seek for a brand new core to the staff.
Probabilities of victory
This new German technology are settling right into a rhythm. In adapting to life with out the likes of Alexandra Popp and different stalwarts who’ve retired since 2023, religion has been positioned in a younger squad with enormous potential. Current line-ups have typically had a mean age of 25. It is likely to be a bit early for them to really problem, however they’re actually ones to regulate. Runners-up.
The best feminine footballer Poland has produced: Ewa Pajor. Since main Poland Below-17s to victory within the 2013 European Championship, she now has 100 senior caps, and has been the driving pressure of progress within the ladies’s recreation within the nation. She starred in one other scintillating season for Barcelona, plundering 25 targets in 28 Liga F video games to prime the charts. Essentially the most memorable of her 66 worldwide targets, although, was the 94th-minute winner towards Austria to safe Poland’s spot of their first main event.
How they play
Nina Patalon has emphasised stability and consistency in her staff, hardly ever mixing up the formation or line-up. A 4-3-3 is headed by Pajor and cemented by goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, who began each WSL recreation for West Ham final season. Unafraid to dig in defensively or go on to the forwards, they put collectively a 10-match unbeaten run from October to June. Natalia Padilla-Bidas, 22, has impressed on the wing for Sevilla this season, and is one to look at.
Probabilities of victory
Whereas their progress has been admirable, they’re in a tricky group for his or her main event debut; they’ve a mountain to climb. Group stage.
Kosovare Asllani has performed for a bunch of the largest groups in Europe all through her profession, from Paris St-Germain to Manchester Metropolis to Actual Madrid to AC Milan. The 35-year-old is now with London Metropolis Lionesses and along with her adept midfield play and eye for a go, she continues to be the inventive pressure of this Swedish aspect.
How they play
A 4-2-3-1 with a wealth of expertise. Whereas former Chelsea centre-back Magdalena Eriksson steadies the ship defensively, Sweden prefer to maintain possession and unlock groups with scientific passes into the ultimate third, benefiting from their midfield choices. Asllani is often alongside Actual Madrid’s Filippa Angeldal, who has 70 caps to her identify. They’re typically those to feed the likes of Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo and Chelsea’s Johanna Kaneryd on the wings.
Probabilities of victory
Typically categorised within the “all the time the bridesmaid, by no means the bride” field of worldwide tournaments. Since 2013, whoever has overwhelmed them within the knockout phases has gone on to triumph. It feels as if time is working out for this technology of Swedish stars and it might be all or nothing. Quarter-finals.
stormed on to the stage in 2022 as a super-sub, however she is firmly within the beginning XI now. She topped the WSL goalscoring charts with Arsenal final season and was key to the . Now she can be within the Euros highlight as soon as once more, lifting the Lionesses when she leads the road.
How they play
Sarina Wiegman has tinkered along with her aspect extra typically within the final 12 months than she did in 2022, when it was all about consistency. She has been compelled to be versatile due to quite a lot of accidents and, extra not too long ago, withdrawals and retirements. There can be no Mary Earps, Millie Shiny or Fran Kirby in Switzerland, however there are nonetheless loads of acquainted names. The standard on the wings contains Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp, all glued collectively by Keira Walsh. When they’re at their fluid greatest, they are often unstoppable.
Probabilities of victory
Regardless of an inconsistent and, at occasions, chaotic run-up, Wiegman and her aspect can be decided to repeat their success after . They could look a unique entity than three years in the past, however they are going to be lifted as soon as extra by the event. Semi-finals.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Prime goalscorer for France in qualifying, she netted six within the Olympics final 12 months and made 16 purpose contributions for Paris St-Germain in as many video games final season. This may seemingly be striker Eugénie Le Sommer’s closing worldwide competitors, so the duty will fall to 26-year-old Katoto for the foreseeable future.
How they play
Actual Madrid centre-back Maëlle Lakrar and defensive midfielder Sandie Toletti maintain them ticking in possession, while Sakina Karchaoui can drive them ahead via the thirds. Direct and gifted forwards in Lyon’s Kadidiatou Diani, Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore and, in her greatest scoring season of her profession, Paris’s Clara Mateo will all pose threats in assault.
Probabilities of victory
Laurent Bonadei was introduced in final August in what would be the final probability of elusive silverware for a few of this golden technology, after a gradual construct to knock-out stage regulars however nothing extra. Regardless of being very a lot in an all-or-nothing group, there’s a sense that one thing may need to fall their manner ultimately. Quarter-finals.
After Vivianne Miedema missed the 2023 World Cup via damage, all eyes can be on her to ship – and to remain match. Since transferring from Arsenal to Manchester Metropolis, she has as soon as once more proven her high quality, averaging virtually a purpose a recreation within the league. An damage in April threw her probabilities of showing in one other main event unsure, however she has recovered in time to play. The expertise of Danielle van de Donk, in seemingly her closing event, could show decisive too.
How they play
Andries Jonker has flitted between a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 for an attack-minded staff with excessive ambition. Their versatile line-up has a plethora of attacking threats in Miedema, van de Donk, Jill Roord, Lineth Beerensteyn and the return of Victoria Pelova from an ACL damage. Their expertise is accompanied by an more and more spectacular midfield presence of Chelsea’s 19-year-old Wieke Kaptein and Barcelona’s 21-year-old full-back Esmee Brugts.
Probabilities of victory
If they will get out to the knock-out phases, something can occur, however will probably be an especially robust group for a aspect that has suffered with accidents of their preparation. Group stage.
Jess Fishlock has lengthy been the quintessential spirit and face of Welsh ladies’s soccer. She is their most-capped participant, their report goalscorer, and a logo for the aspect’s dedication and journey. Guiding her nation via their first main event would be the fruits of an already-cemented legacy for the 38-year-old.
How they play
Normally set out in a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3, Wales depend on a hard-working unit that includes a combination of WSL, Championship and NWSL expertise at varied phases of their careers. Since their promotion into Group A of the Nations League, they’ve held their very own towards increased ranked opposition with front-footed soccer. Leicester Metropolis’s Hannah Cain and Liverpool’s Ceri Holland have been standouts in driving the staff ahead and providing extra industrial options to Fishlock’s high quality.
Probabilities of victory
The bottom-ranked staff within the competitors and drawn within the hardest group, Wales can be having fun with the second and their potential as a banana pores and skin for his or her opponents. Group stage.