Women’s Euro 2025 Power Rankings Shake-Up

Women’s Euro 2025 finally kicks off in Switzerland this week, and the curtain-raising fixtures have already shredded pre-tournament assumptions. A rampant France brushed aside England, the reigning champions, while Spain, Germany and the Netherlands all showed flashes of brilliance. With every squad now battle-tested, it is time to reassess who really looks ready to lift the trophy on 31 July.

Women’s Euro 2025: Power Rankings after Matchday 1

1. France

Les Bleues were irresistible against England, pressing high, breaking lines quickly and finishing clinically. Hervé Renard’s side possess enviable depth and, crucially, look mentally stronger than in previous tournaments.

2. Spain

Fresh from their World Cup triumph, La Roja eased past Norway without ever hitting top gear. Aitana Bonmatí continues to dictate play, and the squad’s chemistry is unmatched.

3. Germany

An efficient win over Italy reminded everyone that eight continental crowns were not accumulated by accident. Dynamic wide play and aerial dominance keep the Frauen-Nationalelf firmly in the hunt.

4. Netherlands

Andries Jonker’s 2017 champions dismantled Portugal with fluent attacking football. If Vivianne Miedema stays fit, the Dutch could haunt the favourites again.

5. England

A humbling opening loss exposed defensive frailties and a lack of midfield bite. Sarina Wiegman’s tactical acumen is proven, but the Lionesses must tighten up quickly.

6. Sweden

Physical, disciplined and rugged, Sweden edged a tricky Denmark clash. However, questions linger over their ability to create against deep blocks.

7. Norway

Ada Hegerberg’s return adds firepower, yet the loss to Spain highlighted organisational issues that elite opponents will punish.

8. Denmark

Katrine Veje and Pernille Harder offer quality, but a narrow defeat to Sweden shows margins are slim for the 2017 runners-up.

9. Italy

Positive spells versus Germany were undermined by lapses in concentration. New coach Andrea Soncin is still finding his best blend.

10. Switzerland

Home support spurred the Nati to a spirited draw with Belgium. Ramona Bachmann remains talismanic, yet further creativity is needed.

11. Belgium

The Red Flames matched Switzerland for endeavour but lacked a cutting edge. Tessa Wullaert carries a heavy burden in attack.

12. Iceland

Resolute defending frustrated Poland, and Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir offers an explosive outlet. Consistency in the final third remains elusive.

13. Portugal

Despite neat build-up play, frailties under Dutch pressure were glaring. Francisco Neto’s side must add steel or risk an early flight home.

14. Wales

A hard-earned point versus Finland keeps hopes alive, though reliance on Jess Fishlock for creativity may prove limiting.

15. Finland

Compact and spirited, the Helmarit still lack enough top-level match-winners to trouble the elite.

16. Poland

Ewa Pajor’s brilliance can win matches, but defensive gaps against Iceland showed why Poland are outsiders.

Key Tactical Trends Shaping Women’s Euro 2025

High Press Dominance

The most successful sides thus far—France, Spain and Germany—suffocated opposition build-up with relentless pressing. Midfields that can pivot between aggression and control are thriving.

Set-Piece Specialists

Germany scored twice from dead-ball situations, underlining how corners and free-kicks remain decisive in tournament football.

Squad Depth Matters

With matches every four days, rotation is essential. France introduced five substitutes against England without losing rhythm, a luxury not all squads share.

Players Lighting Up the Tournament

Grace Geyoro (France)

Box-to-box energy and a well-taken brace announced her as an early Golden Boot contender.

Aitana Bonmatí (Spain)

Her metronomic passing and space-finding intelligence kept Norway chasing shadows.

Lauren James (England)

One glimmering solo run aside, she was starved of service; England’s hopes rest on giving her the ball in advanced areas.

Road Ahead for the Favourites

France face Switzerland next, a fixture they are expected to navigate comfortably. Spain meet Denmark in what could be a midfield chess match, while England’s clash with the Netherlands already feels must-win. Germany, meanwhile, can seal quarter-final qualification by beating Wales.

What Could Shift the Rankings?

Injury Watch

Tournament history shows how one poorly timed knock can derail a campaign. Keep an eye on Germany’s Lena Oberdorf, who left the pitch limping on Sunday.

Managerial Tweaks

Sarina Wiegman is renowned for bold in-game adjustments. Expect formation shifts if England struggle early against the Dutch.

Weather Conditions

Switzerland is forecasting heavy rain later in the week, potentially favouring physically robust teams like Sweden.

Final Verdict

France have seized pole position, displaying a blend of flair and fortitude that makes them deserved early favourites. Spain remain ominous, Germany efficient, and the Netherlands resurgent, while England’s aura has dimmed but not disappeared. Women’s Euro 2025 promises more twists, yet Matchday 1 has already served notice that no champion will emerge untested.

Opinion

France’s statement victory felt less like an upset and more like a natural evolution. The psychological hurdle that once hampered Les Bleues appears gone; if they maintain this intensity, the rest of Europe could be playing for second place.