England to face Wales, France and Netherlands in Women’s Euro 2025 group stage | UK News

Defending champions England are to face Wales, France and the Netherlands in a “tough” but “exciting” Women’s Euro 2025 group stage.

The Lionesses go into next summer’s tournament in Switzerland among the favourites after winning on home soil in 2022.

But they face a tough start to the competition, with an opening group game on 5 July against France, who beat the Lionesses 2-1 in May to top the qualifying group.

Then comes another tough encounter with manager Sarina Wiegman’s native Netherlands four days later, before a game against tournament newcomers Wales on 13 July.

Rhian Wilkinson’s side will be playing at the finals of a major tournament for the first time after beating the Republic of Ireland in a play-off.

They are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at 30 in FIFA’s world rankings and will have their work cut out against Group D opponents England, France and the Netherlands, who sit in fourth, 10th and 11th respectively.

Speaking after the draw, Wiegman said: “I think we have a very interesting, exciting group. It’s very tough.

“You just have to take it as it comes and be ready on 5 July. That’s how I approach it.

“Everyone goes to a tournament to win it and so do we. I’m confident in my team.”

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On facing Wales, she added: “There’ll be some rivalry when we go on the pitch. I’m looking forward to that game.”

The highest-ranked team in the tournament, Spain, who beat England in last year’s World Cup final, were drawn in Group B.

They face neighbours Portugal, as well as Belgium and Italy in their group.

Germany, who were runners-up to England in the last tournament, face Poland, Denmark, and Sweden in Group C, while hosts Switzerland play Norway, Iceland, and Finland.

The 16-team tournament will be held across eight venues in Switzerland from 2-27 July, with Basel hosting the final.

UEFA will publish the full schedule with kick-off times following the draw.

Meanwhile, UEFA has confirmed a huge rise in total prize money for the tournament to €41m (£34m).

A statement read: “The UEFA Executive Committee approved €41m in prize money for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, representing a 156 percent increase on the figure from 2022.

“Participating national associations will now also distribute a guaranteed percentage of the rewards – between 30 percent and 40 percent – to their players for the first time.”