Prediction: England Women to win the group
Best Odds: 13/2
England and Wales will lock horns with each other at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 finals this weekend. The Group D match between Sarina Wiegman’s side and Rhian Wilkinson’s team will be held at the AFG Arena in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time on Sunday.
England
England have one of the strongest women’s teams in the world and have some of the biggest names. The Lionesses won the UEFA Women’s Championship in 2022 and will fancy their chances of going all the way this time around.
Sarina Wiegman’s side, though, have made a disappointing start to their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign. England kicked off their Group D campaign with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of France at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich.
England will take on the Netherlands in Zurich on Wednesday before facing Wales this weekend. BBC Sport football expert and former England international goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis has backed them to win 2-1 against the Dutch.
Brown-Finnis told BBC Sport: “England started well against France but after having a goal ruled out for offside they were just not good enough in the first half.
“The Lionesses improved and dominated possession after the break but still didn’t manage any shots on target until the closing stages.
“That defeat means this is a must-win game for them but, if they are going to beat the Netherlands, they will have to be much better at the basics.
“Too many simple passes went astray on Saturday night, and we didn’t see the kind of sharp and polished England performance that we have become used to.
“We know England can be better, and I do think they will be much improved against the Dutch, but they will have to be careful because Vivianne Miedema looked like she is back to her best with her brilliant goal that broke the deadlock against Wales.
“It was a reminder of her class, and also how she is not a player who needs loads of chances, but makes her opportunities count – which is why she has scored 100 goals and counting for her country.
“Miedema can sometimes look disinterested, or seem uninvolved, but that’s just how she plays – it means she is sometimes underestimated, when she is always dangerous.
“I still believe England will rise to the challenge, however, even if manager Sarina Wiegman may have to review the tactics she used against France – they looked much more threatening when Michelle Agyemang came on late on, compared to when Alessia Russo was up top on her own.
“When it comes down to games like this, where they have to get the three points, I would always back England and Wiegman to find a way of winning.”
Team News:
England are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Wales. Hannah Hampton will be in goal and will have Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter in front of him in defence. Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh and Lauren James will be deployed in midfield. Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Beth Mead will be the three forwards.
Wales
Wales are not expected to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, and given how they have started Group D, it is hard to see them progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands at the Swissporarena in Lucerne and had a very poor game. A win against England is a must for Wales if they are to stand a chance of going through to the next round.
Wales will take on France in St. Gallen on Wednesday before facing England this weekend. BBC Sport football expert and former England international goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis has backed France to win against 3-0 against Wales.
Brown-Finnis told BBC Sport: “France were worthy winners against England. They got a bit of momentum in the first half, and took control.
“Wales will know what to expect after watching that game, because Les Bleues looked pumped, and never gave England any easy possession of the ball at all, but stopping France is a huge ask – they looked fresh and fiery and their intensity and work-rate was simply relentless.
“Wales had a way of playing against the Dutch that worked for a while – they defended in numbers, worked hard and pressed hard, and tried to attack on the break when they won the ball back – but they couldn’t sustain it.
“They found out the hard way what happens when you give players like Miedema too much space and time on the edge of your area, and if they drop off against France, then their quality will shine through too.”
Team News:
Wales are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against England. Olivia Clark will be in goal. Josie Green, Rhiannon Roberts, Gemma Evans and Lily Woodham will be the four defenders. Angharad James-Turner, Jess Fishlock and Hayley Ladd will be deployed in midfield. Ceri Holland, Hannah Cain and Esther Morgan will be the three forwards.
Key Factors to Consider
- England had 56% of the possession against France.
- England made 42 attacking moves against France.
- England had 12 attempts at the France goal.
- Wales had 34% of the possession against the Netherlands.
- Wales made 27 attacking moves against the Netherlands.
Conclusion
England have a better team than Wales, and it is very likely that The Lionesses will pick up all three points against The Dragons.
Prediction: England Women to win the group
Best Odds: 13/2
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