SPECIAL EDITION

Lauren James is officially too cool, Wales made us feel all the Welsh feels, and Spain looks scary good. Keep reading for our Euro 2025 Matchday 2 round-up, where things stand ahead of the final group games, plus the big news stories and transfers going down this week. Let us know what you think – we read everything!

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🔍 IN FOCUS: GROUP D

England 4-0 Netherlands: Lionesses Roar Back to Life 

England delivered exactly the response fans were craving, blowing away the Netherlands with a confident, high-tempo performance. Any pre-match jitters about a group-stage exit were quickly put to bed as Sarina Wiegman’s tactical tweaks paid off – Ella Toone brought much-needed structure in midfield, while the Carter-Greenwood switch shored up the defence. England pressed relentlessly, with goals from Lauren James (22′, 60′), Georgia Stanway (45+2′), and Ella Toone (67′) sealing a statement win.

The difference from the France game was night and day: this was a team playing with hunger and belief, snapping into tackles and refusing to let the Dutch settle. Hannah Hampton’s distribution was a real weapon, launching attacks with pinpoint long balls – her ‘almost’ assist for James’s opener was a highlight. England now look revitalised, with Wales up next. Could there be a banana skin? Maybe, but on this evidence, the Lionesses are back in business.

What are the pundits saying?

• England’s tactical tweaks (especially Toone’s role and a more balanced midfield) gave them control and freed up James to shine. The big question: can they keep this intensity against a Welsh side likely to sit deep?

• The Netherlands looked flat and vulnerable at the back, struggling with England’s press and movement. Pundits say they must regroup quickly, tighten up defensively, and find a way to get Miedema more involved if they want to stay in the tournament.

• Both teams face must-win scenarios in the final group games – England to secure top spot, the Dutch to keep their hopes alive. The spotlight is on whether England can avoid complacency and if the Netherlands can rediscover their attacking spark.

🎥 Watch the highlights here

France 4-1 Wales: Underdogs Make History

The scoreline says France cruised, but Wales made them work for every minute. France rotated their squad, perhaps underestimating a Welsh side bursting with grit and determination. The moment of the match belonged to Jess Fishlock: at 38, she scored Wales’ first-ever Euros goal, and the joy was written all over her face. The underdog story had everyone cheering, and Sophie Ingle’s return from an ACL injury to feature was a heartwarming bonus.

Wales created real chances and rattled France at times, but late errors let the French pull away. Still, the Welsh performance was full of spirit and belief—the kind that makes tournament football so special. The result flatters France, but Wales can take huge pride (and a bit of history) from this one.

What are the pundits saying?

• France’s squad depth is a real asset, but their defensive lapses and slow start could be costly in the knockouts. There’s debate about whether rotation will keep them fresh or disrupt their rhythm as the stakes rise.

• Wales earned widespread praise for their fight and historic goal, with Fishlock and Ingle’s leadership standing out. Looking ahead, the focus is on tightening up at the back and turning that spirit into points – can they spring a surprise against England?

• For both teams, the next match is crucial: France needs to iron out defensive issues and keep momentum, while Wales will look to build on their belief and make the most of their attacking moments in a do-or-die clash.

🎥 Watch the highlights

⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH

Results Round-Up

• Sweden 3-0 Poland (Highlights): Sweden did what was expected, controlling the match from start to finish. Poland struggled to cope with Sweden’s movement and quality, and the result was never really in doubt. Talking point: Will Sweden’s consistency hold up against tougher opposition?

• Germany 2-1 Denmark (Highlights): Germany edged a controversial win, with refereeing decisions taking centre stage. Denmark were left frustrated after play continued despite a head injury, leading to Germany’s opener. The Germans took their chances, but the manner of the win left a sour taste. Talking point: Can Germany tighten up and avoid relying on marginal calls?

• Spain 6-2 Belgium (Highlights): Spain’s attack was irresistible, but their defence showed cracks. Belgium gave them a proper test and found the net twice, but trying to go toe-to-toe with Spain is always risky. The real headline: Alexia Putellas looks back to her best, scoring twice and driving Spain forward with the authority and flair that made her a two-time Ballon d’Or winner. After a period where she hadn’t looked at her sharpest, Spain’s talisman is on fire again – her performance was a reminder of just how much she means to this side. Talking point: Is Spain’s defence too vulnerable, or will their firepower carry them through?

• Portugal 1-1 Italy (Highlights): A second-half thriller. Cristiana Girelli’s screamer looked to have won it for Italy, but Diana Gomes popped up with a dramatic late equaliser for Portugal. Special mention for Portugal’s keeper, whose celebrations and saves were pure Mary Earps energy. With Spain leading the group, the battle for second will go to the wire. Talking point: Who will seize the initiative in a wide-open group – Italy’s experience or Portugal’s resilience?

🎥 Watch this if you only click one thing: Jess Fishlock making Welsh history

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

👀 FANZONE

We asked Swiss fan Tamara to give us a taste of what it’s like on the ground in Switzerland and how Euro 2025 will change things for Swiss Women’s football.

How long have you been a football fan? I've been a passionate football fan for over twenty years, and I'm also actively involved as a volunteer, especially in women’s football.

How does it feel over there as a fan? The atmosphere at matches is truly something special: inclusive, emotional, and full of positive energy. You can feel the sense of community and the deep passion shared by fans, players, and volunteers alike.

What have been some of the ‘pinch-me’ moments so far? There have been so many. One unforgettable one was singing the national anthem, knowing that we’re hosting UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. It was magical—especially in a country where people aren’t usually that outgoing!

What would you say to someone just dipping their toe into women’s football for the first time? To anyone just discovering women’s football: welcome! You’re in for something real, powerful, and inspiring. The game is growing fast, and there’s never been a better time to get involved.

What impact will Euro 2025 have on Swiss women’s football? Hosting UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is a huge milestone for Switzerland. It’s a unique chance to raise the visibility of women’s football, inspire the next generation, and create lasting change. I hope it sparks more investment, more fans, and more girls feeling like they truly belong on the pitch. I'm also proud to support Fussball kann mehr – Schweiz, a movement pushing for more equality, visibility, and opportunity in Swiss football. Check out their instagram profile here.

🤓 EURO FIRST TIMERS

Group Standings & What’s Next

Before we dive in, remember, the top two teams from each group qualify for the quarter-finals. With the final round of matches approaching, only four teams (Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Germany) are officially through. Here’s how the groups look:

Group A: Norway are safely through to the quarter-finals. The last spot will be decided between Switzerland and Finland, who face each other next – both have one win and one loss, so it’s winner-takes-all for the remaining place. Iceland are out.

Group B: Spain has already qualified. Italy are in pole position for the second spot, but Portugal could sneak through if they beat Belgium and Italy lose to Spain, provided there’s a big enough swing in goal difference. It’s a long shot for Portugal, but still possible.

Group C: Sweden and Germany have both secured quarter-final places after two wins each. Their upcoming match will decide who tops the group. Denmark and Poland are out and will just be playing for pride.

Group D: This group is wide open. France is in the strongest position and will top the group with a draw against the Netherlands. But if the Dutch beat France and England defeat Wales, the final positions could come down to goal difference. England, Netherlands, and Wales are all still in contention, so expect plenty of drama.

Side note. Even for teams likely to qualify, the final group games matter. Finishing first or second can shape a team’s route to the final, and no one wants a tougher quarter-final draw than necessary.

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

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

• Is fashion finally taking women’s football seriously?

• Alessia Russo: goals, position and style of play

🚨 ICYMI

Top Headlines

🧤 Safia Middleton-Patel is thought to be the first woman of South Asian heritage to play at a UEFA Women’s European Championship. Remarkably, it’s taken until 2025 for this barrier to be broken, highlighting the lack of representation at the top level. For Middleton-Patel, the moment is deeply personal: “I’m very fortunate to be in a position to hopefully inspire a younger generation to be, like, ‘I can do that too’ and believe in themselves.”

⚽ Chelsea Women will host AC Milan at Kingsmeadow on Saturday 30 August in a pre-season friendly, offering fans a first look at Sonia Bompastor’s revamped squad. Tickets are on sale now, with discounts for juniors and concessions.

📺 The FA Player streaming service will retire on 31 July 2025. Fans should head to the WSL’s YouTube channels and follow for women’s football coverage ahead of the new season.

⚖️ The FA has released an update to its transgender policy, which already states that only players who are biologically female can compete in women’s football in England following a Supreme Court ruling. Now, trans men wishing to play in men’s football must sign a formal declaration confirming their biological sex, acknowledge increased injury risk, and provide medical endorsement. Activists have pointed out that few trans players are likely to sign anything with this wording, so it may result in a de facto ban on trans players.

🔍 An independent investigation cleared Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya of breaching NWSL anti-harassment or discrimination policies but flagged communication issues. Bay FC and the league will implement recommendations to improve team culture.

🎓 FIFA has launched a global coaching programme to boost the number of qualified female coaches ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, as part of its wider women’s football development strategy.

💰 USWNT and Chelsea star Catarina Macario has signed a landmark 10-year, $10 million deal with Nike – one of the biggest sponsorships in women’s football, signalling the sport’s growing commercial clout.

KIT DROP

This week’s Kit Drop is a belter: Foudys and Truant have teamed up to create “The Missing Shirt”, the first-ever retro England football shirt designed specifically for women.

Why does this matter? Until 2019, England’s women’s team played in men’s kits, often hacking and rolling the fabric just to make them fit. There were no official women’s shirts for fans to collect, no classic jerseys to wear with pride. That legacy, of overlooked talent and under-celebrated history, has finally been honoured.

Design Notes:

• Designed by Hattie Crowther, the shirt is minimalist but bold, with a two-piece collar and clean colour blocking.

• Down the sleeves: the names of every England player from 1984 to 2019 who never had a dedicated kit.

• The blank crest, topped with “Unsupported. Unaffiliated.”, is a powerful nod to the generations who played without proper recognition.

• It’s a kit that reimagines what should have been—a symbol for the players and fans who were left out of the retro kit nostalgia.

Available now

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Transfer Round-up

Aston Villa: Villa have made two major signings: goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck joins after a year at Barcelona, bringing proven WSL pedigree and hunger for a fresh start. Dutch international Lynn Wilms also arrives from Wolfsburg, adding Champions League experience and versatility across the back line.

Chelsea: Chelsea have made Becky Spencer’s loan from Spurs permanent, with the experienced Jamaica international signing a one-year deal. Spencer adds depth and competition to the goalkeeping ranks as the Blues look to defend their title.

Everton: It’s a Japanese double for Everton: left-back Hikaru Kitagawa joins from BK Häcken, while centre-back Rion Ishikawa arrives from Urawa Red Diamonds. Kitagawa is rated among the world’s top full-backs, and Ishikawa brings composure and a fearless edge to the Toffees’ back line.

Liverpool: Former Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor is in advanced talks to fill Liverpool’s vacant manager’s job. Taylor, who won the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at City, is seen as the leading candidate to replace Matt Beard, with the club hoping his top-level experience can help them climb the WSL table. No deal is final yet, but Taylor’s appointment would signal Liverpool’s intent to rejoin the league’s elite.

Manchester City: The worst-kept secret of the transfer window is official. City have landed German midfielder Sydney Lohmann from Bayern Munich on a three-year deal. Lohmann, 25, arrives fresh from a domestic double and brings drive and creativity to City’s midfield. We hope whoever prematurely added her name to the custom shirt options on the City store still has a job.

Barcelona: Barcelona has parted ways with Swedish international Fridolina Rolfö by mutual consent – a move that surprised many, including teammates. Rolfö leaves after four trophy-laden years, with speculation around her exit pointing to recent injuries and the club’s desire for change, though neither party has confirmed the reasons.

OL Lyonnais: Lyon’s summer business continues with the signing of US international Lily Yohannes from Ajax. The 18-year-old midfielder, already the youngest player to start a Champions League match, joins off the back of a standout season in the Netherlands and brings fresh energy to Lyon’s star-studded squad.

🛋️ 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 3
Thursday 10 July
Finland vs Switzerland [20:00, BBC One, iPlayer]
Norway vs Iceland [20:00, BBC iPlayer]

Friday 11 July
Italy vs Spain [20:00, BBC One, iPlayer]
Portugal vs Belgium [BBC iPlayer]

Saturday 12 July
Poland vs Denmark [20:00, ITV4, ITVX]
Sweden vs Germany [20:00, ITV1, ITVX]

Sunday 13 July
England vs Wales [20:00, ITV1, ITVX, BBC iPlayer]
Netherlands vs France [20:00, ITV4, ITVX]

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

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