By Simon Wilkes
England will defend their UEFA Women’s European Championship crown in Switzerland this summer – having won it three years ago at Wembley.
Sarina Wiegman will be aiming for back-to-back glory – but the make-up of her Lionesses team will be lacking the experience of Mary Earps (aka ‘The Queen of Stops’), Fran Kirby, and star defender Millie Bright, who withdrew from squad selection earlier this week.
Kirby has stepped away from international duty, Bright will watch from home, and goalkeeping icon Earps has hung up her gloves after a defining international career.
But England are not the only storyline – and much drama and excitement will unfold on and off the pitch from July 2-27.
The 14th edition of the tournament will showcase the very best of European women’s football, as 16 national teams compete for continental glory.
A tournament built on momentum
Women’s football has never been more visible, vibrant, and compelling.
Switzerland, hosting its first major women’s tournament, is ready to build on the extraordinary success of Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup.
With eight cities staging matches – including Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and St. Gallen – the stage is set for a month of world-class football against one of Europe’s most scenic backdrops.
Over 700,000 tickets are available across the 31 matches, offering supporters from across the continent a chance to be part of history.
READ MORE: The Eurozone expands – Bulgaria to join in 2026
Group stage drama
The tournament kicks off on July 2, with the group stage running until the 11th.
The format sees four groups of four, with the top two progressing to the quarter-finals.
England’s group is arguably the toughest of all – a true “Group of Death” featuring France, Wales, and the Netherlands.
It’s a gauntlet for Wiegman’s team, but one they must survive if they’re to repeat the heroics of Wembley 2022.
Hosts Switzerland open their campaign against Norway, while reigning World Cup champions Spain lock horns with Portugal in another Iberian derby.
Denmark vs Sweden adds a fierce Nordic edge to Group B.
Players to watch
All eyes will be on reigning champions England, who have evolved since their historic win in 2022.
New stars have emerged, while veterans like Leah Williamson and Lauren Hemp remain central figures.
Germany, wounded after falling short in recent campaigns, arrive with renewed hunger, led by dynamic captain Giulia Gwinn.
France, Spain, and Sweden all carry expectations, while Switzerland, as hosts, will aim to channel the crowd and shock the continent.
The final, to be played on July 27 in Geneva, promises to be a celebration – not just of a new champion, but of how far the women’s game has come.
READ NEXT: Man Utd transfer news: Bruno Fernandes staying, Bryan Mbeumo keen on move
James Mario Ajero 
Newsjustnews writers