England and Wales to face each other and Euro 2025 heavyweights in tough draw
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Holders England and debutants Wales are joined by France and the Netherlands in Group D. England will face debutants Wales, France and the Netherlands at Euro 2025 in Switzerland as the Lionesses kick off the defence of their European crown in a tough group that is bursting with narrative.
![[Former Italy captain and Euros winner Leonardo Bonucci drew England’s name from the hat]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/16/17/newFile-6.jpg)
The Lionesses open their tournament against France in Zurich on Saturday 5 July before Sarina Wiegman faces her native country and former team Netherlands on Wednesday 9 July. England and first-time qualifiers Wales will then meet in a ‘Battle of Britain’ clash in St Gallen on Sunday 12 July, that could well have a say in determining the outcome of a blockbuster Group D.
![[Wiegman won the Euros with the Netherland and England and both teams meet in Group D]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/16/18/GettyImages-1412680232.jpg)
Rhian Wilkinson’s side secured their history place at the tournament by beating the Republic of Ireland in a play-off and they will play their first match against 2017 winners Netherlands on in Lucerne on 5 July. Wiegman’s European champions will know they cannot afford a slow start to their touranment defence when they begin against France, with only the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
It’s the third European in a row in which England have faced another home nation, following a 5-0 victory over Northern Ireland at Euro 2022 and a 6-0 win over Scotland at Euro 2017, but Wales - ranked 26 places behind the Lionesses - will no doubt relish the opportunity of facing the holders.
The Lionesses have history against France and the Netherlands and have met both rivals more recently than neighbours Wales. The Lionesses were pipped to top spot in Euro 2025 qualifying by Les Bleues, who beat England 2-1 at St James’ Park before losing the return fixture by the same scoreline a few days later in Saint-Etienne.
