Euro 2025: Opening Day Drama Sets The Tone

Euro 2025 exploded into life on its opening weekend, delivering landmark goals, gut-wrenching injuries and a flurry of transfer twists that underline how quickly the women’s game is evolving. From Vivianne Miedema’s historic ton to Giulia Gwinn’s cruel setback, the tournament already feels like a summer blockbuster.

Euro 2025 milestones: Miedema’s century lights up Lucerne

Euro 2025 served up its first slice of history when Vivianne Miedema became the Netherlands’ first player—male or female—to reach 100 international goals. The striker’s close-range finish against debutants Wales secured a 2-0 win and reminded everyone that, despite last year’s ACL lay-off, she remains Europe’s deadliest finisher.

England plot title defence as Kane rallies the Lionesses

Harry Kane may be chasing glory with the Three Lions in Germany, but the men’s skipper found time to record a heartfelt video for the Lionesses before their Euro 2025 curtain-raiser against France in Zurich. Kane’s rallying cry echoed Sarina Wiegman’s bullish pre-match press conference, where the Dutch tactician insisted her squad is “prepared” to retain the crown they lifted at Wembley three years ago.

Selection dilemma: James or Toone?

Wiegman kept her cards close to her chest when pressed on whether Lauren James will start, hinting Ella Toone’s recent form could earn her a midfield berth. With England grouped alongside France, the Netherlands and Wales, every tactical tweak feels magnified.

Gwinn injury rocks Germany

Germany’s Euro 2025 hopes suffered a major jolt after captain Giulia Gwinn limped off with a knee injury in the opening win over Poland. Scans later confirmed ligament damage, ruling the 26-year-old out for the tournament and forcing coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg to reshuffle her back line.

Transfer frenzy around Euro 2025

K. Albert swaps PSG for Lyon

United States midfielder Korbin Albert completed a surprise switch from Paris Saint-Germain to domestic rivals Olympique Lyonnais. The 20-year-old penned a three-year deal with the reigning French champions, who wasted no time reinforcing their midfield ahead of the new Division 1 Féminine campaign.

Yohannes edging closer to Lyon move

Ajax prodigy Lily Yohannes is also tipped to join Lyon after the clubs reportedly agreed a fee. The American-Dutch teenager would bolster a squad already stacked with Ballon d’Or winners and Champions League medallists.

Manager merry-go-round

Off the pitch, Manchester City confirmed that Swedish coach Andrée Jeglertz will take the reins once Euro 2025 concludes, ending months of speculation in the WSL.

Euro 2025 match round-up

Norway fight back in Basel

Ada Hegerberg’s predatory equaliser helped Norway overturn Switzerland 2-1, the decisive goal arriving via an unfortunate own goal from the hosts. Twelve years have passed since Norway’s last final appearance, yet early signs suggest Hege Riise’s side could mount a dark-horse run.

Finland seize advantage against 10-player Iceland

Katariina Kosola’s thunderous strike sealed a 1-0 win for Finland after Iceland were reduced to ten players. The result throws Group C wide open and reinforces the fine margins at play throughout Euro 2025.

Spain welcome Bonmatí back

La Roja breathed a sigh of relief when Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmatí joined the squad following a viral meningitis scare. Spain, widely tipped as co-favourites with England, now boast a fully fit midfield trio that also includes Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro.

Primary talking points heading deeper into Euro 2025

England’s depth under scrutiny

The retirements of Mary Earps and injury to Millie Bright have thrust lesser-tested players such as goalkeeper Hannah Hampton into the spotlight. Six potential “super-subs” could yet define the Lionesses’ campaign, mirroring the impact Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly had in 2022.

France’s internal turmoil

Once again les Bleues arrive amid boardroom turbulence, with reports of disagreements between manager Hervé Renard and federation chiefs. The question remains: can the talent-rich but “cursed” France finally deliver a major trophy?

Group of death stakes

Group B—featuring the Lionesses, the Netherlands, France and Wales—reads like a Champions League quarter-final line-up. With only two automatic knockout spots, one heavyweight will fall before the quarter-finals. England’s opener against France could therefore shape the entire bracket.

Euro 2025 in numbers

• 100 – Goals scored by Vivianne Miedema for the Netherlands
• 11 – Unanswered goals scored by the USWNT in their recent triple-header
• 8 – Champions League titles won by Lyon, who have signed or are close to signing Albert and Yohannes
• 3 – European trophies Sarina Wiegman is aiming to win consecutively as a head coach
• 1 – Goal conceded by England in their last six competitive matches

What’s next at Euro 2025?

Matchday 2 brings a heavyweight tussle between Germany and Norway, while Spain open against Italy in Turin. England’s ability to handle French pace out wide and the Netherlands’ slick possession game will be crucial checkpoints for Wiegman’s refreshed squad.

Euro 2025 verdict: Early chaos, endless promise

The first wave of fixtures proves that Euro 2025 will not be a coronation for any single side. Injuries, managerial intrigue and surprise results are already rewriting pre-tournament predictions. Expect more twists as tactical chess matches unfold across Switzerland’s alpine arenas.

Opinion: Why England still edge the pack

The Lionesses possess the best blend of tournament nous and squad depth, even minus Earps and Bright. If Wiegman nails the James-Toone question and Keira Walsh controls midfield tempo, England’s title defence remains very much alive.