Can the Lionesses conquer Europe again, or will the Swiss adventure turn into an uphill struggle?
Lionesses Set for Swiss Showdown: Can England Roar Again at Euro 2025?
Back in the Lion’s Den
England’s Lionesses are back on the prowl. Three years after conquering Europe in front of a delirious Wembley crowd, they’re hopping over to Switzerland with dreams of doing it all over again. But make no mistake—this isn’t a leisurely hike through the Alps. Oh no, this is more like hiking up Ben Nevis blindfolded, with dodgy boots and a few sprained ankles.
The 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship kicks off on 2 July, with 16 nations sharpening their claws for the biggest event of the women’s football summer. Among them, England, reigning champions, are eyeing something quite rare in the beautiful game: a successful title defence.
England’s Quest: One Wiegman Army
Under the cool, calm and quietly ruthless guidance of Sarina Wiegman, England are hoping to achieve what no side has managed since the Germans in 2013—lift back-to-back titles. Wiegman, who has seemingly never lost her passport at a major tournament, brings with her an air of calm authority. She’s the kind of manager who could probably get a tantruming toddler to do a Sudoku.
Her squad boasts plenty of battle-hardened veterans from the unforgettable 2022 triumph—13 of them, to be exact. But this time around, things have been anything but smooth sailing. Picture trying to butter toast with a spoon—that’s how England’s build-up has gone.
Absentees and Aches: The Bumps in the Road
Gone are the safe hands of Mary Earps, who’s traded in her gloves for the tranquillity of retirement. Fran Kirby, one of the creative sparks in 2022, has also hung up her boots. And then there’s Millie Bright, whose injury has left a sizeable gap in England’s defensive wall. It’s all a bit like turning up at Glastonbury only to find out your tent poles are missing.
Throw in a rather unpleasant Group D featuring the formidable France, the always-tricky Dutch, and plucky debutants Wales—and suddenly, a stroll to the final in Basel on 27 July looks more like a treacherous alpine scramble.
Still, let’s not panic. We’re British. We carry on, make tea, and believe in Alessia Russo.
Russo, Hemp and the Attacking Spark
Speaking of Russo—she’s still got that killer instinct in front of goal, like a fox loose in a chicken coop. Add the energetic and ever-dangerous Lauren Hemp into the mix, and England certainly aren’t lacking up front. They’ve got the firepower. It’s just whether the rest of the engine is still humming like a well-oiled Bentley—or more like a knackered Ford Fiesta.
The Odds: Free Bets, Favourites and Familiar Foes
Now, for those partial to a flutter—because let’s face it, what’s a summer tournament without putting your faith in the home side and yelling at the telly—leading UK bookmaker William Hill is serving up a rather enticing new customer offer: Bet £10 and you’ll bag £30 in free bets. Ideal if you fancy backing the Lionesses, or fancy a sneaky each-way punt on Sweden causing havoc.
According to the current odds, Spain lead the betting charge at a tasty 2/1, thanks to their World Cup trophy and Nations League trophy gleaming in the cabinet. England and Germany are both hovering around 5/1—well within striking distance if you believe in tournament pedigree over pre-tournament headlines.
France come in at 6/1, while Sweden lurk quietly at 16/1. So if you’re after value with a sprinkle of unpredictability, the Swedes might be worth a look. Just remember—free bet bonuses are best enjoyed when your emotional investment isn’t so high that you start shouting at referees through the screen.
Group of Grit: France, the Dutch, and Wales
Let’s talk Group D. And yes, it’s about as cosy as a damp tent in Snowdonia. France have been imperious this year—not a single loss on the books—and arrive with the kind of form that makes opposition analysts twitch nervously.
The Netherlands? A team England have battled with before. They’re always physical, always organised, and always capable of sneaking past you like someone queue-jumping at a festival toilet.
And then there’s Wales. Making their Euros debut, they’ll be up for it like a terrier chasing a postman. And as we all know, those who’ve got nothing to lose can be the most dangerous of the lot.
Spain: The Team to Beat?
Spain, meanwhile, have rocked up to the tournament wearing the favourites tag with pride—and why wouldn’t they? With technical maestros like Aitana Bonmatí and Claudia Pina dictating play and slicing through defences like a hot knife through butter, they’ve every right to feel confident.
Yes, there’s the small matter of previous tournament wobbles and the notable absence of Jenni Hermoso, but they’ve got momentum on their side. Momentum, and a midfield that passes with the precision of a Swiss watch.
They’re expected to win Group B with their eyes closed and a leg in plaster, and they probably will. But tournament football, as we all know, isn’t always that simple. Just ask the England men’s team.
England’s Odds: Worth the Wager?
Despite the knocks, the niggles, and a group draw that feels like a cruel joke, England are still firmly in the mix at 5/1. That’s the same price you’ll get for Germany, and a few whisperings from bookmaker circles suggest the Lionesses remain a popular punt among punters looking to turn their free bet bonuses into something more substantial.
Sarina Wiegman has never lost a match at the Euros. Let that sink in. She’s like the Mary Poppins of football management—practically perfect in every way, except maybe for the whole lack-of-defenders issue.
With Russo, Hemp, and a core of players who’ve seen it all, England still have the kind of tournament experience you simply can’t buy. Unless, of course, you’ve got William Hill’s £30 in free bets handy and fancy buying yourself a thrill or three over the next few weeks.
Final Thoughts: Alpine Ambitions
So here we are, on the eve of another footballing summer. The Swiss Alps loom in the background, and so do the ghosts of tournaments past. Can England go back-to-back? Can they overcome the injuries, the awkward group, and the formidable opponents waiting in the knockout stages?
If you’re a romantic, you’ll say yes. If you’re a realist, you’ll mutter something about Spain’s midfield and Germany’s steel. But if you’re a punter? You’ll take a long look at that 5/1, cash in your William Hill new customer offer, and let the free bets ride on the Lionesses doing what they do best—defying expectations and winning hearts.
Because if there’s one thing this England team loves, it’s a challenge. And if there’s one thing we love, it’s watching them rise to it—preferably with a brew in one hand, a bet slip in the other, and no VAR nonsense to spoil the party.
Let the Euros begin. 🏴
