Spain are the overwhelming favourites to win the Women’s Euro 2025 for the first time, according to a panel of Guardian writers, though England are tipped to have a Golden Boot contender in Alessia Russo. The tournament, to be held in Switzerland, sees Spain as the team to beat, with several pundits predicting a final against Germany or England.
Nick Ames believes Spain and a revitalised Germany have the momentum to meet in Basel, despite concerns over Aitana Bonmatí’s illness. He backs Spain to win. Sophie Downey predicts a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final between England and Spain, with her head saying Spain but her heart favouring England. Tom Garry also sees Spain v Germany as the most logical final, citing Spain’s strongest squad, kind group draw and extra rest days.
Emma Hayes picks Spain as winners, with Germany, England or Netherlands as the other top teams. Jonathan Liew envisions Spain beating Sweden in a mid-paced final. Louise Taylor tips France to beat Italy in the final, calling France “serial underachievers” now in hot form. Suzanne Wrack fears England will finish second in their group, face Germany in the quarter-finals, then lose to Spain in the final.
For the Golden Boot, multiple writers back Spain’s Clàudia Pina, who had a brilliant season for Barcelona and finished as top scorer in the Champions League. Nick Ames notes Germany’s Lea Schüller as a formidable spearhead, while Hayes tips Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, praising her development under Renée Slegers. Jonathan Liew suggests France’s Sandy Baltimore as a left-field pick, and Louise Taylor highlights Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who combines precision finishing with physicality.
Dark horses include Iceland, described by Nick Ames as strong and reliable in a winnable Group A, and Italy, who have improved under Andrea Soncin. Tom Garry also mentions Italy as classic dark horses, while Suzanne Wrack notes Vivianne Miedema would be a contender if Netherlands were not in a tricky group.
