Women’s Euro 2025 Roundup: Big Boosts, Big Questions

Women’s Euro 2025 is racing into view, and a hectic week of friendlies, injury news and selection calls has given fans plenty to dissect.

Women’s Euro 2025 Injury & Recovery Tracker

Spain breathed a collective sigh of relief when Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati re-joined the national camp after a scary bout of viral meningitis. Medical staff will manage her minutes, but early signs point to the midfield metronome being ready for Switzerland. Club-mate Alexia Putellas, meanwhile, has openly targeted another historic Ballon d’Or win; a deep Euros run would strengthen her claim.

England’s boost came in the form of Lauren James, whose dazzling assist against Jamaica ended a three-month hamstring lay-off. Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman confirmed the Chelsea star “felt no reaction” and remains on course to start the opener in Basel.

Hosts Switzerland fear no fresh setbacks after Alisha Lehmann’s ankle knock proved minor. The Juventus winger has vowed to “embrace a new role” as the Nati seek to erase memories of their 7-1 loss to FC Luzern’s U15 boys last week.

USWNT vs Canada: Final Tune-Up Before the Summer

Emma Hayes will squeeze one last high-intensity friendly out of her squad when the USWNT meet Canada on Sunday. The coach is expected to roll out her best XI after experimenting against Ireland twice this week. Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan and emerging midfield controller Sam Coffey should form the creative hub, while Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson stretch the Canadian back line.

Hayes’ Trademark Rotation — or the A-Team?

History suggests Hayes rarely fields the same side twice, yet insiders say she wants a statement victory to cement rhythm before the SheBelieves Cup. That would mean Naomi Girma anchoring the defence alongside Tierna Davidson, with veteran Alyssa Naeher retaining the gloves despite Casey Murphy’s push.

Nordic Nations Eye Redemption

Norway have not reached a Euros semi-final since 2013, but the talent is undeniable. Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reiten and teenage phenom Cecilie Fiskerstrand headline a side desperate to erase the “underachievers” tag. Nearby Iceland boast a breakout star of their own: keeper Cecilía Rúnarsdóttir, fresh from a stellar loan at Inter, is over her frightening leg injury and reports for duty with confidence sky-high.

England: Champions With a Point to Prove

The Lionesses might be defending champions, yet Wiegman admits “several shirts are still up for grabs.” Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo are locked in, but full-back and wide-forward roles remain fiercely contested. Six potential “super-subs” — including Ebony Salmon and Jess Park — are making late pushes to replicate the Russo-Toone-Kelly impact of 2022.

Encouragingly for Wiegman, the English FA has guaranteed her job through to the 2027 World Cup, removing external pressure and allowing bold calls if needed.

Switzerland’s Hosting Challenge

The hosts have momentum issues of their own. Lehmann’s motivational speeches reportedly lifted spirits after the Luzern defeat, and experienced defender Lia Wälti insists “expectations remain realistic but ambitious.” Youngster Riola Xhemaili is tipped for a breakout tournament on home soil.

Power Rankings & Players to Watch

Most bookmakers now list England and Spain as joint favourites, with the USWNT and France close behind. Below the elite, Austria, Denmark and Belgium are dark horses, while Scotland’s late qualifying push has analysts intrigued.

Among individual talents, seven rising stars are creating buzz: Spain’s teenage midfielder Vicky Lopez, England winger Aggie Beaver-Jones, Norway striker Sophie Haug, Switzerland playmaker Julia Stierli, Germany’s Mara Weber, France’s Laurina Fazer and Italy forward Chiara Beccari. Any could explode in Switzerland as Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone did in 2022.

Ballon d’Or Race Fuels Extra Drama

With Women’s Euro 2025 serving as a massive shop window, pundits see Putellas, Bonmati and England’s James leading the Ballon d’Or Feminin chase. Should Norway advance deep, Graham Hansen could finally claim individual recognition, while Catarina Macario’s revival at Chelsea would add a compelling USWNT subplot.

Key Dates & Broadcast Guide

The tournament kicks off on 2 July, culminating at Zurich’s Letzigrund on 27 July. In the United States, games air on CBS Sports and Paramount+. UK audiences can follow on BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer, while European fans will find blanket coverage across free-to-air national broadcasters.

Women’s Euro 2025 Storylines to Track

• Bonmati’s fitness curve: any flare-up could tilt Spain’s entire campaign.
• USWNT chemistry under Hayes: three friendlies isn’t much time to instil complex patterns.
• Norway’s mental resilience: talent alone no longer convinces sceptics.
• England’s bench depth: super-subs decided the last Euros; will history repeat?
• Swiss home support: could a vibrant crowd push them into uncharted knockout territory?

Opinion: Why This Euros Could Be the Best Yet

The women’s game has never assembled such depth of quality. Twelve nations harbour realistic semi-final dreams, and coaching standards — from Hayes to Wiegman to France’s Hervé Renard — are sky-high. Crucially, broadcasters now treat every group match as must-see TV, giving players the platform they deserve.

If organisers deliver slick logistics and full stadiums, Women’s Euro 2025 will eclipse 2022’s record-breaking edition in both spectacle and tactical sophistication. Expect fireworks on Swiss soil — and perhaps the crowning of a whole new generation of superstars.