Defending champions England are to face Wales, France and the Netherlands in a “tough” but “exciting” Women’s Euro 2025 group stage.
The Lionesses go into next summer’s tournament in Switzerland among the favourites after winning on home soil in 2022.
But they face a tough start to the competition, with an opening group game on 5 July against France, who beat the Lionesses 2-1 in May to top the qualifying group.
Then comes another tough encounter with manager Sarina Wiegman’s native Netherlands four days later, before a game against tournament newcomers Wales on 13 July.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side will be playing at the finals of a major tournament for the first time after beating the Republic of Ireland in a play-off.
They are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at 30 in FIFA’s world rankings and will have their work cut out against Group D opponents England, the Netherlands, and France who sit in fourth, 10th and 11th respectively.
Speaking after the draw, Wiegman said: “I think we have a very interesting, exciting group. It’s very tough.
“You just have to take it as it comes and be ready on 5 July. That’s how I approach it.
“Everyone goes to a tournament to win it and so do we. I’m confident in my team.”
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On facing Wales, she added: “There’ll be some rivalry when we go on the pitch. I’m looking forward to that game.”
The highest-ranked team in the tournament, Spain, who beat England in last year’s World Cup final, were drawn in Group B.
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They face neighbours Portugal, as well as Belgium and Italy in their group.
Germany, who were runners-up to England in the last tournament, face Poland, Denmark, and Sweden in Group C, while hosts Switzerland play Norway, Iceland, and Finland in Group A.
Group A: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Finland
Group B: Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy
Group C: Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden
Group D: France, England, Wales, Netherlands
The 16-team tournament will be held across eight venues in Switzerland from 2-27 July, with Basel hosting the final.
UEFA will publish the full schedule with kick-off times following the draw.
Meanwhile, UEFA has confirmed a huge rise in total prize money for the tournament to €41m (£34m).
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A statement read: “The UEFA Executive Committee approved €41m in prize money for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, representing a 156 percent increase on the figure from 2022.
“Participating national associations will now also distribute a guaranteed percentage of the rewards – between 30 percent and 40 percent – to their players for the first time.”
