After defeating Sarina Wiegman's side in the Women's World Cup, La Roja will feel good about taking their European crown, too
With seven months to go, the hype for next summer's European Championships hit new heights on Monday when the group stage draw was conducted in Switzerland – and there was no shortage of drama as the procedure produced four quartets of intrigue, all for differing reasons.
It was always going to be a draw that threw up some enthralling scenarios, with holders England in Pot 2 and Netherlands, winners in 2017, joined in Pot 3 by a well-respected Sweden side that reached the semi-finals in 2022. Equally intriguing was the place of the hosts, Switzerland, in Pot 1, giving them a chance of a kind draw.
With two rather top-heavy groups, one that looks a little easier to predict and one wide open, the drama will only continue when things get underway next summer, on July 2. But as we look ahead to what is sure to be another thrilling tournament, who left Lausanne feeling good about their chances? And who might be a little more dispirited? GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Monday's Euro 2025 group stage draw…
Getty ImagesLOSER: England
England's place in Pot 2 was a consequence of some underwhelming results this year in the qualifying stage for Euro 2025. Draws at home and away to Sweden meant they finished second in their group, meaning they were going to be pooled with either Switzerland, France, Spain or Germany for next summer's tournament.
To get France wasn't a terrible outcome given Spain's rather undisputed status as the best team in Europe right now, and the fact that Germany tore their defence to shreds at Wembley back in October. However, to then get the double whammy of drawing one of those two especially dangerous Pot 3 teams, in Netherlands, made it a brutal draw.
Wales only add to the mix. Set to make their major tournament debut on the women's side next summer, the Dragons will be particularly up for a game against their neighbours and that could make things trickier for the Lionesses than that fixture looks on paper. If England want to retain their European title, they are going to have to do it the hard way – the very hard way.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWINNER: Spain
While Germany and France got particularly tough draws on Monday, Spain were the heavyweight Pot 1 team that were let off a little bit. Italy will be a popular pick as the tournament 'dark horse' next summer, owing to some really positive results since the World Cup, which includes a win over Spain in the Nations League, but with Belgium and Portugal completing Group B, there is no rush to call this a 'group of death' like you can with Germany's or France's.
La Roja are by no means flawless. That much became apparent at this year's Olympic Games in particular, as the favourites for the gold medal ended up going home empty-handed. There are areas in which Montse Tome will need to improve her team if they are to follow up their World Cup win with a European Championship crown.
But it was still hard to look past Spain as the favourites to win Euro 2025 before Monday's draw – and the outcome of that has only strengthened such a feeling.
Getty ImagesLOSER: Laurent Bonadei
France have not performed well at their last two major tournaments. After seeing controversial head coach Corinna Diacre depart ahead of the 2023 Women's World Cup, some thought Les Bleues would finally take further steps forward and maybe even win a major title for the first time. But a quarter-final exit in Australia last year was matched at their home Olympics this year, with Herve Renard departing his role in charge of the team having created very few memorable moments.
His assistant, Laurent Bonadei, has succeeded him in the position and has spent the first few camps of his tenure trying a variety of combinations, setting France up in different formations and getting a look at a lot of players, be they established stars of fresh faces.
However, while their' place in Pot 1 could've led to him receiving a favourable draw for his first major tournament in charge of his country, it has certainly not worked out that way. Bonadei, who is in his first role as the manager of a senior team, is going to have to deliver right away next summer by getting out of a group that also features England and Netherlands. Talk about a baptism of fire.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Switzerland
Switzerland would've wished with all their might that their place in Pot 1 of this draw would result in a group that they could get out of for the first time at a European Championship – but it was never a given. Despite being granted that privilege as hosts, they still could've got any of England, Netherlands, Sweden, or even 2017 runners-up Denmark, for example. Fortunately, their wishes were heard by the football gods.
Pooled with Iceland, Norway and Finland, this is by no means an easy group for La Nati, of course. But, given what they could've ended up with, it's much more favourable. While Iceland have a number of top-level players and the potential to do something, they have still yet to live up to that billing with a serious return at a major tournament; Norway might have a star-studded squad, but have underwhelmed on a regular basis since reaching the Euro 2013 final; and Finland are another team that don't have a strong record at this tournament, despite being a consistent qualifier and a solid outfit.
Switzerland were in a similar situation a year ago. When co-hosts New Zealand got a place in Pot 1 for the Women's World Cup draw, they were pooled with the Philippines, Norway and Switzerland. It was a kind draw for all, and it was one the latter pair profited from, reaching the last 16. Can the Euro 2025 hosts take advantage again and give their country something to cheer about? They should certainly believe they can.
