Three Lionesses Make the Cut in Thrilling England Euro 2025 Team of the Tournament

Euro 2025 Team of the Tournament features England heroes – but no room for Spain’s Ballon d’Or favourites

Euro 2025 in Switzerland will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating European Championships we’ve ever seen in the women’s game. Packed stadiums, record-breaking attendance figures, a flurry of goals and more than a few nail-biting penalty shootouts kept fans on the edge of their seats all month long. England ended it as back-to-back champions after a dramatic final in Basel, beating Spain on penalties and writing yet another remarkable chapter in their recent history.

But while the trophy is what matters most, the individual performances throughout the tournament offered plenty of talking points. From breakout stars to veteran leaders, GOAL’s Euro 2025 Team of the Tournament features a blend of experience, flair, grit—and a few surprising omissions. Let’s dive into the standout XI.

GK: Hannah Hampton (England)

Hannah Hampton England Women 2025

There was pressure on Hannah Hampton the moment she was handed England’s No.1 shirt. Following in the footsteps of Mary Earps was never going to be easy, but Hampton rose to the occasion—and then some. Statistically, only Switzerland’s Livia Peng had a better goals-prevented rate, but Hampton’s impact went far beyond the numbers.

She came up huge in the knockout stages, saving two penalties against Sweden and another pair in the shootout victory over Spain. Her most iconic moment, though, may be that double-save against Italy in the dying minutes of the semi-final, keeping England alive before their dramatic late equaliser. Cool under pressure, clutch in the big moments—Hampton was undeniably the tournament’s top shot-stopper.

CB: Lucy Bronze (England)

Lucy Bronze England Women 2025

It was a tournament dominated by attacking football, which made standout defensive performances even harder to come by. But Lucy Bronze, despite not being at her peak in every match, proved why she remains one of the sport’s most respected figures.

Playing through a fractured tibia—a fact only revealed after the final—Bronze was a warrior for England. She led all defenders in aerial duels won, ranked high in tackles and interceptions, and was a vocal presence throughout. Her goal against Sweden sparked England’s incredible quarter-final comeback, and her penalty in that shootout was thunderous. She wasn’t flawless, but she was fearless.

CB: Rebecca Knaak (Germany)

Rebecca Knaak Germany Women 2025

Rebecca Knaak’s rise has been quietly impressive. A late bloomer in the international scene, the 28-year-old made her mark in Switzerland. With Germany ravaged by defensive injuries, Knaak brought calm and consistency to an otherwise patchwork backline.

She wasn’t flashy—but she didn’t need to be. She did the basics brilliantly, held the line under pressure, and gave Germany a fighting chance in every match. Her reliability was crucial as the Germans made it to the semi-finals.

CB: Cecilia Salvai (Italy)

Cecilia Salvai Italy Women 2025

Italy’s run to the semi-finals was unexpected, but not undeserved—and Cecilia Salvai played a big part in that. The veteran defender was a wall at the back, leading the tournament in clearances and making several last-ditch interventions in the knockout stages.

Her performance against England in the semi-final, despite the heartbreaking result, was one of the best defensive displays of the tournament. She may not grab headlines, but Salvai’s role in Italy’s resurgence cannot be overstated.

CM: Patri Guijarro (Spain)

Patri Guijarro Spain Women 2025

Spain had no shortage of big names, but Patri Guijarro was arguably their most complete performer. Anchoring the midfield, she dictated the tempo, broke up attacks, and consistently launched offensive moves.

Her stats are staggering—she led the tournament in possession won, ranked top five in interceptions, and still managed to create more chances than most attacking midfielders. Guijarro’s balance of defence and creativity was unmatched. Spain might not have lifted the trophy, but she certainly enhanced her reputation.

CM: Geraldine Reuteler (Switzerland)

Geraldine Reuteler Switzerland Women 2025

Switzerland made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time, and Geraldine Reuteler was at the heart of that success. The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder was everywhere—breaking up play, launching attacks, and even contributing on the scoresheet.

Her three Player of the Match awards in the group stage were well earned. Reuteler’s performances were full of energy, intelligence, and heart. Expect some transfer interest before the window closes.

CM: Alexia Putellas (Spain)

Alexia Putellas Spain Women 2025

With seven goal contributions, Alexia Putellas was electric through the group stages, leading the tournament in chances created. Even when the goals dried up in the knockouts, her influence remained significant—she defended with grit and kept Spain ticking in midfield.

Her controversial substitution in the final sparked debate, and one can only wonder if her presence in extra time might have tilted the balance. Regardless, she reaffirmed her place among the game’s elite.

RW: Jule Brand (Germany)

Jule Brand Germany Women 2025

Few players silenced critics like Jule Brand did this summer. After a tough season at club level, she found her rhythm again on the international stage. Brand was direct, dangerous and determined, completing more dribbles than nearly anyone and winning more tackles than any other winger.

She finished the tournament with two goals and two assists, and her relentless running helped Germany stay in the fight even when they were under siege. Lyon have signed a gem.

ST: Esther Gonzalez (Spain)

Esther Gonzalez Spain Women 2025

The Golden Boot winner started Euro 2025 like a freight train—scoring in each of Spain’s group games and tormenting defenders with her movement and finishing. Although her form cooled off in the knockouts, it was partly due to a lack of service.

Still, five goals in a major tournament is no small feat. Gonzalez reminded the world why she’s among the sharpest forwards in the game right now.

ST: Cristiana Girelli (Italy)

Norway v Italy – UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Quarter-Final lionesses

At 35, Cristiana Girelli turned back the clock. Her goals were not just beautiful—they were vital. Her brace against Norway, including a 90th-minute winner, booked Italy’s place in the semi-finals. And who could forget that stunning strike against Portugal?

If this was her final major tournament, she went out with style and substance, leading her side through one of their best campaigns in modern history.

LW: Chloe Kelly (England)

Chloe Kelly England Euro 2025

Chloe Kelly didn’t start a single game for England—but she was absolutely pivotal. Coming off the bench in all three knockout matches, she turned the tide every time. Her crosses against Sweden sparked the quarter-final comeback. Her extra-time winner knocked out Italy. And in the final, she assisted England’s equaliser and calmly slotted the winning penalty.

Kelly was the ultimate impact player. Without her, England don’t lift the trophy. It’s that simple.

Euro 2025 Team of the Tournament may not include every superstar fans expected—there’s no space for Aitana Bonmati or Mariona Caldentey, for instance—but it reflects the unpredictable, dramatic, and glorious month that unfolded in Switzerland. These players didn’t just perform—they shaped the story of a summer we’ll never forget.