As the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 approaches, set to kick off on July 2, 2025, in Switzerland, ESPN’s latest power rankings highlight Spain as the top team, with England dropping and Norway emerging as a contender. With 16 teams vying for the iconic trophy, the rankings reflect recent performances, squad depth, and tactical strengths, based on the UEFA Women’s Nations League and qualifying campaigns.
Spain’s Dominance and England’s Decline
Spain, ranked the best team in Europe and second globally behind the USWNT, has solidified its position at the top. Despite past internal conflicts with the federation, including the conviction of former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, Spain’s focus is now on football. Their squad depth, led by stars like Aitana Bonmatí and Clàudia Pina, who shone in a comeback win against England, makes them formidable. ESPN notes their minimal drop-off in quality even with injuries, positioning them as favorites to claim the Euro title they lack at the senior level.
England, the defending champions, have slipped in the rankings due to inconsistent performances in the Nations League, including a loss to Spain. Despite their star-studded roster, including Alessia Russo, and a history of resilience (evident in their penalty shootout win over Switzerland in Euro 2024), ESPN highlights that their fluid, flowing football has been absent, raising concerns about their form heading into the tournament.
Norway’s Rise and Other Contenders
Norway has climbed the rankings, buoyed by a talented roster featuring Ada Hegerberg, Guro Reiten, and Caroline Graham Hansen. Despite a disappointing 8-0 loss to England in 2022, new manager Gemma Grainger has instilled hope. Their recent Nations League results (1-0 win over Switzerland, 1-1 draw with Iceland) and favorable Group A draw against Switzerland, Iceland, and Finland position them to potentially top the group and avoid Spain until the final.
Other teams to watch include Germany, ranked above England for their consistency, and Sweden, who reached the Nations League finals after topping a group with Italy, Denmark, and Wales but need to rediscover their rhythm after a shaky qualifying campaign. Belgium shows flashes of brilliance, with wins over England and Portugal, but heavy losses to Spain (5-1) and England (5-0) expose their inconsistency. Iceland, despite a recent winless streak, gained momentum with a 4-1 victory over Wales, while Switzerland, the hosts, face doubts about their elite-level competitiveness despite a 2-1 win over France.
With Group A (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Finland) seen as the easiest, and tough groups like Group B (Spain, Italy, Belgium, Portugal) and Group D (England, France, Netherlands), the tournament promises intense battles. Will Spain cement their dominance, or can Norway or another underdog steal the crown?
