SPECIAL EDITION

England had a shocker, Norway proves to be better than sleeping pills, and Welsh fans might get us to pick up choir for the first time since school. Read on for our Euro 2025 takes as we keep you up to speed with the drama, iconic moments and the inevitable tears along the way. Let us know what you think – we read everything!

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🔍 IN FOCUS: ENGLAND

England vs France: ‘Cheap defending' costs Lionesses 

England’s Euros opener did not go to plan as France took charge with a 2-1 win in Zurich. The Lionesses started well and thought they’d struck first when Alessia Russo found the net, only for VAR to rule out the goal for a razor-thin offside. That decision proved pivotal: England lost momentum, while France seized the initiative and struck twice in quick succession. Marie-Antoinette Katoto finished off a slick move to open the scoring, and Sandy Baltimore doubled the lead minutes later after capitalising on defensive hesitancy. Keira Walsh’s late volley gave England hope, but it was too late to salvage a point.

Sarina Wiegman called the defeat “very disappointing” and admitted her side “played themselves out of the game.” Pundits noted that the disallowed Russo goal was a clear turning point, with France using the VAR decision to fuel their intensity and England struggling to recover their early rhythm.

What the pundits reckon England needs to improve:

• Defensive focus: England must tighten up against quick transitions and wide attacks. Williamson said cheap defending cost them.

• Midfield control: Greater composure is needed to avoid being overrun, especially under pressure.

• Clinical edge: The Lionesses need to convert chances and be more decisive in the final third.

• Set-piece discipline: Staying switched on at dead balls will be crucial against the Netherlands’ aerial threat.

• Mental reset: England must show resilience and not let the opening defeat define their tournament.

• Not so fun fact: England is the first reigning Women’s Euro champions to lose their opening group game.

🎥 Watch the highlights here

⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH

Results Round-Up

• Wales 0-3 Netherlands: Wales’ debut was full of heart, and they defended admirably for the first 40 minutes or so, but the Dutch were clinical. Vivianne Miedema’s landmark 100th international goal was a lesson in why you should never give her time on the ball. Ever. The Dutch looked sharp, while the Welsh “Red Wall” fans brought the atmosphere and the harmonies. I spent the five minutes after the national anthems googling, “How to join an adult choir in your thirties”. (Highlights)

• Norway 2-1 Finland: Norway might keep finding a way to win, but it’s been a hard watch, and at times, they’re enough to send us to sleep. For a team so full of talent and experience, it’s concerning how poor they’ve looked on and off the ball. Caroline Graham Hansen’s late winner papered over the cracks, but Finland made them work for it. (Highlights)

• Switzerland 2-0 Iceland: It was a bad night for Iceland who gave us the first tears of the tournament, exiting after their second defeat in a row. Switzerland left it late, but goals from Géraldine Reuteler and Alayah Pilgrim finally gave the hosts something to celebrate. (Highlights)

🎥 Watch this if you only click one thing: Vivianne Miedema gets her 100th goal

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

👀 FAVE FINDS

Yard Sale Pizza: Women’s Euros 2025 Special
If you’re looking for a matchday treat, Yard Sale Pizza has dropped the “Meeeat Caroline” – their ultimate meat-feast pizza, loaded with pepperoni, Sicilian sausage, spicy ground beef and jalapeños, all on their classic base. There’s also a limited-edition “Very Awesome Ranch (VAR)” dip for those crusts. Even better, 50p from every Meeeat Caroline sold this month goes to Goals 4 Girls, supporting young women in football. Available at all Yard Sale shops from 2nd–29th July. 

Baller FC x Yard Sale Pizza Bucket Hat
It wouldn’t be an England tournament without a classic bucket hat. Baller FC and Yard Sale Pizza have teamed up for a limited-edition, reversible bucket hat designed by TEXAS. Perfect for summer football and available for pre-sale online or at Yard Sale Pizza watch parties – grab one while you can.

🤓 EURO FIRST TIMERS

Why is everyone losing their minds over the disallowed Russo goal?

England fans were left fuming after Alessia Russo’s would-be opener against France was chalked off by VAR for a marginal offside. Social media was awash with debate and frustration. What was all the fuss about?

Well, first up my first-timers, what’s the offside rule?
A player is offside if, when a teammate passes the ball,:

• They are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender (usually the last outfield player).

• Only body parts you can score with count (head, body, feet) — arms and hands don’t.

🚫 Not Offside If…

• They’re in their own half.

• They’re level with the second-last defender or the ball.

• The ball comes directly from a goal kick, corner, or throw-in.

✅ Key Tip: Being in an offside position isn’t a foul unless you play the ball or interfere with play.

So why are fans mad?
The VAR decision came down to millimetres – Mead’s position in the build-up was just ahead of the last defender, although some fans thought the VAR images showed Mead to be level with the French defender. Many argue these ultra-tight calls go against the spirit of the game, feeling that football should favour attacking play and that such marginal offsides are harsh and deflate the drama. The debate over whether technology is making things fairer or just more frustrating continues.

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

🩼 INJURY UPDATES

Germany captain Giulia Gwinn is out of the tournament with an MCL injury. Gwinn, visibly upset as she left the pitch, has suffered two ACL tears in the last five years and clearly feared the worst. She’ll be sidelined for weeks, but the prognosis is far better than many first thought.

🚨 ICYMI

Top Headlines

🦁 London City Lionesses have secured a landmark Nike kit deal ahead of their debut WSL season. The only fully independent club in the league, London City will wear home, away, and third strips designed specifically for women, with Nike promising athlete-led innovation. It’s a nice upgrade for the WSL’s newest additions.

🇺🇸 NWSL will pause for a month during the 2026 Men’s World Cup, with no league matches from 1–28 June. The new 30-game schedule works around stadium demands in host cities and FIFA windows, but matches will resume during the knockout rounds. Seven NWSL markets will host World Cup matches next summer.

🔴 Arsenal Women season tickets are now on sale, with every WSL home game set for the Emirates Stadium in 2025/26. For the first time, all 11 league fixtures will be played at the Gunners’ main ground, while Champions League and domestic cup ties remain at Meadow Park. A Six Game Bundle is also available for flexible access.

🏆 CAF has unveiled a brand-new trophy for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The striking gold and silver design features a blooming flower, with petals representing each nation and a golden football on top. The tournament kicked off in Morocco on Saturday with a record prize pot. 

🙋‍♀️ Anyone fancy some Futsall? FIFA is recruiting 500 volunteers for the inaugural Futsal Women’s World Cup in the Philippines this November. Roles include media operations and hospitality, with matches in Pasig City and Victorias City. Applicants must be 18+, speak English, and be available for at least eight shifts during the tournament. Apply here

👩‍🏫 Euro 2025 will feature a record 44% women coaches, but men still outnumber women in the dugout. Seven of the 16 teams are led by women (a huge leap from just 19% in 2013) and four of this year’s female coaches are making their major tournament debuts, signalling a new wave of talent on the rise.

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Transfer Round-up

Chloe Kelly is officially an Arsenal player, and this time, it’s for keeps. After lighting up her loan spell (two goals, five assists, and a Champions League winner’s medal) the England forward has signed a three-year deal with the Gunners. For Kelly, who first joined Arsenal’s academy at 12, this is more than a transfer: “Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me,” she says. “I’m excited for more silverware at this special club and to bring more trophies back to north London to celebrate with our supporters.” The feeling’s mutual – fans have been clamouring for her return, and under Renée Slegers, Kelly looks set to be central to Arsenal’s attack as they chase more glory.

Arsenal: Taylor Hinds is back in North London, signing a three-year deal after her Liverpool contract expired. The versatile Jamaica international, who started her career at Arsenal, adds experience and depth to both defence and midfield. Hinds calls it a “full-circle moment” and is eager to get started at the Emirates.

London City Lionesses: Michelle Kang is making moves. Finnish international striker Sanni Franssi arrives from Real Sociedad, bringing a proven scoring record and over 90 caps for Finland. She’s joined by Dutch youth international Isa Kardinaal, a 20-year-old defender from Ajax, who adds tactical awareness and aerial strength to the backline.

Everton: Everton have added Spanish U23 winger Ornella Vignola from Granada, a tricky, direct attacker set to liven up their frontline. Japan centre-back Rion Ishikawa arrives from Urawa Red Diamonds, fresh off a SheBelieves Cup win and World Cup appearances. Ishikawa brings composure, strength, and a fearless edge to the Toffees’ back line.

Chelsea: Chelsea have snapped up Australian right-back Ellie Carpenter from OL Lyonnais on a four-year deal. The 25-year-old, already a two-time Champions League winner, reunites with Sonia Bompastor and brings serious pace and pedigree to the Blues’ defence.

Manchester City: Denmark boss Andrée Jeglertz has been appointed as City’s new head coach on a deal running until 2029. The Swede takes over after the Euros, tasked with rebuilding and pushing City back into the title race after a turbulent season.

OL Lyonnais: OL Lyonnaise have signed Canada international Ashley Lawrence from Chelsea on a three-year deal. The 30-year-old full-back returns to France after two seasons in London, where she won four trophies and made 60 appearances for the Blues. USWNT midfielder Korbin Albert has swapped PSG for Lyon, signing a three-year contract. At just 21, she’s already made 71 appearances and scored 12 goals in France, and now joins the reigning champions to further bolster their midfield.

🛋️ 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 2
Monday 7 July
Group B: Spain vs Belgium (17:00, ITV1, ITVX)
Group B: Portugal vs Italy (20:00, ITV1, ITVX)

Tuesday 8 July
Germany vs Denmark [17:00, BBC Two, iPlayer]
Poland vs Sweden [20:00, BBC One, iPlayer]

Wednesday 9 July
England vs Netherlands [17:00, BBC One, iPlayer]
France vs Wales [20:00, ITV1, ITVX]

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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