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What's next if England reach Euro 2025 knockouts?

3 min read 10 July 2025
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What's next if England reach Euro 2025 knockouts?

Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood and Lauren James celebrate after England score against the NetherlandsImage source, Getty Images
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England moved closer to sealing a quarter-final spot with their 4-0 win against the Netherlands on Wednesday

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After England won their second game at Euro 2025, people are starting to get excited about the Lionesses' chances.

A dismal opening defeat by France had seen expectations fall, but thrashing the Netherlands 4-0 has raised fans' hopes once again.

England haven't qualified yet, but they will do so if they beat Wales on Sunday - a result that could also still win them the group.

With that in mind, BBC Sport looks at who England could face if they qualify - with a game against old rivals Germany potentially on the cards.

What happens if the groups stay as they are?

Remember when Alessia Russo scored that backheel at Euro 2022?

Another game against Sweden - who England beat 4-0 in the semi-finals on the road to victory three years ago - is a prospect.

Sweden defeated Germany 4-1 in their final group-stage game on Saturday, securing top spot in Group C.

England will face the three-time runners-up if they finish second in Group D.

For that to happen, they need to either beat Wales, draw with Wales and France avoid defeat against the Netherlands, or not lose by four goals or more and the Netherlands lose.

Ending up on that side of the draw would have another benefit for the Lionesses - England would dodge Spain, the side who beat them in the 2023 World Cup final, until the last match.

Beating Sweden would mean they would play either Norway or Italy, both ranked outside the world's top 10, in the semi-finals.

What happens if England win their group?

There is still a scenario which could lead to England facing Germany.

If England top Group D, then Sarina Wiegman's side will play Germany in the quarter-finals.

It would be a repeat of the Euro 2022 final, where the Lionesses famously beat Germany in extra time at Wembley to lift their first major trophy.

If England beat Germany, they would face either hosts Switzerland or world champions Spain in the semi-finals.

But for England to win the group, they need the Netherlands' game against France to go their way.

If England beat Wales and the Netherlands beat France, then England, France and the Netherlands would all be on six points.

Head-to-head results wouldn't separate the three sides, so it would go down to head-to-head goal difference - meaning England would finish first if the Netherlands beat France by fewer than seven goals.

The Netherlands would take France's spot in second place if they win by three goals or more.

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