Women’s Euro 2025 team of the tournament: The Sporting News picks best XI after England win title – The dust has finally settled on an unforgettable UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign, and once again, England stand at the top of European football. After weeks of drama, stunning goals, tactical masterclasses, and breakout performances, the Lionesses successfully defended their continental crown and confirmed their place as the dominant force in the women’s game. Women’s Euro 2025 team of the tournament
The tournament delivered everything fans could have hoped for. Established stars produced on the biggest stage, young talents announced themselves to the world, and several nations showed just how rapidly the women’s game continues to grow across Europe. From thrilling knockout clashes to emotional underdog stories, Euro 2025 felt like another major leap forward for the sport.
With England lifting the trophy after a tense and emotional final, attention now turns to the standout individuals who defined the tournament. Selecting a Team of the Tournament is never easy after a competition filled with elite performances, but some players simply rose above the rest when their countries needed them most. Here is the best XI from Women’s Euro 2025 — a team packed with brilliance, leadership, creativity, and unforgettable moments.
Goalkeeper – Hannah Hampton (England)
England’s success was built on far more than attacking flair. Behind the goals and celebrations stood Hannah Hampton, whose calmness under pressure proved crucial throughout the tournament. The English goalkeeper produced several defining saves during the knockout rounds, especially in high-pressure moments when England looked vulnerable. Her command of the penalty area improved with every match, while her distribution allowed England to transition quickly from defense into attack. Women’s Euro 2025 team of the tournament
Perhaps most impressive was Hampton’s composure. Despite the enormous expectations surrounding England as defending champions, she never appeared rattled. In the final, she delivered another assured performance that helped England maintain control during difficult stretches of the game. At just the right time, Hampton stepped fully out of the shadows and established herself as one of Europe’s elite goalkeepers.
Right Back – Lucy Bronze (England)
Even after years at the top level, Lucy Bronze continues to redefine consistency. The veteran defender once again proved why she remains one of the most respected players in world football. Bronze brought leadership, aggression, and endless energy down the right flank. Defensively, she shut down some of the tournament’s most dangerous wingers, while offensively she constantly stretched opposing defenses with overlapping runs and dangerous crosses.
What stood out most was her mentality. England faced difficult moments throughout the tournament, but Bronze’s experience helped steady the team repeatedly. Her influence extended beyond tactics; she embodied the confidence and resilience that defined the Lionesses’ title-winning run.
Centre Back – Irene Paredes (Spain)
Although Spain fell short of winning the tournament, Irene Paredes once again demonstrated why she is among the finest defenders in the women’s game. Spain dominated possession in nearly every match, and Paredes served as the foundation of that control. Calm under pressure and exceptional in reading the game, she consistently broke up attacks before they became dangerous.
Her aerial dominance also made Spain difficult to break down during set pieces. Beyond the defensive work, Paredes’ passing range allowed Spain to dictate tempo from deep positions, turning defense into attack with remarkable ease. Even in defeat, her performances stood out as world-class.
Centre Back – Millie Bright (England)
Millie Bright delivered a captain’s tournament in every sense of the word. Strong, vocal, and fearless, she anchored England’s back line with authority from the opening match to the final whistle of the tournament. Bright excelled in physical duels and repeatedly came through in pressure situations. Whether blocking shots, winning headers, or organizing the defense, she provided England with stability when matches became tense. Her leadership proved especially valuable during the knockout rounds, where margins were razor-thin. Bright played with determination and composure, helping England navigate difficult challenges on the path to another European title.
Left Back – Sakina Karchaoui (France)
France may not have gone all the way, but Sakina Karchaoui was impossible to ignore throughout the tournament. The dynamic full-back brought explosive pace and creativity down the left side, constantly driving France forward. Few defenders matched her ability to contribute in both phases of play. One moment she would be making a crucial tackle near her own box, and the next she would be leading a dangerous counterattack. Karchaoui’s technical quality and fearless style made her one of the most entertaining players to watch during Euro 2025.
Midfielder – Keira Walsh (England)
England’s midfield heartbeat once again showed why she is one of the most intelligent players in football. Keira Walsh controlled matches with her positioning, passing, and decision-making. While others grabbed headlines with goals and assists, Walsh quietly dictated the rhythm of games and gave England the balance needed to succeed.
Her ability to evade pressure and progress the ball through midfield repeatedly helped England maintain composure in difficult moments. She rarely wasted possession and constantly made the right choice under pressure. In modern football, players like Walsh are priceless. Women’s Euro 2025 team of the tournament
Midfielder – Aitana Bonmatí (Spain)
Even by her incredibly high standards, Aitana Bonmatí produced another sensational tournament. The Spanish superstar was at the center of nearly everything positive her team created. Elegant on the ball and devastating between the lines, she consistently found ways to unlock defenses with her movement and vision.
Bonmatí combined creativity with relentless work rate, making her one of the most complete midfielders in the world. Opponents struggled to contain her influence, and several of the tournament’s most memorable attacking sequences started with her brilliance. Though Spain narrowly missed out on the title, Bonmatí strengthened her reputation as one of football’s defining players of this generation.
Midfielder – Grace Clinton (England)
One of the breakout stars of Euro 2025, Grace Clinton announced herself on the international stage in spectacular fashion.The young midfielder brought energy, fearlessness, and attacking quality to England’s midfield. She consistently made intelligent forward runs and showed maturity well beyond her years.
Clinton’s performances gave England another dimension going forward, and her confidence seemed to grow with every match. By the end of the tournament, she looked completely at home among Europe’s elite. Her emergence could become one of the biggest long-term positives for England moving toward future international competitions.
Forward – Lauren James (England)
When fully fit and confident, few players in world football are as electrifying as Lauren James. Euro 2025 showcased her extraordinary technical ability and creativity once again. James tormented defenders with skill, movement, and unpredictability, often producing moments that completely changed matches.
She contributed crucial goals and assists throughout England’s run while also drawing constant defensive attention that created opportunities for teammates. Most importantly, James looked mature and focused throughout the competition, balancing flair with discipline in a way that elevated England’s attack to another level.
Forward – Alessia Russo (England)
Alessia Russo delivered when it mattered most. England’s striker combined relentless pressing with clinical finishing, leading the line brilliantly throughout the tournament. Her movement inside the box caused problems for every defense she faced, and she repeatedly produced goals in decisive moments. Women’s Euro 2025 team of the tournament
Russo’s work ethic also stood out. She constantly chased defenders, linked play effectively, and sacrificed herself for the team when necessary. Big tournaments are often decided by forwards capable of delivering under pressure, and Russo proved herself exactly that kind of player.
Forward – Klara Bühl (Germany)
Germany may have fallen short of the final, but Klara Bühl reminded everyone why she is one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers. Direct, fearless, and incredibly quick, Bühl consistently stretched defenses and created opportunities from wide areas. Her dribbling ability made her a nightmare for defenders in one-on-one situations, while her finishing added another layer of danger. Even when Germany struggled collectively, Bühl remained a constant threat and one of the tournament’s brightest attacking stars. Women’s Euro 2025 team of the tournament
A Tournament That Changed the Game Again
Women’s Euro 2025 will be remembered not only for England’s triumph, but also for the continued evolution of women’s football across Europe. Crowds reached new heights, the quality of play improved dramatically, and younger players emerged ready to become the next generation of superstars.
Nations that once struggled to compete now look increasingly capable of challenging traditional powers, creating a far more exciting and competitive landscape for future tournaments. England may have lifted the trophy, but the tournament itself felt like a victory for the entire sport. And if Euro 2025 proved anything, it is that the women’s game has never been stronger, faster, or more captivating than it is right now. Women’s Euro 2025 team of the tournament
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