Cymru v Netherlands: EURO 2025 preview

Cymru will make history in Lucerne on Saturday when Rhian Wilkinson’s side make their UEFA Women’s EURO debut against the Netherlands (5pm).

The Netherlands delivered the EURO trophy when they hosted the tournament in 2017 and were runners-up to the United States at the World Cup two years later. However, their last two appearances at a major tournament ended at the quarter-final stage. Despite a talented forward line, they only scored four goals in six EURO qualifying games, and questions remain over the stability of their own defence.

“We’ve obviously spoken about how difficult the group is,” explained Cymru striker Hannah Cain to UEFA this week. “We expect the Netherlands to come out all guns blazing, they’re a super talented team, but as are we. I think going in as the underdogs, we quite like that, and we’re just going to be doing everything we can to get a result.”

Andries Jonker is the experienced coach who took charge of the Dutch side in August 2022 following the last EURO, and the 62-year-old will depart his position after the tournament and will be replaced by current England assistant coach Arjan Veurink. Jonker has worked at some of the biggest clubs in the world having previously coached at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

“They’ve got a very good group of players, which you expect from any team at this tournament,” said Cymru defender Esther Morgan to UEFA. “I think we know they’re going to aggressive and front-footed, and that brings challenges but also opportunities for us. It’s an exciting game, we go in as the underdogs, but we put internal pressure on ourselves. We don’t share the expectation that we’re here just to make up the numbers.”

The all-time leading goalscorer for her country, Vivianne Miedema has scored an incredible 97 goals in 124 international appearances and will be the focal point of the Dutch attack. Currently playing for Manchester City after spending several years with WSL rivals Arsenal, the 28-year-old will be integral to this Netherlands team if they are to make a big impression at the tournament.

There have been three previous fixtures between Cymru and the Netherlands dating back to 2007 when the two nations were paired together in EURO qualifying. Former head coach Jayne Ludlow captained the Cymru team as the Netherlands claimed two narrow victories in that early campaign. The two teams met again in a friendly ahead of EURO 2017 with the Netherlands claiming a 5-0 victory in Rotterdam.

However, the Red Wall will travel to Lucerne in their numbers for this opening match and there will be few teams with the same level of passionate support in Switzerland this summer. “It’s amazing to see how many fans are engaging with us,” Cain added. “We appreciate it, and we love them so much. I can’t wait to get to the stadium and hear them all. I’m so excited and I can’t wait for it.”