Wales v Netherlands LIVE: Women’s Euro 2025 updates, score and team news

Vivianne Miedema starts and captains the Netherlands, and the striker is just one goal away from her 100th for the Oranje.

Netherlands XI: Van Domselaar; Casparij, Janssen, Buurman, Brugts; Kaptein, Groenen, Van de Donk; Pelova, Miedema, Roord

Here it is! The historic Wales team that will start their first ever match at a major women’s tournament against the Netherlands.

Wales XI: Clark; Green, Roberts, Evans, Woodham; James, Fishlock, Ladd; Holland, Cain, Morgan

Wales know they will be up against it when they take on a tough Dutch team in Lucerne but, no matter how the game goes, the squad will still see their participation as a great success for Welsh football.

“I think for me personally it’s been a very long journey, and for most of the group too. It’s been something that we’ve always strived to achieve and we’ve always come up short but not anymore we’re here,” captain Angharad James said.

“To see the Welsh flag and to see Wales being on the biggest stage of all is truly something that I didn’t know if I’d be able to experience personally, and to be here today is an honour,” she added.

Wales know that little is expected of them when they take on 2017 champions Netherlands in their opening Women’s Euro Group D game, but they sent a defiant message to anyone prepared to underestimate them as they make their tournament debut.

The Welsh were handed one of the toughest draws possible when they were grouped with reigning champions England, France and the Dutch, but after qualifying for the tournament they are not just in Switzerland to make up the numbers.

Canadian-born coach Rhian Wilkinson, whose mother hailed from Wales, brought in her long-time Canada international teammate Diane Matheson to talk to her players on Thursday, and the rallying cry had the desired effect.

“Diana said it last night – it’s a privilege to be the underdogs and that’s the attitude we’re going in with. Underestimate us all you want but we know that we’re ready for the fight, we’re ready for each game and we’re ready to be here, be present and take on each team as it comes,” Wales captain Angharad James said.

“This is the first generation of Welsh player that is completely professionalised,” Rhian Wilkinson said.

“That is something that changes the game at home in Wales, and that’s what I’m excited about. This team gets to be the face of a watershed moment back home.

“To be able to stand next to them when they do that is one of the honours of my career. This team is ready, fit and excited.”

Rhian Wilkinson has declared that Wales are ready for their “watershed moment” on a first major tournament stage at Euro 2025.

While few expect Wales to progress from a daunting group that also includes reigning champions England and France, Wilkinson – the 181-times capped Canadian international of Welsh heritage – says the game has changed in the country forever.

“This is a wonderful team, great people, fantastic footballers, and we’re going to be tested against some of the best in the world,” Wilkinson said at her pre-match press conference.

“That’s what we’ve been wanting. To showcase Wales as a country, this team and their talent.”

Former Wales captain Sophie Ingle has been named in the squad and is fully fit, but has not played in over a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury so her possible role is unknown. Wales have no other injury concerns but defender Mayzee Davies was ruled out before the tournament.

Forward Lineth Beerensteyn is a doubt for the Netherlands but Vivianne Miedema is fit to feature and is a goal away from reaching a century for the Netherlands.

The match will kick off at 5pm BST on Saturday 5 July

It will be shown live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and S4C, with coverage starting from 4:15pm.

Wales make their major tournament debuts as they take on Netherlands at Euro 2025. The Welsh are the lowest-ranked team at the Euros and have been drawn in a heavyweight group alongside holders England, 2017 champions Netherlands and France.

But Wales are determined to embrace the occasion and inspire a generation back home when they play the Netherlands in Lucerne. “This is what we’ve been wanting,” head coach Rhian Wilkinson said. “To showcase Wales as a country, this team and their talent.”

Former captain Sophie Ingle has been named in the Wales squad despite not playing a competitive match in over a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury while Netherlands have a number of star players including striker Vivianne Miedema.

“They are a top team, very fluid, and have some of the biggest stars in the game,” Wilkinson said. “They’re really an enjoyable team to watch and I’m looking forward to challenging my team against them.”