SPECIAL EDITION

It’s not Monday, but we’re in your inbox… what’s going on? Well, we thought that since Euros are in full swing, it would be a good idea to keep you up to speed with the drama, iconic moments and the inevitable tears as they happen. Have a read and let us know what you think – we read everything!

Get involved: We want your stories, predictions, and best snaps, whether you’re watching from the stands or the sofa. Tag us on Instagram or hit reply to get featured in the next edition.

Know a fellow football fanatic or have a friend dipping their toe into women’s football for the first time? Forward this on and get them involved. We’ll be keeping things simple with beginner-friendly explainers all tournament long.

Not a subscriber? Get our weekly roundup straight to your inbox

HOME NATION PREVIEWS

England vs France: Group D’s Main Event 

20:00 KO, Saturday 5 July
The clock is ticking… England vs France is the kind of opener that has us pacing the room and checking our heart rate before a ball has been kicked. The Lionesses, still shaking off the confetti from 2022, are rolling out a new-look squad with Hannah Hampton in goal and a few big names missing. France, meanwhile, has pressed the reset button, leaving out icons like Renard and Le Sommer and betting on fresh legs and Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s finishing touch.

The general consensus? This is the group’s acid test. England’s midfield is under the microscope, France’s attack is unpredictable, and both sides have a point to prove after patchy Nations League form. Most pundits are hedging their bets: some see England’s experience edging it, others fancy France’s momentum after a winning Nations League run. The only thing everyone agrees on? It’s going to be tight, nervy, and probably decided by a single moment of brilliance or a defensive wobble.

What to watch for:

• England’s defensive unit – can they keep Katoto quiet?

• France’s youthful squad – will the new faces freeze or fly?

• Group D stakes – a win here is gold dust with the Dutch and Wales lurking.

Wales vs Netherlands: Debut Nerves Meet Dutch Pedigree

17:00 KO, Saturday 5 July
Wales have finally crashed the Euros party, and their reward? A date with the Netherlands, 2017 champions and perennial tournament heavyweights. The Dutch haven’t been at their sparkling best lately, but with Vivianne Miedema (hopefully) back and chasing her 100th international goal, they’re still a serious threat. Wales, led by the tireless Jess Fishlock and boosted by Sophie Ingle’s return, are here to make history, not just make up the numbers.

The best takes? Most see the Dutch as clear favourites, but there’s a sense that Wales’ grit and togetherness could make life awkward, at least for a while. The Dutch are expected to dominate possession and test Wales’ defence, but if the Dragons can ride out the early storm, who knows? Stranger things have happened at major tournaments.

What to watch for:

• Wales’ debut energy – can they channel nerves into something special?

• Miedema’s return – will she light up Lucerne?

• Group D pressure – Netherlands need a fast start with England and France ahead

⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH

Results Round-Up

Iceland 0-1 Finland: A nervy opener with a twist – Finland snatched the win late thanks to Katariina Kosola’s rocket, but the real talking point was Iceland’s red card before anyone had even found the net. Not the most electric start, but Finland will be buzzing to get three points on the board. (Watch the highlights)

Switzerland 1-2 Norway: The hosts came out flying, feeding off a raucous Basel crowd and deservedly took the lead. But Norway, after a sluggish first half, finally woke up and turned it around. Swiss fans brought the noise (and the boos for Norwegian time-wasting), but it wasn’t quite enough for a fairytale start. (Watch the highlights)

Belgium 0-1 Italy: Italy are living up to their “dark horse” billing – pundits are tipping them to go far, and this gritty win over Belgium showed why. Cristiana Girelli’s late goal was classic tournament poaching, and Italy’s blend of steel and style is catching plenty of eyes. (Watch the highlights)

Spain 5-0 Portugal: Statement made. Spain looked every inch the world champions, swarming Portugal with relentless attacks and barely giving them a sniff. Portugal was all over the place, but Spain’s quality and intent were impossible to ignore. If you’re looking for early favourites, look no further. (Watch the highlights)

🎥 Watch this if you only click one thing: This cheeky Esther González back heel

Tell us your highlight so far! Hit Reply – we read everything.

👀 FAVE FINDS

ITV has a Euro 2025 24/7 channel. If two games a day isn’t enough for your football obsession, you can watch back-to-back reruns of past tournaments and more. Just head to ITVX and stream away.

Heading to Switzerland to support England? The Lionesses have launched a new WhatsApp channel to support travelling fans with matchday info, travel updates, fan events and more. To follow, open WhatsApp, find the ‘Updates’ tab and search ‘Matchday Lionesses’ and subscribe. Simples.

🤓 EURO FIRST TIMERS

How the Women’s Euros Works

New to all this Euros malarky? We’ve got you. Here’s our 30-second explainer…

Sixteen teams, split between four groups, all fighting for a place in the knockouts. Each team plays three group games – three points for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss. The top two in each group go through to the quarter-finals, then it’s straight knockouts to the final in Basel.

Knockout phase:

• This includes the Quarter-finals, Semi-finals and Final.

• The name is pretty self-explanatory; if you win the game, you go to the next round, if you lose, you get knocked out of the tournament. Get ready to see tears, lots of tears.

• If games remain level after 90 minutes during the knockouts, it goes to extra time, then penalties. Cue more tears.

New to the Euros? What else should we explain? Hit reply and let us know!

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

EURO 2025 Screenings

There are a crazy number of watch parties and screenings happening this summer. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of fan favourites and football community-led events, plus the best of the rest. Check it out here and find the perfect venue to watch the tournament.

Is there a screening happening near you that we’ve missed? Suggest a venue/event here.

📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Your what-not-to-miss Euros viewing guide (BST)

Matchday 1
Friday 4 July – TONIGHT!
Group C: Denmark v Sweden (17:00, ITV1, ITVX)
Group C: Germany vs Poland (20:00, ITV1, ITVX)

Saturday 5 July
Group D: Wales vs Netherlands (17:00, BBC Two, iPlayer)
Group D: France vs England (20:00, ITV1, ITVX)

Matchday 2
Sunday 6 July
Group A: Norway vs Finland (17:00, BBC Two, iPlayer)
Group A: Switzerland vs Iceland (20:00, ITV1, ITVX)

Monday 7 July
Group B: Spain vs Belgium (17:00, ITV1, ITVX)
Group B: Portugal vs Italy (20:00, ITV1, ITVX)

P.S. It’s not too late to grab a Euro 2025 wallchart. Get yours here

More women watching, playing and working in football