Women’s Euros 2025: Our pre-tournament picks including Russo and Caldentey | OneFootball

Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off on Wednesday 2 July, and the buzz is building in Switzerland. From Golden Boot contenders to breakout stars, here are our early predictions for who could shine brightest this summer in Switzerland.

Golden Boot winner

It wouldn’t be tournament football without the carrot of the ‘Golden Boot’ dangling in front of all goalscorers in the competition.

2022 saw Beth Mead win the award after netting six goals (Mead also took home Player of the Tournament and was top assist provider, with five from six matches). Can anyone match her impact this time?

Jamie’s prediction: Claudia Pina (Spain)Pina has emerged as one of the most exciting forwards in the world. A key figure in Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, she’s versatile, clinical, and has been banging them in for Barcelona this season, winning the Golden Boot accolade in Liga F with 25 league goals. Whether used on the wing or up front, she’s a constant threat – just ask England, who watched her bag a brace in last month’s Nations League international.

Ayisha’s prediction: Alessia Russo (England)Russo has been on fire for Arsenal this year, jointly winning the Women’s Super League Golden Boot with 12 goals. With England hoping to go deep in the tournament, she should have plenty of chances to add to her tally for the Lionesses. She’s smart in the box and knows how to deliver on the big stage.

Player of the Tournament

Jamie’s prediction: Mariona Caldentey (Spain)Caldentey is peaking at just the right time. After spending time on the bench at Barcelona, she has had a stellar season for Arsenal and become a world class player, excelling both in the Champions League and domestically.

If Spain go all the way, expect Caldentey to be a central figure in that success – and possibly progress the already-present Ballon d’Or conversations.

Ayisha’s prediction: Hannah Hampton (England)Much has been made of the Mary Earps saga, but Hampton has quietly staked her claim. She’s been a calming, consistent presence between the posts for Chelsea under Sonia Bompastor in their invincible season, also taking home the league’s Golden Glove award.

With Earps stealing the headlines for much of the 2022 Euros and 2023 World Cup, Hampton has already said she hopes to “live up to her legacy” and I believe she will be more than capable.

Breakthrough / Young star of the tournament

Jamie’s prediction: Smilla Vallotto (Switzerland)Fresh off signing a new deal with German giants Wolfsburg, Vallotto will be eager to showcase her talent in front of a home crowd. At just 21, she already displays maturity and composure well beyond her years. With Switzerland looking to make an impression on home soil, Vallotto could become the face of a new generation of football fans.

Ayisha’s prediction: Aggie Beever-Jones (England)Beever-Jones has had a breakout season with Chelsea, earning her a well-deserved place in England’s Euro squad. Her hat-trick at Wembley last month in the Nations League will have surely caught Sarina Wiegman’s eye in her plans for this summer’s line-up. With her eye for goal, Beever-Jones could be England’s secret weapon this summer.

Dark horse

Jamie’s prediction: IcelandIceland have a strong physical presence up front and are dangerous from set pieces. When I’ve seen them play, they’ve been surprisingly fluid in possession too. They have the potential to frustrate and upset bigger sides.

Ayisha’s prediction: PolandPoland are debuting at their first major tournament, but they aren’t just here to make up the numbers. Since launching their “Time for Us” strategy in 2022, the Polish FA has made serious investments in the women’s game – showing their intent to make waves. Captain Ewa Pajor, who scored 25 goals for Barcelona this season and was Liga F’s top scorer, is of course their star player. Poland also have their sights set on the future, hosting the Women’s U19 Euros in 2025 and the U20 World Cup in 2026 – and they’re bidding for Women’s Euro 2029. The ambition is real, and this tournament could be a springboard for them.

Surprise / shock of the tournament?

Jamie’s prediction: Norway not escaping the groupOn paper, they’ve got talent. But on the pitch, Norway have been chronic underperformers in recent years – you might remember that 8-0 dispatching from England. If they don’t find cohesion fast, they could be heading home early once again.

Ayisha’s prediction: England’s ‘group of death’ will not kill themThere’s been a lot of talk about how tough England’s group is, but I believe they are strong enough to prevail. The Lionesses have the experience, depth, and firepower to rise to the challenge. I think they’ll cruise into the quarter-finals with wins over all three nations – Netherlands, France and Wales.

Make sure to watch Ayisha Gulati & Jamie Spangher on Hayters TV’s daily show, Pitch Perfect, live from Switzerland, on YouTube or any other social platform – bringing you all the latest from the tournament with interviews, analysis and behind-the-scenes access.