Netherlands’ women's team to face former manager Sarina Wiegman at European Championship

The Netherlands women’s team has been drawn to face France, England, and Wales in next year's European Championships. The draw was made in Lausanne, Switzerland. The tournament will take place from July 2 to 27 in Switzerland.

The first and second-placed teams will qualify directly for the quarter-finals. Oranje qualified directly for the European Championships. Manager Andries Jonkers’ side finished second in their qualification group behind Italy. England, managed by Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman, is the reigning champions of the European Championship.

Wiegman was the manager of the Netherlands when they won the European Championships in 2017 in their home country. Oranje are currently ranked 10th in the world rankings. The team recently switched places with France, the current number 11. England is fourth in the rankings, with Wales in 30th.

France and England already played against each other in their qualification group for the tournament. France won the group in front of England, who came second. Wales qualified by beating Slovakia in the playoffs.

Switzerland will face Iceland, Norway, and Finland. World champion Spain is in the group with Italy, Belgium, and Portugal. Germany, the third-highest-ranked team in the world, will play against Denmark, Sweden, and Poland.

The matches at the European Championship will be played in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zurich, Saint Gallen, Luzern, Sion, and Thun. The final will take place on July 27 in Basel.

Jonker told reporters that he thinks the group will be “incredibly tough.” He believes this is the most challenging group in the tournament.

“There is a world of difference between this and Group A with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Finland. It could have been easier, but it is what it is. We have a great team, and we are ready for the challenge.”