The Netherlands are the reigning European champions and reached the World Cup final in 2019, losing to the United States. However, both of those achievements came under their previous manager – England’s new boss Wiegman – and they now have Englishman Mark Parsons in charge. Goals shouldn’t be hard to come by with Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema – who is the Dutch team’s and Women’s Super League’s record scorer – among their stars.
Sweden finished third in the World Cup three years ago – beating England in the third-fourth play-off – and have been drawn alongside the Netherlands in Group C. In the past two years, Sweden have only lost once, on penalties to Canada in the Olympic final.
The Netherlands’ success at the last Euros ended an incredible run by Germany, who had won the tournament six times in a row from 1995 to 2013. They boast some exciting youngsters and will be looking to progress deep into this year’s competition after going out in the quarter-finals five years ago.
France have won 10 consecutive matches and earlier this year defeated Finland, Brazil and the Netherlands to win the Tournoi de France. However, France do not have the best of records in European Championships, losing in the quarter-finals in 2009, 2013 and 2017.
Former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg has given Norway a boost after the 26-year-old Lyon forward last week reversed a decision to retire from the national team following a five-year absence. Her side play Northern Ireland and England in their opening two matches.
Group A: England, Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland.
Group B: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland.
Group C: Netherlands, Sweden, TBC, Switzerland.
Group D: France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland.
