Women’s Euro 2025: France Fly as England Slide in Early Rankings

Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland this week, bringing together 16 of the continent’s elite sides for a month that promises drama, tactical ingenuity and individual brilliance. The tournament begins off the back of a fiercely contested Women’s Nations League season that offered an early glimpse of where every challenger stands, and nowhere was that clearer than on opening night when France’s emphatic 3-0 dismantling of England sent shockwaves through the power rankings. As we head into matchday two, here is a detailed look at how each nation is shaping up—and why the pecking order is already shifting.

Women’s Euro 2025 Power Rankings Explained

Power rankings evaluate form, squad depth, injury news and recent head-to-head performance. They are not a predictor set in stone, but they offer a real-time snapshot of momentum—something that matters immensely in short tournaments like Women’s Euro 2025. Expect more twists as group games unfold, but for now these rankings provide a benchmark for fans and analysts alike.

Top Contenders: France Set Early Pace

1. France – Hervé Renard’s Les Bleues have long been tipped for a breakthrough, and their authoritative win over the reigning champions positions them as the team to beat. The midfield duo of Amandine Henry and Grace Geyoro dominated possession, while Kadidiatou Diani’s razor-sharp finishing underlined France’s cutting edge. The depth on the bench—Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino can both change games—gives France options others envy.

2. Spain – The world champions arrive with the swagger of recent success and the cohesion of Barcelona’s core. Aitana Bonmatí orchestrates play, Mariona Caldentey provides width and Alexia Putellas is approaching her best fitness. The only question mark is fatigue after another long club season.

3. Germany – Eight-time winners can never be discounted. Alexandra Popp’s aerial dominance remains a cheat code, and youngsters Jule Brand and Lena Oberdorf add fresh legs. However, a shock Nations League loss to Denmark revealed defensive frailties that need quick fixing.

England Women Searching for Spark

4. England – Sarina Wiegman’s side slipped after that chastening French defeat but remain in striking distance. Leah Williamson’s return from injury steadies the back line and Lauren James is capable of magic, yet an over-reliance on crosses plays into well-drilled defences. Tactical tweaks are essential if the Lionesses wish to retain the Women’s Euro 2025 crown.

5. Netherlands – With a revitalised Vivianne Miedema supported by Jill Roord, the 2017 champions possess goals. Defensive gaps against high-pressing teams, though, could hurt them in knockout rounds.

6. Sweden – Power, organisation and experience define the Blue-Yellow. Kosovare Asllani and Fridolina Rolfö give them game-changing quality, but finishing off chances has been their Achilles’ heel.

Dark Horses and Rising Nations

7. Denmark – Nadia Nadim’s comeback story inspires teammates, and striker Pernille Harder still decides matches. Group placement means Denmark could avoid the heavyweights until the quarter-finals.

8. Norway – Hege Riise has restored discipline, and with Caroline Graham Hansen feeding Ada Hegerberg, goals will flow. Consistency remains their biggest challenge.

9. Italy – Tactically flexible under Andrea Soncin, the Azzurre mix catenaccio roots with modern pressing. If Barbara Bonansea catches fire, they are quarter-final candidates.

10. Portugal – Jessica Silva’s trickery and Kika Nazareth’s long-range shooting make Portugal fun to watch. Defensive lapses keep them outside the elite.

Group-by-Group Outlook

Group A: France, Sweden, Poland, Finland

France should top the section, but Sweden’s sturdiness will test them. Poland’s Ewa Pajor could spring a surprise goal or two, while Finland seek to frustrate and counter.

Group B: Spain, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium

Spain are favourites, yet Norway’s direct style could upset possession-heavy opponents. Hosts Switzerland rely on Ramona Bachmann’s guile, whereas Belgium’s Red Flames aim for their first quarter-final.

Group C: Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Iceland

The so-called “Group of Death.” Germany’s pedigree suggests first place, but Netherlands or Denmark can finish top if Popp’s side stumbles. Iceland’s physicality may steal vital points.

Group D: England, Italy, Portugal, Wales

England remain expected winners, though Italy’s structure and Portugal’s flair will produce tight encounters. Wales marked their tournament debut with a spirited draw against Italy and could yet derail someone’s campaign.

Key Players to Watch

• Amandine Henry (France) – Midfield metronome and big-game leader.
• Aitana Bonmatí (Spain) – Reigning Ballon d’Or winner dictating tempo.
• Alexandra Popp (Germany) – Set-piece menace and emotional heartbeat.
• Lauren James (England women) – Capable of solo brilliance that flips matches.
• Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands) – Returning striker hungry for goals after injury lay-off.

Ranking the Rest

11. Switzerland – Home advantage counts, but limited depth may tell.
12. Belgium – Progress visible, yet still missing a reliable striker.
13. Iceland – Structured but lacking creativity.
14. Poland – Pajor’s goals alone cannot mask defensive gaps.
15. Wales – Gritty debutants; experience will be priceless.
16. Finland – Team spirit strong, yet squad transition suggests tough evenings ahead.

Opinion: Momentum Can Shift Quickly

The beauty of Women’s Euro 2025 is its volatility. A single upset can reshape every narrative, as England discovered on night one. France look formidable, Spain authoritative and Germany dangerous, but tournament football rarely follows prewritten scripts. The next 20 days will test squad rotation, mental resilience and tactical versatility—qualities no algorithm can fully capture. Strap in; the race for Switzerland’s silverware is only just beginning, and the storylines are set to twist again.