Euro 2025 Preview: Predictions, Top Players & Teams to Watch The countdown is almost over as Euro 2025 gets underway in Switzerland this week, with every match available live across RTÉ platforms. On the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, former Republic of Ireland players Rachel Graham and Méabh De Búrca provided a comprehensive group-by-group preview of the 16-team competition, which the Girls in Green narrowly missed after a tough play-off exit. They also shared insights on standout players and potential champions, with De Búrca confident that the reigning World Cup winners are the favourites to claim the European crown in Basel on 27 July.
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Spain Lead the Pack De Búrca believes it will be difficult for any team to stop Spain from lifting the trophy. “Spain, it’s hard to look past them, to be honest,” she said, highlighting their confidence and momentum after the World Cup win. While she expects England to be close contenders, she also feels France are due for a strong tournament and always deliver entertaining football. Graham agreed, stating that Spain, England, and France are the top three likely to compete for the title. “Spain are just so strong, it’s hard to see past them,” she noted, adding that England and France are the teams best positioned to challenge them. She predicted a Spain victory but would love to see a thrilling Spain vs England or Spain vs France final.
Young Talents Ready to Shine Looking at players to watch, Graham highlighted Spain’s Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas while also pointing out emerging young talents. She mentioned England’s 21-year-old Aggie Beever-Jones from Chelsea and 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang, who impressed with a debut goal recently. Graham is eager to watch these rising stars as they bring excitement and energy to the tournament. She also mentioned Esmee Brugts of Barcelona, who plays for the Netherlands and is known for her dynamic wing play.
Experience and Youth in Focus De Búrca added her picks, highlighting the blend of experience and youth expected to light up Euro 2025. She noted England’s Alessia Russo, who is likely to be a starter for England after playing as a game-changer in the last tournament, and praised Lauren James of Chelsea for her impact. For the Netherlands, she believes Vivianne Miedema’s return will provide a much-needed edge. Among young players, she mentioned Spain’s 18-year-old Vicky Lopez and Salma Paralluelo, who impressed at the World Cup, as well as Claudia Pina, who at 23 is still one to watch. The stage is set for a tournament filled with big names and emerging stars ready to leave their mark in Switzerland.
