England Faces France And Netherlands In Challenging Group D At Women's Euros 2025

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England's Lionesses are gearing up for a challenging group-stage campaign at the 2025 Women's Euros. The team, led by Sarina Wiegman, who triumphed over Germany in the 2022 final at Wembley, finds itself in a formidable Group D. They will face strong contenders France and the Netherlands, as determined by Monday's draw in Lausanne.

Switzerland is hosting the competition for the first time, joining Germany, Italy, Sweden, England, and the Netherlands as nations that have hosted both men's and women's Euros. The tournament will run from July 2 to July 27 across eight stadiums. Basel's St. Jakob-Park will host both the opening match between Switzerland and Norway and the final.

Switzerland has never advanced past the group stages in previous Euros appearances. They have only one win from six matches, achieved against Iceland in 2017. Despite this, they hope to leverage home support to improve their record. Norway, champions in 1987 and 1993, have struggled recently with just one win in their last eight Euros matches.

Iceland holds the lowest win ratio among qualified teams for 2025, with just one victory from 13 matches. Finland had early success but has not won any of their last eight games since reaching knockout stages in 2005 and 2009. They exited at the group phase in both 2013 and 2022.

World champions Spain top Group B and aim to become only the second team after Germany to hold both World Cup and Euro titles simultaneously. Portugal has struggled defensively in past tournaments, conceding an average of 2.5 goals per game. Belgium's matches tend to be low-scoring affairs.

Italy is participating for the 13th time but has yet to win despite reaching two finals. Their extensive experience makes them a formidable opponent within their group.

Group C: Germany's Dominance Continues

Germany leads Group C as eight-time champions with an impressive record of only three losses in their last 40 Euros matches. Poland enters with a challenging qualification history but managed to secure their spot through play-offs despite a negative goal difference.

Denmark has played many games without winning the tournament, second only to Italy in this regard. Both Germany and Sweden are expected favourites to advance given their consistent performances since group phases began in 1997.

Group D: England Faces Familiar Foes

In Group D, France and England will clash early on. France has consistently reached knockout stages over recent editions but never made it to a final despite playing more matches than any other non-finalist nation. Their best result was reaching semi-finals in 2022 before losing to Germany.

Sarina Wiegman faces her former team Netherlands whom she led to victory in 2017. She could become only the second manager after Tina Theune of Germany to win three consecutive editions if successful again with England.

The Netherlands boast an impressive recent record with eight wins from ten matches over two tournaments; their sole loss came against France during quarter-finals of Euro 2022.

This edition marks Wales' debut alongside Poland among sixteen teams competing; historically few debutants progress beyond initial stages making it daunting yet exciting opportunity for newcomers like Wales aiming high amidst seasoned competitors around them.