N※N

Show Sports and Competition Publications

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

Predicting the Women's Euro 2025 Team of the Tournament: A Star-Studded Best XI

As the anticipation builds for the Women's Euro 2025 tournament, set to kick off in Switzerland next summer, soccer enthusiasts are already buzzing about which players will shine brightest on the continental stage. With powerhouse nations like England, Spain, Germany, and France vying for glory, the competition promises to deliver unforgettable moments, dramatic goals, and defensive masterclasses. In this feature, we delve into a predicted Team of the Tournament – a best XI that highlights the players most likely to dominate proceedings based on current form, historical performances, and their potential impact. Drawing from recent World Cup showings, domestic leagues, and international friendlies, this lineup assumes a classic 4-3-3 formation, balancing defensive solidity with attacking flair. While the actual tournament outcomes remain uncertain, these selections represent the cream of European women's soccer talent, ready to etch their names into history.

Starting in goal, the nod goes to England's Mary Earps. The Manchester United shot-stopper has been a revelation in recent years, earning widespread acclaim for her heroics at the 2023 Women's World Cup, where she saved a crucial penalty in the final against Spain. Earps' commanding presence, exceptional reflexes, and ability to organize her backline make her an indispensable asset for the Lionesses. Her distribution skills have evolved, allowing her to initiate attacks from the back, a modern requirement for top goalkeepers. In the lead-up to Euro 2025, Earps has maintained her form, pulling off stunning saves in the Women's Super League and international qualifiers. If England defends their 2022 Euro title, Earps will undoubtedly be at the heart of it, potentially earning back-to-back Golden Glove awards. Her mental fortitude, honed through high-pressure situations, positions her as the tournament's standout keeper, capable of turning games with a single intervention.

Anchoring the defense at right-back is Spain's Ona Batlle. The Barcelona defender has seamlessly transitioned from Manchester United back to her homeland, showcasing blistering pace and tactical intelligence. Batlle's overlapping runs and precise crosses add an offensive dimension to her role, making her a dual threat. During Spain's triumphant 2023 World Cup campaign, she was instrumental in maintaining defensive shape while contributing to build-up play. Her ability to read the game and neutralize wingers like England's Lauren Hemp or France's Kadidiatou Diani will be crucial. Batlle's consistency in La Liga Femenina, where she's helped Barcelona dominate, suggests she'll be a key figure in Spain's quest for redemption after their 2022 Euro quarterfinal exit. Her selection here underscores the blend of youth and experience that defines this predicted XI.

At center-back, we pair Germany's Kathrin Hendrich with England's Leah Williamson. Hendrich, a Wolfsburg stalwart, embodies the resilience of German soccer. Her aerial prowess, combined with sharp positioning, makes her a nightmare for opposing forwards. In the Bundesliga, she's been pivotal in Wolfsburg's title challenges, often stepping up in big matches with timely interceptions. Hendrich's leadership qualities shone during Germany's run to the 2022 Euro final, where she marshaled the defense admirably. For Euro 2025, her partnership potential with any teammate could solidify Germany's backline, especially against high-pressing teams like the Netherlands.

Williamson, meanwhile, is the epitome of composure under pressure. The Arsenal captain's return from injury has been nothing short of inspirational, with her ball-playing abilities transforming England's defensive transitions. Her vision and passing range allow her to bypass midfields, much like a deep-lying playmaker. Williamson's heroics in the 2022 Euros, including captaining England to victory, cement her status as a modern great. If she stays fit, her influence could propel the Lionesses deep into the tournament, making her an automatic pick for this best XI.

Completing the back four at left-back is Sweden's Fridolina Rolfö. The Barcelona forward-turned-full-back has adapted brilliantly to a more defensive role, bringing attacking flair to the position. Rolfö's speed and dribbling skills enable her to surge forward, creating overloads on the flank. Her goal-scoring record from defense is impressive, with notable strikes in the Champions League. Sweden's reliance on her versatility was evident in the 2023 World Cup semifinals, where she contributed both defensively and offensively. For Euro 2025, Rolfö's ability to switch between roles could be a game-changer, especially in knockout stages against tactical foes like Italy or Norway.

Moving into midfield, the engine room features a dynamic trio: Spain's Alexia Putellas, Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen, and the Netherlands' Lieke Martens. Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner, is the heartbeat of this selection. Despite injury setbacks, her return to form with Barcelona has been mesmerizing, orchestrating play with pinpoint passes and lethal finishing. As Spain's captain, her leadership and creativity will be vital in navigating group stages against tough opponents like Denmark. Putellas' ability to score from midfield, as seen in her Champions League exploits, makes her a constant threat. Her inclusion here reflects her status as one of the world's best, poised to dominate Euro 2025.

Hansen, another Barcelona star, brings relentless energy and flair to the right midfield. Her dribbling wizardry and crossing accuracy have terrorized defenses in Spain and internationally. Norway's hopes rest heavily on her shoulders, especially after their underwhelming 2023 World Cup. Hansen's ability to create chances out of nothing, combined with her work rate, positions her as a tournament standout. Imagine her linking up with forwards in counter-attacks – it's a recipe for success.

Martens, the Dutch veteran, rounds out the midfield with her experience and guile. Now at Paris Saint-Germain, her left-footed magic and vision remain undiminished. Martens was a key player in the Netherlands' 2017 Euro triumph and 2019 World Cup final run. Her ability to unlock defenses with through-balls will be essential for a Dutch side looking to reclaim glory. In qualifiers, she's shown she's still at the peak of her powers, making her a wise choice for this XI.

Up front, the attacking trident is led by France's Marie-Antoinette Katoto on the right, England's Beth Mead in the center, and Australia's Sam Kerr on the left – wait, hold on, Kerr represents Australia, but for this European-focused tournament, we adjust to eligible stars. Actually, refining for authenticity, let's spotlight France's Delphine Cascarino on the right, Sweden's Stina Blackstenius as the central striker, and England's Lauren Hemp on the left.

Cascarino's pace and finishing have made her a standout for Lyon and France. Her recovery from injury positions her for a breakout tournament, where her wing play could dismantle defenses.

Blackstenius, Arsenal's prolific forward, thrives on service from midfield. Her positioning and clinical strikes, evident in Sweden's international outings, make her a goal machine.

Hemp, the Manchester City winger, embodies youthful exuberance. Her speed, trickery, and goal threat were pivotal in England's 2022 success. For 2025, she's expected to elevate her game further.

This predicted best XI not only showcases individual brilliance but also the tactical evolution of women's soccer. From Earps' goalkeeping heroics to Putellas' midfield mastery, these players could define Euro 2025. As teams prepare, factors like injuries, form, and coaching strategies will influence the real team of the tournament. Yet, one thing is certain: the stage is set for a spectacle that will inspire a new generation of fans and players alike. With Switzerland hosting, neutral venues might level the playing field, but stars like these will rise above. Whether it's a repeat English triumph or a Spanish resurgence, this lineup captures the essence of what makes the Women's Euro a pinnacle event in the sport. (Word count: 1,128)

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