The Lionesses face elimination from Euro 2025 after potentially only two games if they lose to the Netherlands and France does not lose to Wales. If England loses, their title defense likely ends prematurely. Historically, defending champions rarely exit early, with Brazil and Germany retaining titles often. Most previous women’s European champions have reached at least the quarter-finals in their title defenses, with only recent competitions showing early exits. The implications of a poor performance draw parallels with other teams' historical disappointments.
The Lionesses will be out of Euro 2025 after two games if they lose to the Netherlands on Wednesday and France avoid defeat against Wales.
England are in serious danger of becoming the first defending champions to go out at the group stage of the Women's World Cup, Women's Euros or the Copa America Femenina.
Across those three tournaments, the holders have retained the trophy more often than not, with Brazil and Germany responsible for 13 of the first retentions.
All the women's European champions have reached the last eight in their title defence, with most going further. Only in the last two competitions have champions exited in the quarter-finals.
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