As the second round of group-stage fixtures unfolds at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, both England and Wales find themselves in perilous positions after opening defeats. While world champions Spain have cruised through their group with trademark dominance, it’s now do-or-die for the home nations.
Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, with those finishing third and fourth heading home. In the event of teams finishing level on points, rankings will be determined by head-to-head results first, followed by goal difference, goals scored, disciplinary records, and, if needed, their standings from the European qualifiers.
With the competition heating up, here’s a look at how the groups currently stand — in reverse alphabetical order.
Group D: Must-win games for England and Wales
Remaining fixtures (BST):
- England v Netherlands – 9 July, 17:00
- France v Wales – 9 July, 20:00
- England v Wales & Netherlands v France – 13 July, 20:00
The pressure is mounting for England, who must beat the Netherlands to stay in contention. Should they lose, and France avoid defeat against Wales, the Lionesses will crash out at the group stage — a dramatic fall for the reigning champions.
For Wales, making their debut at a major tournament, the task is equally daunting. They will be eliminated if they lose to France and the Netherlands secure any sort of result against England.
The Netherlands, champions in 2017, can secure their place in the last eight with a win over England, as long as France avoid defeat. Meanwhile, France will go through if they beat Wales and England fail to beat the Dutch.
Group C: Germany lead as Denmark and Poland walk a tightrope
Remaining fixtures (BST):
- Germany v Denmark – 8 July, 17:00
- Poland v Sweden – 8 July, 20:00
- Poland v Denmark & Sweden v Germany – 12 July, 20:00
Eight-time European champions Germany will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat Denmark and Poland fail to defeat Sweden.
Sweden, who have reached the knockouts in each of the last eight editions, will also progress if they win and Germany avoid defeat.
Both Poland and Denmark are walking a fine line — defeat in their next match could prove terminal to their campaigns.
Group B: Spain progress, Belgium bow out
Remaining fixtures (BST):
- Italy v Spain – 11 July, 20:00
- Portugal v Belgium – 11 July, 20:00
Spain have lived up to expectations, brushing aside both Belgium and Portugal to become the second team to confirm a place in the last eight. A draw with Italy will be enough to see them top Group B.
Italy will go through as group winners if they beat Spain, or as runners-up with a draw. For Portugal, progression is still mathematically possible but highly improbable — they must beat Belgium, hope Italy lose, and overturn a six-goal deficit in the process.
Belgium, having lost both matches, are already out of the competition.
Group A: Norway through, Finland and Switzerland in a scrap for second
Remaining fixtures (BST):
- Finland v Switzerland – 10 July, 20:00
- Norway v Iceland – 10 July, 20:00
Norway became the first team to reach the quarter-finals following a second win, this time over Finland. With a superior head-to-head record, they are assured top spot in Group A.
Switzerland — the host nation — need only a point against Finland to progress, thanks to a better goal difference. Finland, however, could still snatch second place with a win.
Iceland are already out, following back-to-back defeats.
At a Glance: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Qualified for Quarter-Finals:
- Norway
- Spain
Eliminated:
- Iceland
- Belgium
The stakes couldn’t be higher for England and Wales as the group stage nears its conclusion. With knockout hopes hanging by a thread, both sides need results — and favours — to avoid an early flight home. Meanwhile, Europe’s elite continue to show why they’re considered title contenders in what’s shaping up to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
