As the UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 tournament approaches, our experts have weighed in with their predictions. Given the host country is Switzerland, anticipate our forecasts might have a few gaps, much like Swiss cheese. Our editorial team and Attacking Third analysts offer varied perspectives on potential outcomes and top individual performers for the upcoming competition.
However, there`s broad agreement on one point: a clear top three. Reigning champions England, 2023 World Cup winners Spain, and 2024 Olympic bronze medalists Germany are widely seen as the leading contenders across most categories. Recent team performance, player retirements, and ongoing injuries all contribute to the uncertainty surrounding how teams will fare. This inherent unpredictability has led to diverse opinions among our analysts, underscoring a fundamental truth about tournament football: always expect the unexpected.
Winner: Spain
Following their Women`s World Cup victory two years ago, Spain has cemented its status as a dominant force in women`s football and arrives at the Euros poised to build a lasting legacy. Consequently, they are not merely a team to observe but the primary opponent to overcome. They feature a deep and talented squad for the tournament, spearheaded by Aitana Bonmati and including a mix of successful World Cup veterans such as Esther Gonzalez and emerging stars like Claudia Pina. While Bonmati`s recovery from meningitis might initially affect her minutes, coach Montse Tome has ample talent available to cover her absence early on. It`s genuinely challenging not to select Spain as the eventual champions. — Pardeep Cattry
Second place: Germany
Germany has effectively bounced back from their underwhelming performance at the 2023 World Cup, where they exited in the group stage. They now appear well-positioned to continue this resurgence with a strong challenge at the Euros. Despite his limited background in women`s football, head coach Christian Wuck performed capably in what was originally a temporary assignment, capitalizing on the team`s bronze medal finish at last year`s Olympics to secure a longer tenure. His task is made easier by a formidable player roster. Lea Schuller, fresh from a successful season with Bayern Munich, is expected to contend for the tournament`s top scorer award, while Ann-Katrin Berger`s excellent form in the NWSL has established her as the national team`s first-choice goalkeeper. — Pardeep Cattry
Third place: England
The reigning champions are unquestionably a significant threat, yet winning the Euros is tough, and defending the title is even harder. Placed in what is widely regarded as the `Group of Death` alongside France, Netherlands, and Wales, the Lionesses face demanding early fixtures that could impact their energy levels later in the competition. While they benefit from the experience of many players from their successful 2022 campaign, which will be crucial over a lengthy tournament, the overall level of competition this year is exceptionally high. — Sandra Herrera
Golden boot: Lea Schuller, Germany
Germany`s forward, Lea Schuller, is considered a leading candidate for the Golden Boot at Euro 2025, thanks to her precise finishing and aerial ability. Her team`s group includes opponents like Poland and Denmark, known for less robust defenses, presenting an excellent opportunity for early goals. In contrast, other potential top scorers, such as England`s Alessia Russo or France`s Marie Antoinette Katoto, are in a much more challenging Group D and will face stronger defenses early on. This provides Schuller with an ideal situation to accumulate goals and establish herself as the tournament`s leading scorer. — Sandra Herrera
Player of the tournament: Aitana Bonmati
Although meningitis might sideline her initially, Aitana Bonmati is back in training and expected to reaffirm her status as a premier midfielder once she joins the action for Spain. The reigning Ballon d`Or recipient is the widely acknowledged linchpin of Spain`s strategy, possessing unparalleled midfield skills that simplify goal-scoring opportunities for their numerous attacking players. With her presence on the field, Spain becomes the clear favorite to win the championship. — Pardeep Cattry
Breakout player: Claudia Pina
This forward is likely past her days as primarily a substitute. Given the uncertainty surrounding Bonmati`s health due to meningitis and her potential absence in the group stage, the coaching staff will need to modify their preferred starting eleven. The 23-year-old finished as the top scorer in the 2024-25 Champions League with 10 goals, and the disappointment of Barcelona`s second-place finish will undoubtedly fuel her determination. — Sandra Herrera
Golden glove: Ann-Katrin Berger
Among the few NWSL players participating in the Euros, the 34-year-old`s transfer to NJ/NY Gotham FC has been instrumental in her becoming Germany`s primary goalkeeper. She has excelled for both club and country since her 2024 move. Berger played a crucial role in Germany`s Olympic bronze medal success and earned the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award, solidifying her position as one of the top goalkeepers heading into the Euros. She is a goalkeeper who demonstrably impacts her team`s performance, and uniquely, can contribute offensively if required – she famously converted a penalty in Germany`s Olympic quarterfinal win against Canada last year, showcasing another dimension to her impressive skills. — Pardeep Cattry
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley