The highly anticipated clash between England and Wales at the Women's Euro 2025 is more than just a game; it's a battle of national pride and a chance for Wales to rewrite history. As the two teams prepare to face off on Sunday, July 13th, the stakes are incredibly high. For England, a win guarantees a spot in the quarter-finals, while Wales is in a precarious position, needing a victory by a significant margin and hoping for favorable results in the other Group D match.
Wales enters the match as underdogs, having lost both of their opening games against the Netherlands (3-0) and France (4-1). However, the Welsh squad is fueled by an unyielding determination to cause an upset against their rivals. The spirit within the Welsh camp is captured by the sentiment, "As a Welsh woman, do you want to knock England out? Of course you do. It's in our blood, our DNA and the rivalry has always been there and always will be there". This underscores the deep-seated rivalry and the burning desire to triumph over England.
Despite their underdog status, Wales has a slim chance of reaching the quarter-finals. To do so, they need to defeat England by at least four goals and rely on France to beat the Netherlands. While this scenario is unlikely, the Welsh team is prepared to fight until the final whistle, driven by the pride of wearing the dragon on their shirt.
England, the reigning champions, are determined to defend their title. After a disappointing defeat to France in their opening match, the Lionesses bounced back with an emphatic 4-0 victory against the Netherlands. This win has boosted their confidence and put them in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals.
England will reach the quarter-finals if they beat Wales. Even if they draw, they can still advance, provided the Netherlands do not beat France. However, a loss to Wales would complicate matters, requiring France to defeat the Netherlands to ensure England's progression.
The history between England and Wales in women's football is heavily skewed in England's favor. In their 10 previous meetings, England has won nine times, with only one draw. Their last encounter was in August 2018, where England secured a 3-0 victory. However, Wales will be looking to defy history and record their first-ever victory against England in a major tournament.
The match is scheduled for Sunday and will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Both coaches have expressed their thoughts ahead of the crucial encounter. England coach Sarina Wiegman anticipates a tough game, stating, "It's going to be a different game, a huge rivalry, and we will probably have to break down the wall because they are very confident and tough to beat". Wales coach Rhian Wilkinson emphasizes performance over results.
With passion, rivalry, and quarter-final qualification on the line, the England versus Wales match promises to be a thrilling encounter. While England holds the advantage on paper, Wales is driven by an unwavering desire to cause an upset and make their mark on the Women's Euro 2025.
