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Women's Euro 2025 team of the tournament: The Sporting News picks best XI after England win title | Sporting News Canada

Women's Euro 2025: Predicting the Team of the Tournament Best XI

As the anticipation builds for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, set to take place in Switzerland from July 2 to July 27, 2025, football fans around the world are already buzzing with excitement. This edition promises to be a showcase of the finest talent in women's football, with powerhouses like England, Spain, Germany, and France vying for glory alongside emerging forces such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and host nation Switzerland. While the tournament is still months away, it's never too early to speculate on who might shine brightest. In this feature, we'll construct a predicted "Team of the Tournament" Best XI, drawing from current form, past performances in major competitions, and the evolving dynamics of international women's football. This selection is based on players' club performances, national team contributions, and their potential to dominate on the big stage. We'll break it down position by position, explaining the rationale behind each choice and highlighting why these athletes could etch their names into Euro history.

Starting in goal, the choice is clear: Mary Earps of England and Manchester United. Earps has established herself as one of the world's premier goalkeepers, with her heroics at the 2022 Euros and the 2023 Women's World Cup still fresh in memory. Her shot-stopping ability, command of the box, and distribution skills make her a modern keeper who can influence games beyond just saves. In a tournament where margins are razor-thin, Earps' experience in high-stakes matches—such as her penalty save in the World Cup final—could be the difference for England, who are defending champions. If she maintains her form, expect her to be a wall between the posts, potentially earning the Golden Glove. Alternatives like Germany's Ann-Katrin Berger or Spain's Cata Coll are strong contenders, but Earps' consistency edges her ahead.

Moving to the defense, we'll opt for a back four that balances solidity with attacking flair. At right-back, Ona Batlle of Spain and Barcelona stands out. Batlle's versatility allows her to bomb forward while maintaining defensive discipline, a trait that has made her indispensable for both club and country. Her performances in the Nations League and Champions League suggest she'll be pivotal for Spain, who are looking to build on their 2023 World Cup triumph. In central defense, the pairing of England's Leah Williamson and France's Wendie Renard forms an imposing duo. Williamson, the Lionesses' captain, brings leadership and composure on the ball, having recovered from injury to reclaim her spot as a ball-playing center-back. Her ability to read the game and initiate attacks from deep will be crucial for England's possession-based style. Partnering her is Renard, the Lyon stalwart whose aerial dominance and goal-scoring threat from set pieces make her a nightmare for opponents. At 6 feet 2 inches, Renard's presence alone deters attacks, and her experience in multiple Euros positions her as a likely standout. Completing the backline at left-back is Sweden's Fridolina Rolfö, who has transitioned seamlessly from forward to full-back at Barcelona. Rolfö's pace, crossing ability, and defensive nous make her a dual-threat, capable of overlapping runs that could unlock defenses in Switzerland.

In midfield, we'll deploy a trio that offers control, creativity, and tenacity. Anchoring the engine room is Spain's Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner whose vision and passing range are unmatched. Bonmatí's ability to dictate tempo, combined with her goal-scoring prowess—as seen in Barcelona's dominant seasons—makes her the heartbeat of any team. She's predicted to orchestrate Spain's midfield, potentially earning Player of the Tournament honors if La Roja go deep. Flanking her is England's Keira Walsh, a deep-lying playmaker whose pinpoint long balls and tactical intelligence were key to the 2022 Euros victory. Walsh's partnership with Bonmatí in this hypothetical XI would create a midfield masterclass, blending Spanish flair with English pragmatism. Rounding out the trio is Germany's Lena Oberdorf, a box-to-box dynamo at Wolfsburg. At just 22, Oberdorf's energy, tackling, and ability to break lines make her a rising star. Her performances in the Bundesliga and internationals suggest she'll be Germany's driving force, especially with the team's blend of youth and experience under new management.

Up front, the attacking line promises goals galore. On the right wing, England's Lauren Hemp of Manchester City gets the nod. Hemp's speed, dribbling, and finishing have made her a constant threat, with her contributions to England's recent successes underscoring her potential. Her ability to cut inside and score from distance could light up the tournament. In the center-forward role, it's hard to look past the Netherlands' Vivianne Miedema, despite her recent injury setbacks. Miedema's clinical finishing and intelligent movement make her one of the deadliest strikers in the game. If she regains full fitness, her goal tally could propel the Dutch to a deep run, reminiscent of their 2017 Euro win. On the left wing, France's Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon brings power and precision. Diani's versatility allows her to play across the front line, but her pace and directness on the flank could exploit weary defenses. Her form in the Champions League positions her as a key player for Les Bleues, who are desperate for a major trophy.

This Best XI isn't just a collection of stars; it's a balanced unit that could theoretically thrive in the high-intensity environment of Euro 2025. The formation—a 4-3-3—mirrors the tactical trends in women's football, emphasizing possession, quick transitions, and width. England and Spain dominate the selections, reflecting their current status as top nations, but inclusions from France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands highlight the depth of talent across Europe. Of course, tournaments are unpredictable—form, injuries, and coaching decisions will play huge roles. Emerging talents like England's Lauren James or Spain's Salma Paralluelo could force their way in with breakout performances, while veterans like Norway's Ada Hegerberg might stage a comeback if fit.

Looking ahead, Euro 2025 in Switzerland offers a picturesque backdrop—stadiums in Basel, Zurich, Geneva, and beyond will host matches amid stunning alpine scenery. The tournament expands to 16 teams, increasing competition and opportunities for upsets. Qualification has already seen drama, with teams like Italy and Denmark securing spots through playoffs. For fans, this Best XI prediction serves as a teaser: who will rise to the occasion? Will England defend their title, or will Spain's golden generation claim another crown? Germany's rebuild under Horst Hrubesch adds intrigue, while hosts Switzerland hope for a fairy-tale run.

In terms of individual narratives, keep an eye on players like Bonmatí, who could cement her legacy, or Earps, aiming to add another major honor. The tournament also represents a platform for social impact, with women's football continuing to grow in visibility and investment. From record attendances at the 2022 Euros to the global spotlight post-2023 World Cup, Euro 2025 is poised to elevate the sport further.

Ultimately, this predicted Team of the Tournament encapsulates the excitement of what's to come. It's a blend of established icons and rising stars, each with the potential to create unforgettable moments. As the countdown to kickoff continues, debates over selections like these will only intensify, fueling the passion that makes women's football so captivating. Whether your pick differs—perhaps favoring Australia's Sam Kerr if she features as a guest or emphasizing Scandinavian talents—the beauty lies in the unpredictability. Come July 2025, we'll see who truly earns their spot in the annals of Euro history. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/womens-euro-2025-team-tournament-best-xi/3ae4b3866ba10778f2ef8e3f ]