Category Sports News

Euro 2025 gets under way on 2 July, with 16 teams competing in Switzerland – initially in four groups of four.

Goalkeepers: Tinja-Riika Korpela (Servette), Anna Tamminen (Hammarby), Anna Koivunen (Djurgardens)

Defenders: Natalia Kuikka (Chicago Red Stars), Joanna Tynnila (Brann), Eva Nystrom (West Ham), Emma Koivisto (AC Milan), Nora Heroum (Sampdoria), Nea Lehtola (Brann), Emmi Siren (Nordsjaelland), Maaria Roth (HJK)

Midfielders: Vilma Koivisto (Linkopings), Eveliina Summanen (Tottenham), Oona Siren (West Ham), Olga Ahtinen (Tottenham), Ria Oling (Crystal Palace), Katariina Kosola (Malmo), Adelina Engman (Como)

Goalkeepers: Cecilia Ran Runarsdottir (Inter Milan, on loan from Bayern Munich), Fanney Inga Birkisdottir (BK Hacken), Telma Ivarsdottir (Rangers)

Defenders: Gudny Arnadottir (Kristianstads DFF), Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir (Brondby), Glodis Perla Viggosdottir (Bayern Munich), Gudrun Arnardottir (Rosengard), Natasha Moraa Anasi (Valur)

Midfielders: Sædis Run Heidarsdottir (Valerenga), Aslaug Munda Gunnlaugsdottir (Breidablik), Alexandra Johannsdottir (Kristianstads DFF), Berglind Ros Agustsdottir (Valur), Katla Tryggvadottir (Kristianstads DFF), Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir (Bayer Leverkusen), Dagny Brynjarsdottir (West Ham), Hildur Antonsdottir (Madrid CFF), Sandra Maria Jessen (Þor/KA), Hafrun Rakel Halldorsdottir (Brondby)

Goalkeepers: Cecilie Fiskerstrand (Fiorentina), Aurora Mikalsen (Cologne), Selma Panengstuen (SK Brann)

Defenders: Guro Bergsvand (Wolfsburg), Thea Bjelde (Valerenga), Marit Bratberg Lund (Benfica), Tuva Hansen (Bayern Munich), Mathilde Harviken (Juventus), Maren Mjelde (Everton), Emilie Woldvik (Rosengard)

Midfielders: Vilde Boe Risa (Atletico Madrid), Ingrid Engen (unattached), Signe Gaupset (SK Brann), Justine Kielland (Wolfsburg), Frida Maanum (Arsenal), Lisa Naaslund (Manchester United), Guro Reiten (Chelsea),

Goalkeepers: Nadine Bohi (St Gallen), Elvira Herzog (RB Leipzig), Livia Peng (Werder Bremen)

Defenders: Luana Buhler (Tottenham), Viola Calligaris (Juventus), Noelle Maritz (Aston Villa), Nadine Riesen (Eintracht Frankfurt), Julia Stierli (Freiburg)

Midfielders: Noemi Ivelj (Grasshoppers), Sandrine Mauron (Servette), Coumba Sow (Basel), Smilla Vallotto (Hammarby), Lia Walti (Arsenal), Riola Xhemaili (PSV Eindhoven)

Goalkeepers: Femke Bastiaen (FC Utrecht), Nicky Evrard (PSV Eindhoven), Lisa Lichtfus (Le Havre)

Defenders: Janice Cayman (Leicester City), Laura Deloose (Anderlecht), Isabelle Iliano (Club YLA), Jill Janssens (Hoffenheim), Sari Kees (Leicester City), Zenia Mertens (OH Leuven), Davina Philtjens (Sassuolo), Amber Tysiak (West Ham)

Midfielders: Tine De Caigny (Anderlecht), Marie Detruyer (Inter Milan), Elena Dhont (Sassuolo), Kassandra Missipo (Sassuolo), Jarne Teulings (Feyenoord), Justine Vanhaevermaet (Everton), Sarah Wijnants (Anderlecht)

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Inter Milan), Francesca Durante (Fiorentina), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan)

Defenders: Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Roma), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Julie Piga (AC Milan), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus)

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Bayern Munich), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Eleonora Goldoni (Lazio), Giada Greggi (Roma), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Annamaria Serturini (Inter Milan), Emma Severini (Fiorentina)

Goalkeepers: Adriana Naclares (Athletic Club), Cata Coll (Barcelona), Esther Sullastres (Sevilla)

Defenders: Laia Aleixandri (unattached), Ona Battle (Barcelona), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), Jana Fernandez (Barcelona), Maria Mendez (Real Madrid), Leila Ouahabi (Manchester City), Irene Paredes (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona), Vicky Lopez (Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), Maite Zubieta (Athletic Bilbao)

Goalkeepers: Ines Pereira (Everton), Patricia Morais (Braga) and Sierra Cota-Yarde (Toronto)

Defenders: Ana Seica (Tigres), Diana Gomes (Sevilla), Catarina Amado (Benfica), Carole Costa (Benfica), Carolina Correia (Torreense), Lucia Alves (Benfica), Ana Borges (Sporting Lisbon), Joana Marchao (Servette)

Midfielders: Andreia Jacinto (Real Sociedad), Tatiana Pinto (Atletico Madrid), Andreia Faria (Benfica), Andreia Norton (Benfica), Fatima Pinto (Sporting Lisbon), Beatriz Fonseca (Sporting Lisbon), Francisca Nazareth (Barcelona) and Dolores Silva (Braga)

Goalkeepers: Ann Katrin-Berger (Gotham FC), Stina Johannes (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ena Mahmutovic (Bayern Munich)

Defenders: Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich), Kathrin Hendrich (Chicago Stars), Franziska Kett (Bayern Munich), Sophia Kleinherne (Eintracht Frankfurt), Rebecca Knaak (Manchester City), Sarai Linder (Wolfsburg), Janina Minge (Wolfsburg), Carlotta Wamser (Bayer LeverKusen)

Midfielders: Sara Dabritz (Lyon), Linda Dallmann (Bayern Munich), Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich), Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea), Elisa Senss (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Goalkeepers: Natalia Radkiewicz (Pogon Szczecin), Kinga Szemik (West Ham), Kinga Seweryn (GKS Katowice)

Defenders: Kayla Adamek (Ottawa Rapid), Paulina Dudek (Paris St-Germain), Sylwia Matysik (FC Koln), Emilia Szymczak (Barcelona), Martyna Wiankowska (FC Koln), Oliwia Wos (Basel), Wiktoria Zieniewicz (Basel)

Midfielders: Adriana Achcinska (FC Koln), Martyna Brodzik (Pogon Szczecin), Dominika Grabowska (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), Ewelina Kamczyk (FC Fleury 91), Milena Kokosz (Asane), Tanja Pawollek (Eintracht Frankfurt), Klaudia Słowinska (GKS Katowice)

Goalkeepers: Alberte Vingum (HB Koge), Kathrine Larsen (Sampdoria), Maja Bay Ostergaard (Vaxjo)

Defenders: Emma Faerge (Fiorentina), Frederikke Thogersen (Roma), Isabella Obaze (Portland Thorns), Katrine Veje (Crystal Palace), Sanne Troelsgaard (Roma), Sara Holmgaard (Everton), Sara Thrige (PSV Eindhoven), Stine Ballisager (Fiorentina)

Midfielders: Emma Snerle (Fiorentina), Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals), Josefine Hasbo (Gotham FC), Karen Holmgaard (Everton), Kathrine Kuhl (Roma), Rikke Madsen (Everton)

Goalkeepers: Tove Enblom (Valerenga), Jennifer Falk (BK Hacken), Emma Holmgren (Levante)

Defenders: Jonna Andersson (Linkoping), Nathalie Bjorn (Chelsea), Magdalena Eriksson (Bayern Munich), Smilla Holmberg (Hammarby), Amanda Ilestedt (unattached), Hanna Lunfkvist (San Diego Wave), Amanda Nilden (Tottenham), Linda Sembrant (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Filippa Angeldahl (Real Madrid), Hanna Bennison (Juventus), Sofia Jakobsson (London City Lionesses), Madelen Janogy (Fiorentina), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea), Julia Zigiotti Olme (Bayern Munich)

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Jess Park (Manchester City)

Goalkeepers: Danielle de Jong (Twente), Lize Kop (Tottenham), Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal)

Defenders: Veerle Buurman (Chelsea), Kerstin Casparij (Man City), Caitlin Dijkstra (Wolfsburg), Dominique Janssen (Manchester United), Ilse van der Zanden (Utrecht), Lynn Wilms (Wolfsburg)

Midfielders: Damaris Egurrola (Lyon), Jackie Groenen (PSG), Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea), Victoria Pelova (Arsenal),Jill Roord (Man City), Sherida Spitse (Ajax), Danielle van de Donk (Lyon)

Goalkeepers: Justine Lerond (Montpellier), Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus), Constance Picaud (FC Fleury 91)

Defenders: Selma Bacha (Lyon), Lou Bogaert (Paris FC), Elisa De Almeida (Paris St-Germain), Maelle Lakrar (Real Madrid), Griedge Mbock (Paris St-Germain), Melween N’Dongala (Paris St-Germain), Thiniba Samoura (Paris St-Germain), Alice Sombath (Lyon)

Midfielders: Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea), Grace Geyoro (Paris St-Germain), Oriane Jean-Francois (Chelsea), Sakina Karchaoui (Paris St-Germain), Amel Majri (Lyon), Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid)

Goalkeepers: Olivia Clark (Leicester City), Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United), Poppy Soper (unattached)

Defenders: Charlie Estcourt (DC Power), Gemma Evans (Liverpool), Josie Green (Crystal Palace), Hayley Ladd (Everton), Esther Morgan (Sheffield United), Ella Powell (Bristol City), Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign)

Midfielders: Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Alice Griffiths (unattached), Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Sophie Ingle (unattached), Angharad James (Seattle Reign), Lois Joel (Newcastle United), Rachel Rowe (Southampton)

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.

The fixtures for the 2025-26 English Football League season will be released at 12:00 BST on Thursday.

Relegated Premier League sides Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester will be joined in the Championship by promoted Birmingham, Charlton and Wrexham, who return to the second tier for the first time in more than 40 years after three straight promotions.

In League One, Cardiff and Plymouth will be looking to secure an immediate return to the second tier along with Luton, who suffered their second consecutive relegation to come down with them on a dramatic final day.

In League Two, Barnet and Oldham will be making their EFL return after winning promotion from the National League last season.

All fixtures will be on the BBC Sport website and app as soon as they are announced.

The start to the new EFL season will be split over the weekends of 1-3 August for League One and League Two and 8-10 August in the Championship.

The scheduled 46 rounds of Championship matches will take place across 33 weekends, nine midweeks and four bank holidays.

Leagues One and Two matches will be played over 33 weekends, five midweeks and eight bank holidays and international break dates.

Can relegated Premier League sides bounce back?

For the second year in a row, last season saw the three teams who had been promoted from the Championship all relegated straight back. Before 2023-24 that had not happened since Barnsley, Bolton and Crystal Palace all immediately went down in 1997-98.

It’s a new era in the dugout at Southampton, where Will Still takes over, while Kieran McKenna remains in charge at Ipswich, as does Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester, for now.

After narrowly missing out on an instant return to the Premier League, courtesy of a dramatic play-off final defeat by Sunderland, Sheffield United have parted ways with Chris Wilder and brought in Ruben Selles to lead their charge for promotion.

High hopes at promoted sides

Birmingham, Wrexham and Charlton might have differing ambitions after being promoted to the second tier.

Blues and the Red Dragons might be dreaming of emulating Ipswich – whom they will face in the Championship this season – in following promotion from League One with an instant ascent to the Premier League the following season.

In their first season in the second tier since 1982, Phil Parkinson’s men are seeking a fourth successive promotion, though Charlton, who return to the division after five years away, and boss Nathan Jones’ first target is likely to be survival.

Cardiff won’t enjoy being Wales’ third-ranked EFL side and will have their sights on an instant return to the Championship, along with Luton and Plymouth, who now have Tom Cleverley in charge.

Barnet and Oldham return to League Two after seven and three years away, respectively, following their promotion from the National League.

New faces

It’s been all change in the dugout since the end of the season, especially in the Championship.

After losing the play-off final, Sheffield United chose to replace Wilder with Selles, who had been sacked by Hull despite guiding the Tigers to safety.

Sergej Jakirovic has been installed as boss at the MKM Stadium, while after play-off semi-final disappointment, Bristol City boss Liam Manning opted to fill the vacancy at home town club Norwich, with Gerhard Struber replacing him at Ashton Gate.

Still’s first job in England is at Southampton, while Ryan Mason’s first permanent managerial job comes at West Bromwich Albion.

Defender Max Aarons hopes to “bring a new energy” after joining Rangers on loan from Bournemouth for the 2025-26 season.

The 25-year-old right-back has become Russell Martin’s first signing at Ibrox despite reported interest from the Premier League and Championship.

Aarons, who played for England at under-21 level, will challenge Rangers captain James Tavernier for a starting place in the absence of the injured Dujon Sterling.

“I can’t wait to get going”, said the Londoner, who spent the latter part of last season in La Liga with Valencia.

“I’ve got a lot of experience in different leagues and I have played a lot of games.

Aarons joined Bournemouth from Norwich City in 2023 in a deal reported to be worth £7m, and ended last season on a six-month loan to Valencia.

He made four appearances for the side who finished 12th in La Liga and the Spanish club decided against taking up an option to buy.

Bournemouth rejected a £6m offer from Southampton for the defender when new Rangers head coach Martin was head coach at St Mary’s last July.

By then, Aarons had made 23 appearances – 15 of them starts – in his first season with Bournemouth. But last season he played only four times – two from the bench.

” Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player, “Martin said.

Rangers fans, what do you think of the signing of Aarons?