England have been handed a tough EURO2025 qualifying group as they strive to reach next summer’s tournament in Switzerland. The Lionesses are the current holders of the European Championships title – but having been drawn in Group A3 alongside France, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, even qualifying for the tournament is not a given for Sarina Wiegman’s side.
In Group B2, Scotland will face Serbia, Slovakia and Israel – while Northern Ireland will have to fend off competition from Portugal, Malta and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B3. Wales find themselves in Group B4, with trips to Croatia, Ukraine and Kosovo awaiting new head coach Rhian Wilkinson.
A disappointing campaign in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League resulted in the Lionesses missing out on participation at the 2024 Olympics, scheduled to be held in France this summer – and Sarina Wiegman will be keen for her England side to return to winning ways after they narrowly lost the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final in August.
Qualifying for EURO2025 commences next month and will conclude in July, with each nation playing six games – three at home, and three away. That will of course not be the case for teams in League C5, which consists of just three nations.
The two two teams from the four groups in League A will be granted automatic qualification to EURO2025, while the remaining sides in the top division will be left to navigate through the playoffs. For teams in Leagues B and C, they are merely fighting for a place in the playoffs – as there are no automatic qualification berths in either of those divisions.
Fixture dates for EURO2025 qualifiers have not yet been confirmed, but should be unveiled later this week.
