Cymru will take on the Netherlands, France and England in Group D at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 which kicks-off in Switzerland next week.
Rhian Wilkinson has selected her 23 players for EURO 2025 and the squad currently completing their preparations in Portugal for the tournament that will see Cymru make their debut at a major women’s tournament finals. The top two teams from each group will head into the quarter-finals, so here’s a closer look at our opponents and the history behind these three fixtures.
Netherlands
FIFA World Ranking – 11th
Cymru v Netherlands – Saturday, 5 July (5pm) – Allmend Stadium, Lucerne
Overview
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. A talented forward line means they can cause problems for opposition defences, but they only scored four goals in six EURO qualifying games and questions remain over the stability of their own defence.
Head coach – Andries Jonker
An experienced coach who took charge of the side in August 2022 following the last EURO, 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.
Tactics
The Dutch have experimented with their tactics in recent games but are likely to utilise their familiar 4-3-3 shape for the opening match against Cymru in Lucerne. Expect to see left-back Esmee Brugts pushing forward at every opportunity to support the forward line.
One to watch – Vivianne Miedema
The all-time leading goalscorer for her country, 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.
Previous meetings
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. Jayne Ludlow captained the Cymru team that included current midfielder Jess Fishlock 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 before later being crowned European champions.
France
FIFA World Ranking – 10th
France v Cymru – Wednesday, 9 July (8pm) – Arena St. Gallen, St. Gallen
Overview
Perennial underachievers, France have never reached the final of a major women’s tournament. However, they boast a wealth of talent and experience in their ranks and will not be phased by the challenge of taking on the winners of the last two EURO finals in Group D. France have scored 11 goals in their last three games and will complete their preparations for the tournament by taking on Brazil on 27 June.
Head coach – Laurent Bonadei
The 55-year-old from Marseille was appointed head coach in August 2024 in what his is first senior coaching position. Bonadei was assistant under previous head coach Hervé Renard and has experimented with his tactical approach in preparation for his first major tournament with this team.
Tactics
Like the Netherlands, France are also expected to play with a 4-3-3 formation in Switzerland and will have plenty of attacking options given the quality of player at their disposal, especially in the final third. France have also used a 3-4-3 formation during the last year and will be able to adapt their game if required.
One to watch – Marie-Antoinette Katoto
The 26-year-old is at the peak of her power and will be desperate to showcase her talent on the biggest stage having missed the last World Cup with an ACL injury. A key player for Paris Saint-Germain, Katoto has scored 37 goals in 54 games for her country.
Previous meetings
Cymru and France were drawn together in qualifying for the 2013 EURO and the 2023 World Cup finals. France claimed two comfortable victories during that first campaign but the progress of Cymru was more than evident a decade later. Although France would complete the double with 2-0 and 2-1 victories, Cymru pushed their opponents all the way and could have taken at least a share of the points in both games.
England
FIFA World Ranking – 5th
England v Cymru – Sunday, 13 July (8pm) – Arena St. Gallen, St. Gallen
Overview
The current holders, England head into the EURO finals as one of the favourites despite injuries and international retirements disrupting their preparations. A few of the squad that won the tournament at Wembley three years ago remain in place and their experience will be invaluable as they look to manoeuvre their way through a difficult group.
Head coach – Sarina Wiegman
A hugely successful Dutch coach, Wiegman guided the Netherlands to EURO glory in 2017 before repeating the achievement with England in 2022 and will be targeting a third successive title this summer with her talented squad. A serial winner, the 55-year-old has a contract with the FA that takes her through to the 2027 World Cup.
Tactics
England are also expected to line-up in a 4-3-3 formation with the midfield supporting the front line at every opportunity. Central defender Millie Bright elected not be part of the squad and it will be interesting to see how this enforced change at the back affects their defensive game.
One to watch – Lauren James
An important player for England both with and without the ball, James is quickly emerging as the complete footballer with her ability to get forward while also putting in the hard yards out of possession. Still only 23, James is a more mature figure now than at the last World Cup and has the potential to be one of the standout players of the tournament.
Previous meetings
The two nations have previously met in two World Cup qualifying campaigns, England won both games that first campaign ahead of the 2015 finals, but Cymru would achieve a memorable 0-0 draw against their rivals ahead of the next edition of the competition at Southampton in 2018. However, England would win the return match in Newport 3-0 on the final day to book their place at the finals ahead of Cymru.
