Euro 2025: How have England evolved? What are Wales’ chances?

There is just one week to go until the start of the Women’s Euros.

Defending champions England head to Switzerland as one of the tournament favourites despite a chaotic build-up, while Wales make their debut at a major women’s tournament.

We asked women’s football fans on Reddit for their questions for BBC Sport women’s football news reporter Emma Sanders about the tournament.

How do you think England’s squad has evolved since the last major tournament, and who do you see as the key player this time around? Reddit user: Moyesy1982

It’s interesting because I don’t think there’s as much depth but I think the talent has got stronger with some incredibly gifted youngsters breaking through. Grace Clinton, Jess Park and Aggie Beever-Jones are great examples of that. But I think they are light in midfield and they don’t have as much pace in the backline. I don’t think those issues were quite as glaring in 2022.

I’m a Wales fan – what do you make of our chances? hairiestlemon

Are there any teams or players that you feel could ‘break out’ and rise to a higher level this summer? Volotor

I’m really excited to see how Salma Paralluelo gets on. She’s a big name in Barcelona and Spain because she was part of the squads that won back-to-back Champions League trophies, before playing a key role at the 2023 World Cup.

I don’t think she’s spoken about enough globally, despite winning the young player of the tournament in Australia.

A player you wish was playing but isn’t because of injury, not being called up etc? NewAccountNow

I would have loved to have seen Portugal’s attacking star Kika Nazareth. I think she is a key player for them and will be missing because of a serious ankle injury she picked up while playing with Barcelona towards the end of the season.

How do you think the Lionesses will deal with the expectations from both inside and outside the camp? Do you think there’s added pressure from the UK media to retain the trophy, or are they being realistic? CosmicPenguin31

Certainly from my perspective, I think the general consensus among the media is that Spain are tournament favourites. With England’s tough group, and the chaotic build-up for the squad with player withdrawals, I think expectations externally are lower.

What’s it like covering a tournament on the ground? Do you have any favourite behind-the-scenes moments from the past Euros or World Cups? And do reporters tend to form a kind of travelling community over the course of a month-long tournament? HakunaMateta25

It’s so much fun but very intense too. You do spend a lot of time with the other journalists and I’m lucky that there are some incredible people working in women’s football who I consider close friends. We share travel itineraries, give each other restaurant recommendations and tips for local transport.

We often have various WhatsApp groups for things like social activities, travel and reporting (the dreaded embargo agreement chats). We usually get a clear day off and night in between the group stage and knockout rounds which we use to switch off and meet up for a big social night, usually going out for dinner.

Who do you think will be victorious? I think it’s Spain’s to lose but would love to hear your thoughts! AwayDays365

I agree, Spain are heavy favourites. I personally think Germany will win. I just have a feeling that having missed out three years ago, they are up to it this time.

How do you think England will do at the Euros? Especially with everything that has gone on recently. kjcross1997

Who is your underdog pick to make it out of the group stage at the Euros? ejst21

A left-field tip is Iceland. They are in a kind group. A lot will look at Norway as favourites to progress from Group A but they have often struggled at major tournaments. Hosts Switzerland will have lots of pressure on them, but also support from a home crowd.