Euros Fever: England & Wales Rundown, Where to Watch + England Bling
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY
IN THIS WEEK’S NEWSLETTER...
The Euros are finally about to take over your summer. We’ve got the lowdown on England and Wales’s chances, a handy venue guide to help you find the perfect spot to catch the action, and all the latest transfer news as clubs shuffle their squads for next season. Plus, there’s a touch of England bling in the shape of a new Lionesses-inspired jewellery collection. Whether you’re watching from the pub, your sofa, or the stadium, this week’s newsletter is your essential Euros primer, with plenty more stories to discover as you scroll.
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Where to Watch the Women’s EURO 2025
From buzzing fan zones to inclusive community screenings, find the perfect venue showing the tournament near you.
🔍 IN FOCUS
England & Wales – Euros State of Play
With the Euros just days away, England and Wales are gearing up for very different challenges. The Lionesses are defending champions but face the toughest group in the tournament, while Wales are making their debut on the big stage. Here’s where both teams stand as the action begins.
England’s Send-Off
7-0 win over Jamaica: England finished their preparations with a dominant 7-0 win at the King Power Stadium, with goals from Ella Toone (2), Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Beth Mead. Lauren James made a welcome return from injury off the bench. Watch the highlights here.
Worrying signs: Despite the emphatic scoreline, England showed some familiar vulnerabilities. Defensive lapses, especially at set pieces and during transitions, left them briefly exposed. A disallowed Jamaica goal highlighted lingering issues. England also missed several chances, with 35 shots and only 7 goals, raising questions about their ruthlessness.
Bright spots: Lauren Hemp and Jess Carter impressed, with Carter’s speed and work rate likely to see her preferred at left-back. Toone’s brace and James’s creative cameo offered positive signs for the attack.
England’s Chances
Toughest group: England are in Group D alongside France, the Netherlands, and Wales, widely seen as the most competitive group in the tournament.
Pundits’ view: England are among the favourites, but most pundits tip Spain as favourites. England’s experience and depth are seen as key strengths, though questions remain about their defence and finishing.
Wales’s Historic Debut
First major tournament: Wales are making history with their first major finals appearance, sparking huge pride among supporters. The team’s journey, from not having a full-time coach to reaching the Euros, has inspired a new generation and set the bar for future campaigns.
Key players: Sophie Ingle (back from ACL injury), Jess Fishlock, Angharad James, and Lily Woodham are central to the squad. Fishlock, in particular, is a talismanic figure and the team’s all-time top scorer in qualifying.
Defensive focus: Wales are likely to set up defensively and look to frustrate opponents. Manager Rhian Wilkinson’s tactical flexibility, switching between a back three and back four, could be key against top opposition.
Expectations: Wales are clear underdogs in a tough group, but their aim is to be competitive, make history, and use the experience as a springboard for the future.
Pundit Predictions
Spain: Favourites for most pundits.
England: Strong contenders, but questions remain about their defence and ruthlessness.
Wales: Not expected to progress, but a big opportunity to make their mark.
🚨ICYMI
Top Headlines
⚽ Aston Villa have agreed to sell their women’s team to a group led by club owners V Sports and US-based investors, as part of a bid to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). The move follows heavy losses in recent years and mirrors a similar strategy recently used by Chelsea. The sale will raise wider questions about whether these sorts of deals help women’s teams grow independently or if they simply serve to dig the men’s clubs out of deep financial problems.
📺 Eni Aluko is back on ITV’s Euro 2025 punditry team, while Ian Wright is a notable absentee. The pair’s public spat earlier this year led to a frosty exchange, but ITV insists Wright’s absence is due to scheduling, not the feud. Aluko returns alongside Emma Hayes, Laura Georges, and Jayne Ludlow.
⚖️ Luis Rubiales has lost his appeal against a sexual assault conviction for kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The court upheld the original verdict and fine, bringing a long and painful chapter for Spanish football to a close and allowing Hermoso and her teammates to move on.
📉 WSL average broadcast audiences dropped by 35% last season, with in-stadium attendances down 10%. But the league’s digital reach is booming – official YouTube views hit 39.6 million, TikTok averaged 417,000 views per video, and clubs saw a 154% increase in TikTok engagement. Women’s football is thriving online, even if TV numbers have dipped.
👕 England’s Euro 2025 squad numbers are out – no big surprises, but if you’ve been waiting to pick your shirt before the tournament, now’s your chance. Russo is 23, James 7, Clinton 14, Williamson 6, and Hampton wears the No.1.
🌍 The Women’s Champions League draw is out, with Manchester United facing PSV Eindhoven in the second qualifying round. We can’t wait to see how the Red Devils fare as they look to make a splash in Europe.
🇺🇸 At the NWSL midseason break, Kansas City Current are eight points clear at the top, ahead of Orlando, San Diego, and Washington. Temwa Chawinga is in MVP form, while Gotham FC and Angel City will be hoping the summer break gives them a chance to reset after disappointing starts. Read more
🏥 Aitana Bonmatí has been discharged from hospital after treatment for viral meningitis and is expected to rejoin the Spain squad ahead of their Euro 2025 opener. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner missed Friday’s friendly against Japan but is now on track to feature in the tournament.
📚 WHAT WE’RE READING
👀 FAVE FINDS
England’s Lionesses were surprised with shirts from their first-ever clubs as part of the ‘Made for This Game’ campaign – a nod to the coaches, volunteers, and muddy pitches that launched their journeys. It’s a reminder that every big name started somewhere, and that the next generation of stars needs investment and support, not just dreams. The shirts are heading to England’s Euro base in Switzerland, keeping the grassroots spirit close as the team prepares for the tournament.
Nike’s new “Admire England Fear the Lionesses” campaign has turned heads, but maybe not for the reasons they hoped. The art direction is bold, but some fans reckon the Lionesses look more possessed than fearsome. It’s a statement, sure, but not everyone’s convinced it hits the mark.
Everyone’s got a Euros prediction, but Opta’s supercomputer is here to keep us honest. No gut feelings, no hot takes, just pure maths. Spain are the favourites (24.8% chance), with England (16.1%), France (15.3%), and Germany (14.8%) hot on their heels. The supercomputer reckons it’s Spain’s year, but we all know football loves an upset.
✍️ INSIDE TRACK
Transfer Round-up
Mušović signs for Malmö FF
CONFIRMED TRANSFERS
→ Zećira Mušović leaves Chelsea for Malmö FF: The Swedish international goalkeeper has signed a three-year deal with Malmö FF after a trophy-laden spell at Chelsea, where she won five WSL titles and three FA Cups.
→ Rosella Ayane departs Tottenham Hotspur: The Moroccan forward is leaving Spurs after six years and 109 appearances, having played a key role in the club’s rise and 2023/24 FA Cup final run. Her contract expires this summer.
→ Chiamaka Nnadozie joins Brighton: Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper arrives on a free transfer from Paris FC, bringing Champions League experience and multiple CAF Goalkeeper of the Year awards to the Seagulls.
→ Inês Pereira to Everton (loaned to Deportivo La Coruña): The Portuguese international goalkeeper signs for Everton but will spend the 2025/26 season on loan at Deportivo La Coruña as she works towards challenging for the Everton Number 1 spot.
→ Sara Holmgaard joins Real Madrid: The Danish international defender leaves Everton on a free transfer to sign a two-year deal with Real Madrid, where she’ll add experience and versatility to the backline.
→ Eugénie Le Sommer moves to Toluca FC: France’s all-time top scorer joins Mexican side Toluca FC after 15 seasons with Lyon, reuniting with former coach Patrice Lair.
→ Ceri Holland extends with Liverpool: The Wales international midfielder has signed a new contract with Liverpool, securing her future as a key figure in the squad.
→ Filipa Patao named Boston Legacy head coach: Former Benfica and Champions League manager Filipa Patao will lead Boston Legacy in their inaugural NWSL season, bringing top-level European experience to the league.
RUMOUR HAS IT:
→ Arsenal eye Anneke Borbe: The Gunners are reportedly interested in German U23 international goalkeeper Anneke Borbe, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Wolfsburg.
→ Karoline Olesen to Malmö FF: Everton midfielder Karoline Olesen is rumoured to be joining Malmö FF after her contract expires.
→ PSG want Melvine Malard: PSG are interested in Manchester United’s France international striker Melvine Malard. With Malard under contract until 2027, PSG are considering a loan move.
👟 KIT DROP
Lionesses x Bazanetti Jewellery Collection: England’s Lionesses have teamed up with London jeweller Bazanetti for a limited collection inspired by roses, lionesses, and the national crest – all in oxidised silver. The designs are detailed, with nods to the 10 levels of English football and a fresh take on the idea of “silverware.” If you’re into jewellery, it’s a nice, subtle way to show your support, and a nice change from the usual matchday merch. The pre-sale is selling quickly.
🤓 KNOWLEDGE
Why Women’s Football Needs a Nutrition Revolution
If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty, you’re not alone—especially if you’re a woman in football. A new Lidl GB survey has revealed a huge nutrition blind spot in the women’s game, and it’s about time we talked about it. Here’s why.
What does the study show?
Knowledge gap & coaching disconnect: Only 18% of women surveyed have ever received tailored nutrition advice, despite most wanting practical tips. With coaching staff still overwhelmingly male, many female athletes are left to figure out nutrition on their own, which is especially tricky given the unique demands of the female body.
Hormones matter (a lot): Women’s nutritional needs shift throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, but mainstream advice often skips over this. The result? Low energy, slow recovery, and a higher risk of injury.
Under-fuelling is rife: Too many female footballers simply aren’t eating enough to keep up with the demands of training and matches. That’s bad news for performance and for long-term health.
Lack of support at all levels: Even at the top, access to nutritionists is hit-and-miss. Fara Williams, England’s most-capped player, has spoken openly about having no nutrition support at all during her playing days. “It was just about getting through training and matches,” she says. “No one talked to us about what to eat, when, or how it could help us recover or perform better. It’s crazy to think how much we could have achieved with the right support.”
🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA
Upcoming Events
We’ve created your go-to guide to where to watch the Women’s Euros 2025 across the UK. From buzzing local pubs to fan zones and community events, we’ve rounded up over 100 places to watch every goal. Check it out here
Here are a few events to inspire you…
The Sports Bra x SOOO: Pride Weekend
Friday 4 July: Pre Pride Party
Saturday 5 July: Lionesses x Pride Watch Party
Sunday 6 July: Post-match coffee with The Cutback and Flo Lloyd-Hughes
More info here
Bend it Like Peckham x Women’s Euros
Watch the Lionesses in action with South London’s fave footie team.
More info here
Watch Lionesses vs Wales with Sunderland Women
Quinn’s Sports Bar on Sunday 13 July at 8pm BST
More info here
Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up
📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST
What We’re Watching: Women’s Euro 2025
Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (BST)
Matchday 1
Wednesday 2 July
Group A: Iceland vs Finland (17:00, ITV1, ITVX)
Group A: Switzerland vs Norway (20:00, BBC One, iPlayer)
Thursday 3 July
Group B: Belgium vs Italy (17:00, BBC Two, iPlayer)
Group B: Spain vs Portugal (20:00, ITV1, ITVX)
Friday 4 July
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
✉️ That’s the round-up. Catch you next week for more football goodness.
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