Published: 08/04/2024, updated: 28/07/2025 - by Dylan Jones & Will Sendel
England have done it again, retaining their European crown and cementing their place among the greats of women’s football. The Lionesses have conquered Switzerland and lifted the trophy for a second consecutive time – a feat few imagined, and one that will be remembered for generations.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about what happened in this year’s competition in Switzerland, as well as the format of the tournament and some of the history.
The women's Euros is the second most-watched women’s football tournament globally, behind the Women’s World Cup. Held every four years, the tournament sees Europe’s best national teams battle it out for the continental crown. The qualifiers begin in the Autumn preceding the World Cup year, with a group-stage format determining who enters the tournament.
The 2025 edition of the Women’s Euros was hosted by Switzerland, with matches being played across eight cities, including Zurich, Basel, and Sion.
The group stage for the Euros in Switzerland began on July 2nd and ended on July 13th, with the group table as follows:
· Group A: Switzerland (hosts), Norway, Iceland, Finland.
· Group B: Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy.
· Group C: Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden.
· Group D: France, England (defending champions), Wales, Netherlands.
The final involved England and Spain, with the three lions emerging victorious in Basel.
There are two players who share the honour of being the top Women’s Euros goalscorer, with Inka Grings and Birgit Prinz both having 10 goals apiece. Prinz is one of the most successful players of all time in the Women's Euros, winning the competition five times, scoring four times in 2005 and six times in 2009.
Yes – and now they’ve done it twice in a row! After making history in 2022 by winning their first major title, the Lionesses have successfully defended their crown at Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland. Sarina Wiegman’s side delivered another masterclass, navigating a challenging group and knockout stage before defeating Spain in the final. With back-to-back victories, England have established themselves as a dominant force in European football.
Beginning in 1982, the inaugural Euros competition was won by Sweden, who beat England’s Lionesses on penalties to reign victorious.
In 1987, Norway scooped up the trophy, beating the holders Sweden in the final, which was followed by back-to-back German victories in 1989 (as West Germany) and 1991. In 1993 Norway claimed their second title after a tightly contested final in which they beat the hosts, Italy, 1-0.
From 1995 to 2013, Die Nationalelf enjoyed an astonishing run of success. Beginning by beating Sweden 3-2 to win the 1995 tournament, the following competitions saw them conquer Sweden again, Norway twice, Italy and England to secure six consecutive titles and establish themselves as an almighty force on the international stage.
For 22 years, Germany dominated the Euros as the team to beat, until 2017 when the Netherlands claimed the title for the first time. The Dutch side defeated Denmark in the final, with the Leeuwinnen lifting the trophy on home soil to end Germany’s reign.
The women’s Euros in 2022 was a turning point for the women's game. Hosted by England, the event shattered records, ignited stadiums with roaring crowds, and delivered one of the most memorable finishes in the history of women’s sport. Played across iconic venues including Wembley and Old Trafford, the tournament brought together 16 of Europe’s best teams, all chasing the same dream.
In front of a record-breaking crowd of 87,192 at Wembley Stadium, England defeated eight-time champions Germany in a gripping final that went to extra time. Chloe Kelly etched her name in the history books, scoring the winning goal in the 110th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory and delivering England’s first major women’s football title.
It was a tournament of firsts, with the highest-ever attendance for a Women’s Euro match and tournament. It achieved record-breaking viewing figures across Europe and unprecedented levels of media coverage and public engagement.
The Euros in Switzerland was another record-breaking tournament for the women’s game. Packed stadiums, global viewing figures, and breathtaking football showcased the sport’s incredible growth.
After coming back from behind at half time through an Alessia Russo equaliser, the three lions went all the way to penalties with the score tied at 1-1. Securing a 3-1 victory during a tense shootout, England achieved back-to-back Euros triumph in a historical match.
England’s recent success hasn't just added trophies to the cabinet, it has cemented a dynasty, inspired a generation, shifted public perception, and proved that the women’s game belongs on the biggest stage.