By Hannah Chadwick (16/6/25)
Above: Switzerland’s national side. Photo: Swiss Community.
The hosts of a major tournament always have the eyes of the world on them. After failing to make it out of the group stages at Euro 2022 and a disappointing Nations League run, Switzerland are up against it heading into this year’s European Championships.
They are hoping to make their fans proud, and the pressure to make it out of the group will be more intense than in previous years. This will be the third time Switzerland are going to compete in the Euros – having qualified in 2017, 2022, and automatically qualifying as hosts this year.
Squad:
The 35-strong training camp selection has been hampered due to the ACL injury to Romona Bachmann who is unavailable for selection. The list below will shortly be reduced to the final 23.
Goalkeepers: Nadine Bohi (St. Gallen), Elvira Herzog (RB Leipzig), Livia Peng (Werder Bremen).
Defenders: Laia Balleste (Espanyol), Luana Buhler (Tottenham Hotspur), Viola Calligaris (Juventus), Noelle Maritz (Aston Villa), Nadine Riesen (Frankfurt), Julia Stierli (Freiburg).
Midfielders: Riola Xhemaili (VfL Wolfsburg), Lia Wälti (Arsenal), Smilla Vallotto (Hammarby), Seraina Piubel (West Ham United), Alena Bienz (Köln), Sandrine Mauron (Servette), Amira Arfaoui (Werder Bremen), Leela Egli (Freiburg), Naina Inauen (Vålerenga), Naemi Ivelj (Grasshoppers Zürich), Lia Kamber (FC Basel), Noami Layet (BSC YB), Coumba Sow (FC Basel).
Strikers: Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic (Seattle Reign), Alisha Lehmann (Juventus), Sydney Schertenleib (Barcelona), Iman Beney (BSC YB), Alayah Pilgrim (Roma), Meraime Terchoun (Dijon), Svenja Folmli (Freiburg), Geraldine Reuteler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Eseosa Aigbogun (Roma), Lydia Andrade (RB Leipzig), Aurelie Csillag (FC Basel), Leila Wanderler (Olympique Lyonnaise).
Head Coach:
In January 2024, legendary ex-player and Swedish coach Pia Sundhage took on one of the most difficult jobs of her career. From winning Olympic Gold with the USWNT twice and a Silver Olympic medal with Sweden, she now takes on the challenge of a side who are struggling with identity.
Since her first game in charge, she has led Switzerland to four wins, three draws, and six defeats. Within those games, they have earned a 1-1 draw with Australia and a 2-1 win over France. These are the games that will fill the Switzerland fans with confidence ahead of the summer. Overall, Sundhage’s tenure has led to some spectacular displays and some jaw-dropping score lines alongside some heavy losses.
Since her appointment, her main mission has been to develop the younger members of the team, giving them valuable minutes ahead of their first senior tournament. A successful example of this would be Naomi Luyet, who broke into the senior team and was slowly solidifying her place when she suffered a cruciate ligament tear. Switzerland and Sundhage will be hoping the young winger will return for the summer tournament, as she may be influential in their success.
Euros History:
In the two previous Euros that Switzerland have qualified for (2017 and 2022), they have failed to make it out of the group stages. They will be hoping that the home crowd will buoy them to a strong group finish and an inaugural knockout appearance.
How they qualified:
As hosts for the tournament, Switzerland qualified automatically.
Strengths:
This is a team that has experience and quality in the midfield. With Arsenal star Lia Wälti controlling this aspect of the play, the team are confident on the ball and are constantly looking to play forwards.
In other positions, Launa Buhler has consistently proven to be solid at the back alongside Noelle Maritz and Ana-Marie Crnogorcevic, who can also play up front. From their talent and their ability to read the game and constantly adapt, they will be vital to Switzerland’s hopes of success.
Switzerland has depth in the front line, although the loss of Bachmann to an ACL injury is huge. The team though so boast teen superstar Sydney Schertenleib, who has an eye for goal.
Development Areas:
The one main issue for Switzerland this summer could be further injuries to the starting 11. If key players such as Wälti or Crnogorcevic join Bachman on the sidelines, the team will be left with significantly less experience in tournament football.
The second development area for Switzerland links to the first area of improvement. The lack of experienced squad depth, for many of their players, this will be the first or second major tournament they will be taking part in. This might prove to be Switzerland’s downfall.
Key Players:
Lia Wälti – Switzerland’s captain, Arsenal star, and a midfield maestro. Her talent, vision, and abilty is truly something else. Calm and composed in possession and calculated in her defensive movement, she is vital in Switzerland’s build-up play. Wälti can successfully receive the ball under pressure, make quick decisions, and open up play for others.
Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic is another player with the potential to be influential. Adaptable, she can play on the wing or at right back. With impressive pace, she is technically strong and has a tendency to score headers from crosses into the box.
One to watch:
Naomi Luyet will be the one to watch this tournament. She has recently returned following an ACL injury, and the young midfielder has speed on her side. She is young with a lack of experience, however, her vision of the game and ability to play a key role in the transition will make her an important asset.
Success would be:
Reaching the knockout stages for the first time. In a group with Norway, Finland, and Iceland, this is possible. Norway will be their biggest threat. If the Swiss can win their game against Finland and get a result against Iceland, then a first-ever quarter-final is likely.
Predictions:
Switzerland have a once in a lifetime opportunity on their hands with a pretty favourable group draw. As the host nation, they will also have their country on their side, and the last two Euros have been won by the hosts. Whilst a win is likely out of reach for the Swiss, they should be able to make it out of the group, barring major injury to key players.
Group Fixtures:
2nd July – Norway, 9pm, St Jakob-Park, Basel.
6th July – Iceland, 9pm, Wankdorf Stadium, Bern.
10th July – Finland, 9pm Stade De Geneve, Lancy.
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