It’s time for me to bid farewell for today. I’ll direct you over to Barry Glendenning who is on hand to guide you through the opening match of Euro 2025 between Iceland and Finland. Enjoy!
And as we gear up to watch the hosts in action for the first time at 8pm GMT this evening, here are our team guides for Switzerland and Norway:
To get you prepared for the opening match at 5pm GMT this afternoon, here are our team guides for Iceland and Finland:
And if you want more of that, sign up to get the Football Daily newsletter sent straight to your inbox every afternoon.
Be sure to give the latest Football Daily newsletter a read, whereby Barry Glendenning talks Swiss clichés, Newcastle, flags and the unlikely meeting between Thomas Tuchel and Roy Hodgson.
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Finland and Iceland fans are lining the streets already.
The stage is almost set for the opening match between Iceland and Finland. Fans will have quite the view when they arrive at Stockhorn Arena in Thun later this afternoon!
In case you needed a little refresher of the groups…
Group A:
Finland
Iceland
Norway
Switzerland
Group B:
Belgium
Italy
Portugal
Spain
Group C:
Denmark
Germany
Poland
Sweden
Group D:
England
France
Netherlands
Wales
This is your two hour warning. Two hours until Euro 2025 officially begins!
A reminder of the games taking place this evening, with the opening ceremony happening before Switzerland’s meeting with Norway, which kicks off at 8pm BST…
Iceland v Finland
Switzerland v Norway
In case you missed our Euro 2025 stadium guide and want to give it a read, let me point you in the right direction…
More on Joao Pedro’s move to Chelsea…
Alexandra has emailed in regarding the stadiums that will be used at Euro 2025 this month:
“Just reading the stadium guide and it really stood out to me how small the stadiums are. The first game today is at a stadium with a capacity under 10,000 and the final only has 34k. Do you think this lack of capacity is going to have a negative effect on the tournament? I’m worried it will not do the growth of the game justice and won’t translate to an exciting tournament.”
I can see both positives and negatives with regards to the stadium situation. Of course we want to see the biggest games played at the biggest grounds, but on the other hand, the atmosphere can be just as good – sometimes even better – at smaller ones. Take Meadow Park, for example - Arsenal don’t play there as frequently any more but whenever they do the fans create a fantastic atmosphere that almost becomes intimidating for the opposing team. Not only are we seeing an increase in women’s football fans, but also a rise in the passion they have for the sport.
All-but nine games in Switzerland this summer are completely sold-out, with a record of at least 600,000 tickets sold. I think it would arguably be worse if bigger stadiums were used but they were half-full. Regardless of the crowd size, we’re in for a great tournament!
Discussing his move to Chelsea, Joao Pedro said: “Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history. They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win.”
Chelsea sign Joao Pedro
Chelsea have announced the £60million signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton. The 23-year-old has signed a seven-year deal with the club and will join his new team-mates and Enzo Maresca immediately.
The boy from Brazil. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/lVM8B9TlBV
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 2, 2025
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‘Time moves quickly in football and in women’s football in particular, as the drive towards professionalism gathers pace. The England squad that heads to Switzerland attempting to retain their European title looks different to the one that won a first major title only three years ago, but evolution is a necessary step in the life cycle of a team and, especially, when the rest of the world is also evolving.’
If you want a taste of what to expect from our Moving the Goalposts newsletter, give this piece from Sophie Downey a read:
Thanks Will! We’re edging closer to the curtain-raiser now – only three hours and 22 minutes to go. Yes, I’m counting.
Well … that was the hour that was. Thanks for joining me, you will be very pleased that Emillia is back.
The pitch looks immaculate at the Stockhorn Arena in Thun where Iceland will play Finland later.
The most interesting thing about England is how Hannah Hampton copes with the spotlight after replacing Mary Earps as first choice. The backup is the definition of inexperienced at international level, so Hampton needs to come up with some big performances because England need strength between the sticks.
Get the latest Football Weekly in your ears. Plenty of Euro 2025 chat to be had.
Suzanne Wrack and Tom Garry look at the evolution of England under Sarina Wiegman.
Tonight’s action begins, as is traditional, with Group A. Why not learn all about the teams involved?
Hi all! What an hour I have in store for you while Emillia is eating her halloumi wrap and cous cous.
I’m off to grab some lunch now so Will Unwin will be taking the reins of this Matchday live. Over to you, Will.
Beth Mead insists that England are well-prepared for the heatwave that awaits them ahead of their opening Euro 2025 match on Saturday. The Arsenal winger said: “Our staff are very good at being able to give us those extra percentages and margins.
“It’s been quite hot in the last two weeks of training [in England] so that’s been nice. We’ve trained really hard, the intensity has been great and our recovery strategies that we’ve put in place have been really good so – fingers crossed – it’s prepared us as best as we can be for when we get there.”
Liverpool appoint Van Bronckhorst in staff role
Liverpool have announced two new additions to Arne Slot’s coaching staff. Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the former Rangers manager, has been appointed as Slot’s assistant coach. Meanwhile, Xavi Valero has swapped West Ham for the Premier League champions to become the new head of first-team goalkeeper coaching.
Tottenham sign Tōko Koga
Tottenham have announced the signing of Tōko Koga from Feyenoord. The 19-year-old has penned a four-year deal and will wear the number 32 shirt for the club.
We are delighted to announce the signing of Japan Women international Tōko Koga from Feyenoord, subject to international clearance and work permit ✍️
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) July 2, 2025
The Club World Cup quarter-finals are set. Here is what they look like…
Fluminense v Al-Hilal
Palmeiras v Chelsea
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund
Elsewhere in football, the Club World Cup is still in full swing over in the United States. Here are the latest round-of-16 results in case you missed them…
Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Monterrey
Mary Earps has admitted that she felt “villainised” by the wider reaction to her international retirement in May. Speaking on the Happy Place podcast with Fearne Cotton, the PSG goalkeeper said: “It was difficult and it was painful. Some people were amazing and the girls, the way they had my back … that meant the absolute world to me. These are girls that I grew up with and have so many amazing memories with. It was sad but I think it’s the right thing.
“I think that I was villainised in a way, that probably was a bit hard to see things and read things, but it’s more what my friends and family see. I’m upset for them because I’m like: ‘You didn’t choose this. You’ve got to now deal with this.’ That’s hard. But in the end I feel like it was the right decision.”
‘At its heart, football is about community. A feeling of shared identity and purpose. A place where supporters gather to watch their team. The games, goals and moments that live on in the club’s collective memory through a shared act of will. The people responsible for these defining moments – shrewd managers, inspiring captains, prolific goalscorers – are increasingly immortalised in statues…’
Chelsea sign Ellie Carpenter
Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Ellie Carpenter from Lyon. The 25-year-old has penned a four-year deal with the WSL champions.
A brand new stage. ❤️🔥
— (C)helsea FC Women 🏆🏆🏆 (@ChelseaFCW) July 2, 2025
Ellie Carpenter signs for Chelsea on a four-year deal. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/CJnfP9Gb2X
Sophie Downey has looked at six players who could be in contention for the Euro 2025 Golden Boot this month – including England striker Alessia Russo.
Euro 2025 key dates:
Group stage: 2-13 July
Quarter-finals: 16-19 July
Semi-finals: 22-23 July
Final: 27 July
Be sure to check out our transfer interactives to make sure you don’t miss a move this summer…
Just a reminder that you can email me or Matchday.live@theguardian.com throughout the day. I want to know any plans, predictions and all that jazz you may have for Euro 2025.
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If you haven’t already, give the latest episode of our Women’s Football Weekly podcast a listen. Faye Carruthers, Suzanne Wrack and Tom Garry were joined by Marva Kreel this week to preview Euro 2025 and give their tournament predictions.
The countdown to kick-off is well and truly on. Nick Ames is in Nyon…
Zoë Marty has messaged in from Basel ahead of the tournament:
“I live in Basel and am super excited for the EURO, I can’t believe that kick-off is finally happening today. It is an honour to be part of the host city - since I work in hospitality it really feels like hosting Europe for myself.
“I am not too familiar with football in general, therefore I am incredibly thankful for your extensive coverage of the tournament so I could get myself ready to talk all things football to the fans in our restaurants and hotels, and to be able to weigh in at the stadium during the 3 matches that I am going to see – and who knows, maybe I’ll manage to get tickets to even more!”
More on Chloe Kelly…
Branthwaite signs new Everton deal
It’s good news for Everton fans, Jarrad Branthwaite has penned a new five-year deal. The defender said: “I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about. The trust the Club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.
“I know the Club. I feel loved by the players – we’ve got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them. And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it’s an exciting project and it’s something I want to be part of.
“Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season.”
Jarrad Branthwaite has committed his long-term future to the Toffees by signing a new five-year contract until the end of June 2030. 💙 pic.twitter.com/4Uzvx0F7m0
— Everton (@Everton) July 2, 2025
Jarell Quansah completes Bayer Leverkusen move
In some other transfer news, Liverpool have confirmed the departure of Jarell Quansah. The defender joins Bayer Leverkusen in a £30million deal.
After signing a permanent contract with Arsenal, Chloe Kelly said: “Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me. Learning from an incredible manager and continuing to build relationships with an excellent team is a journey I’m looking forward to continuing.
“I’m excited for more silverware at this special club and to bring more trophies back to North London to celebrate with our supporters. I’ve always said that Arsenal supporters are the best and to have them on my side, singing my name, means so much to me.”
Arsenal sign Chloe Kelly
Arsenal have officially confirmed the permanent signing of Chloe Kelly following the 27-year-old’s loan spell. Kelly joins the Gunners in a free transfer following her departure from Manchester City.
How could she not? ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UeZzTMYWfx
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) July 2, 2025
Mark Bennett is on his way to Basel for tonight’s match between Switzerland and Norway. He is volunteering at this year’s tournament:
“Just on train to Basel from my home village in Switzerland. Off to my first Volunteer shift and wondering how I’ll survive outside St Jakob Park at 35°.
“It’s 17 years since I did same for Men’s Euros in 2008 and there is a great vibe building here. Will ramp up with German/ French neighbours visit for games plus all the local Portuguese population and the mad Dutch. Fan marches planned tonight for both Swiss and Norwegian fans too..
“Can’t wait!”
Sion Lane has messaged in to praise Wales on their European Championship debut:
“I’m heading out to Switzerland with my 10-year-old daughter later in the month to support Wales against England. The progress this Wales team have made under Rhian Wilkinson is genuinely thrilling, and the way the FAW have engaged with fans and the wider community through the ‘For Her’ program has been really inspiring. At a recent huddle my daughter got to meet loads of the team, and I had a chance to chat with the manager. They really are building a community.”
Emma Hayes answered some of your questions last week. The US women’s national team head coach revealed what food she misses most from England, her thoughts on Arsenal’s recent Champions League win and whether or not she would manage England one day…
Still need a wallchart for the tournament but have no idea where to get one? Look no further, we’ve got you covered. David Squires has done it again!
Aitana Bonmati was discharged from hospital at the weekend after undergoing treatment for viral meningitis. She arrived at the Spain team hotel on Monday evening and completed some gym work on Tuesday before returning to the pitch for more individual training.
Although she is now back with the squad, it is currently unclear if she will feature in Spain’s opening Euro 2025 match against Portugal tomorrow.
The narrative arc of women’s football in Switzerland is a familiar one: from apathy to hostility to mockery to inertia to change. Now the country will host one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar…
Speaking of predictions, be sure to let me know your picks for;
Tournament winners
Finalists
Top goalscorer
Player of the tournament
Dark horse
Breakthrough star
Predictions, anyone? Our writers out in Switzerland have had their say…
For the architecture enthusiasts out there - or just those with an interest in football stadiums - here is our complete guide to every ground that will be used for Euro 2025 over the next month:
If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our Moving the Goalposts newsletter for regular updates on women’s football. You’ll receive stories, features and interviews straight to your inbox twice a week. If there’s any time to sign up, it’s now!
We are lucky enough to have legendary Chelsea manager, WSL icon and United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes on board as a columnist over the next few weeks. Here is what she had to say in her first column last week…
As always, I want to hear from you today! Feel free to email me or Matchday.live@theguardian.com with your plans for the opening day of the Euros. Are you out in Switzerland? Or are you currently sat in the office desperately attempting to cool down by fanning yourself with an old bit of paperwork because it is still incredibly warm here in the UK?
Also, let me know who you’ll be supporting, which team you think will take the crown at the end of the month, and which players you are most excited to watch.
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The Guardian Football team have been incredibly busy over the last few weeks putting together features, interviews and team guides to see you all through the tournament. Let me first point you in the direction of this absolutely mammoth guide to all 368 players appearing at Euro 2025 this month.
Here is what we’ve got to look forward to on this opening day…
Iceland v Finland
Switzerland v Norway
Preamble
It’s finally here! Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off TODAY in Switzerland and I, for one, cannot wait. Iceland and Finland begin proceedings this afternoon before the host nation faces Norway in Group A. We’ve still got plenty of time until then so I’ll be with you all day counting down to the curtain-raiser at Stockhorn Arena.
Without further ado, let’s go!
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