Football Daily - Women's Euros: Norway shock the Swiss, & Arsenal sign Chloe Kelly

Episode Date: July 2, 2025

Katie Smith is joined by our commentary team of Izzy Christiansen and Vicki Sparks in Basel to reflect on Norway's 2-1 win against hosts Switzerland. Former England captain Steph Houghton is on the pod too as the panel react to Chloe Kelly's reunion with Arsenal ahead of England's tournament opener on Saturday. And finally, Danny Gabbidon and Eilidh Barbour are here to preview tomorrow's match between Spain and Portugal.Timecodes: 00:15 Switzerland 1-2 Norway reaction 09:26 Chloe Kelly interview with Ben Haines 13:22 The panel reacts to her Arsenal reunion 19:45 Danny Gabbidon & Eilidh Barbour preview Spain v PortugalBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries: Thu 2000 Spain v Portugal on 5 Live, Fri 1700 Denmark v Sweden on Sports Extra 3, Fri 2000 Germany v Poland on 5 Live, Sat 1700 Wales v Netherlands on 5 Live, Sat 2000 France v England on 5 Live.

BBC Sounds music radio podcasts. The Football Daily podcast with Katie Smith at UEFA Women's Euro 2025. We are reacting live in Switzerland in Basel as hosts Switzerland lose 2-1 against Norway in their first match of the Women's Euros. Our commentary team of Izzy Christensen and Vicky Sparks are with us as is Steph Horton. Vicky, shall we start by recapping what was a bit of a bonkers match in the end. A perfect start for Switzerland and it all got a little bit chaotic in the second half. Yeah, absolutely. I mean they were so good, the host nation, Switzerland in the first half. This is their third Euros,

their fifth major tournament in total. They're looking to get out of the group stage for the very first time and they were simply sublime in the first half against Norway, the two time European champions, but a Norwegian side who have really struggled at major tournaments to hit the heights that we know these players can in recent years. Nadine Riesen, who was brilliant in the first half, the team. They are a team that has been fighting for the title. They have been struggling to hit the heights that we know these

players can in recent years. Nadine Reeson who was brilliant in the first half as was Geraldine Reutler gave Switzerland the lead and it could have been more Reutler cracking a shot against the bar and just that overall play was so good. But Norway's big players, even if overall their performance isn't great, can always provide that moment of quality. That's what happened in the second half. Ada Hegerberg converting from close range with a header.

She's done that so many times in her career. Her 50th goal for her country. And then just four minutes later, an own goal from Julia Steele with Hegerberg right next to her. She got it. She had to get a touch on the cross that came in. But unfortunately for her and Switzerland sent it into her own net.

There was time then for Hegerberg to miss a penalty. Seconds later, Switzerland went down the other end, were awarded a penalty that was then overturned by VAR. And in the end, they couldn't find that equalizer. And the celebrations that we saw at the end of the match, Katie, I mean, we were all looking at each other in the stadium here in Basel. The Norwegian subs were running on the pitch,

Vilde Boa, Risa was celebrating. Well, they'd reached the final, but it just shows that they really did get out of jail here. So we'll talk a little bit more about Norway and their reaction and perhaps how they pulled through in a moment. Izzy and Steph with us. And Izzy, I wonder if maybe the only accusation

you could lay at Switzerland's door is that they should have maybe scored a couple more in that first half when they were in that purple pad. Yeah, without a doubt, they were miles on top in the first half. They played some terrific football. They, you know, they had Norway backs against the wall and that's probably the biggest criticism. They got the goal to verify their work, you know, a brilliant sort of play, passage of play and good finish from Reisen, the left wing back. But yeah, they failed to capitalize. Reutler smashed the ball against the crossbar, which was unfortunate, but yeah, that's exactly it. And it gave Norway,

it left us a door, a jar a little bit in the second half, and Norway took their opportunities. I wonder, Steph, I'm wondering how many times we're going to use this phrase throughout the next four weeks. Tournament football, eh? And there's a little bit of that in what Norway managed this evening, which is, yeah, they didn't win pretty. Yeah, they didn't really play actually particularly well. But as Izzy said, they've got the experience and they pulled through. They won.

They got three points. Sometimes in that first game, it is all just about getting the three points and then think about the performance after when you go back, you have your rest day and you analyze as a team. I think people probably underestimate that Norway are under a lot of pressure for the stars that they have and the individuals that there's such an expectation for them to deliver on a tournament like this. I think Switzerland you can see in that first half performance especially is that they felt free, they were aggressive, they could use all the energy and you can see that they've

been waiting for this game for a long, long time. But I think Norway, I think you see the celebrations at the end, they probably are just absolutely buzzing that they've got three points no matter how they've played. And they sit atop of the group and for Switzerland, they can be full of confidence with this performance. I think they've got Iceland next, which is a great opportunity to perform in the same way. Should Arda Hegerberg have taken that penalty, Steph? I mean, how can you take it off her? She's been Norwegian star player for a number of years. I think the amount of goals that she's scored, she's obviously scored her 50th tonight and probably could have had another one if it wasn't her own goal, but I think she's so used to that pressure but

yeah obviously Switzerland got apparently disallowed as well and overturned by VAR which was the right decision, I don't think we knew what was going on at one point but correct one there but yeah she missed and I'm sure if there's another one she'll step up and take the next one. Because you weren't so sure is he? Yeah well hindsight's a lovely thing isn't't it? If she scores, you say, yeah, right decision. But I don't know, I just remember training at Lyon and practicing penalties and she just wasn't that convincing. But that's not to say she's not convincing goal scorer because the record speaks for itself. And I also say

that with the hat on the guru writing, her penalty scoring record for Chelsea is ridiculous and Graham Hansen as well, I'm not too sure off the top of my head, her record at Barcelona, whether she's on them or not, but I just think, I don't know, she's feeling good, I get it, she's the skipper, she takes it, I get it, but it just wasn't a convincing penalty, that's what I'm trying to say,

it didn't even hit the target, it rolled wide. At this point, Steph, I wonder if they get another one going forwards in the tournament, like Like psychologically what do you do with that as a player or the manager? I think it probably does have to be on the manager's head. I think sometimes them decisions need to be taken away from the player and of course I think the type of player that she is and she loves to score goals for our country and she is their star player. I'm sure if there's an opportunity she would but I, like Izzy said,

Guru Wrighton's a capable penalty taker under that pressure. She's done it for a number of seasons for Chelsea and proved that she can do that. I think that's why Norway are good in that respect in terms of the goth players that can handle them pressure moments. So I think guided by that, I think it would be either one of them two without with it the next penalty. She's the closest in women's football that I've seen in terms of mentality to Cristiano Ronaldo. Like she has that unwavering self belief. So to answer my own query throughout commentary, would she take one, the next one, if they get one in this tournament? She probably will. Yeah. Yeah, she probably will. Also, she was

absolutely loving Izzy, riling up the crowd, getting involved, and sort of leading Norway as captain, but also as the leader of the dark arts tonight. I think she sort of enjoyed that atmosphere, which actually, I think if we just have a word on Erzs and Jakob's part tonight, brilliant, pretty much sold out, so much Swiss support,

but it felt electric and it felt quite intimidating. Yeah, it did. And obviously Norway used their opportunity at the right moment just to swing the momentum back towards them because they used, you know, time wasting skills. I mean, when a Hegeberg was substituted, she took her time, but they made all five substitutions. So they took their time from that perspective. And that just disrupted the momentum that Switzerland were gathering. And Switzerland are somewhat an inexperienced team, and it would have been terrific for them

to get off on the front foot tonight with three points. But I still think they'll back themselves against Iceland and Finland. So the way the group looks now, then, Group A first round fixtures done. Norway topping the group off that 2-1 win over Switzerland with three points. Finland behind them, just that single goal win over Iceland,

so also on three points, but sitting second. Then we've got Switzerland and Iceland with three points. Finland behind them, just that single goal win over Iceland. So also on three points, but sitting second. Then we've got Switzerland and Iceland without those points. You've sort of said it already, Steph, in terms of who they have coming up next, Switzerland. And it's such an open group in so many ways. Do you think that from their performance tonight, they're actually gonna feel quite confident going into those games.

One million percent, I think, in terms of what they brought tonight against some very, very good players in terms of controlling the game, but also using their strengths in terms of the wing backs getting forward, but also the two forwards causing a bit of havoc for the Norwegian defence. I think for me, I didn't see anything from Iceland and Finland that Switzerland should be worried about this is about really knowing their standard which is this game and their capability of performing at the highest level and I think if they get a win against Iceland this is you going in the next game even more confident because Finland need to get something off Norway to stay in this tournament in the next game. And that's what this Euros is all about.

It's about you have to be, you only have very limited chances to stay in and to get into the next round. And I really do believe that Switzerland now, with their home back, and will win the next game. No more! Four years of hurt! No bodies for dreaming! When the final whistle went, it was just raw emotion. We had fulfilled dreams we'd had since we were kids. I just heard some flying! We talk and we talk and we talk and we've finally done it! Getting to lift that trophy was the most special moment ever.

This will go down in history as one of the best days in English football. UEFA Women's Euro 2025. Here we go then. This is what it's all been building towards. On Five Live and BBC Sounds. The Football Daily podcast with Katie Smith at UEFA Women's Euro 2025. with Katie Smith at UEFA Women's Euro 2025. So Switzerland losing to Norway in their tournament opener. Elsewhere in women's football today, Arsenal have announced that they've signed Chloe Kelly on a permanent transfer

following the end of her contract at Manchester City. The England winger was on loan at Arsenal last season helping them to win the Champions League, of course, and we can hear from her now speaking to Ben Haynes about that permanent move to the Gunners. I'm feeling good. Happy to put pen to paper at a special club and I'm excited for many years in a red shirt. What's the overriding emotion that you feel when you know that a deal like that is done? Relief, to be honest, especially coming into a major tournament, wanting to get it done

and out the way before going into a big tournament is really important. Yeah, as you're talking, for people that can't see, there's a big smile on your face. And like, I can sort of almost just see from your body language, you're just like really delighted to have that done. Yeah, for sure. I'm excited for many years playing for Arsenal, but now my focus changes to England and ready for the Euros but I'm glad to be an Arsenal player and hopefully many special memories. One of the things that I saw you say a lot in different ways was that you were a happier

person when you were there. Can you break that down for me a little bit? Yeah I had a grin on my face all the time. My family were not so far away being in London, so that was really nice for me, spending a lot of time with family members and picking up and moving from Manchester down to London was exciting for me, back to London, back to my roots.

And I was learning every day, so I'm excited to do even more of that and hopefully many trophies as well. The excitement of winning the Champions League and the taste of success in a red shirt felt good, so I'm excited for more. One of the things that we saw a few months ago was that Serena said in one of her press conferences, and I thought it was at the time like a really big thing. She said you got credit in the bank, but you needed to play. Was there any part of you that thought when you heard that

I might not make this summer? It was always in my mind that I would make this summer. And I'm forever grateful to put on an England shirt, but I know minutes were important and playing is important. So I needed to go away and be at a place where I was able to do that and able to challenge to do that and I was pushed every day in training at Arsenal to be at my best and learning from the likes of Beth and Caitlin by my side and we pushed each other every day

in training to be better and hopefully we did just that and coming away with silverware, it tastes even better. You've got a really tough group and I think it's fair to say in previous tournaments, England have grown into the tournament. Is there less wiggle room this time around? Do you need to start fast? I think in every tournament, the challenge is really high.

Every team is coming with the same mindset and we know that we need to be on our A game every time we step onto the pitch and training's been really good. So it's been challenging and hopefully come Saturday, we're in a really good place. But of course you want to grow as the tournament goes on. But I think game by game we want to be better and hopefully we can start that on Saturday. Right, so 2022, we're going back three years. One of the biggest moments in English football history.

You go forward a year from that and you have your massive moment with the penalty and the shootout as well. For Lionesses fans, are we looking at Chloe Kelly again for another big moment this time around? Do you know what, I just do my job whenever I come onto the pitch. I try to be at my best for the team no matter when that is, whether that's from the bench, whether that's a start. I try to give my all for the team and hopefully we can all have many special memories. You can hear the smile in her voice, Steph. And the thing we know about Chloe Kelly is,

a happy Chloe Kelly quite often equals a dangerous Chloe Kelly. And for England fans and now for Arsenal fans, that is a very, very exciting prospect. No, it really is. I think Chloe's one of my closest friends. So I'm actually really happy for her on a personal level I think. To see her back smiling, to see her back enjoying her football,

and I think sometimes when you're a footballer all you want to do is play and you don't want to be training all the time, you don't want to be making substitutes or grievances, you want to be starting and you want to be playing free and she certainly has done that at Arsenal and I think especially with the Euros just starting today I think she obviously wanted to get that move done and now she can look forward to concentrating on England but overall I think for her and her future I think Arsenal is where she wanted to be and I think she can really go and improve and get better. Does it feel quite important to you that this isn't another one of those distractions? Because

it feels like with England we've talked a little bit about distractions for the last few weeks with Mary Earp's retiring, with Millie Bright making herself unavailable. I don't think this could have ever been on that sort of level but it feels quite positive. It's clean line, clean slate, all done and she seems like she's ready to go. As a player you want to know where you're going to be at the end of the summer and I think that is the most important thing is that there's clarity now and now you can kind of look forward to that at the end of the Euros when hopefully England are lifting a trophy and Chloe has played a massive part in that and I think we all know that Chloe

can improve as a player and she can get better but the standard that she's setting now she can really compete for them then places in that 7-11 for this England team and of course her Euros journey was something that she never ever thought would happen after coming back from ACL but she comes on the pitch and you know when in football some things just happen for reasons and for her to score that winning goal I hope she has an unbelievable Euros this summer and now a move saw she can really concentrate on trying to get a start in place and really impacting for the Lionesses this summer. What do we think her role is going to be then Izzy because in the Jamaica warm-up friendly the 7-0 win for England

Beth Meade picked ahead of her over on the right hand side. She came on late. Is she going to be more of a impact player, substitute player, do you think? Great question because I think that what Serena Vigman's done is we all know she's created loads of competition in that team where we can't really predict. For me, I would start Chloe Kelly against Trance because I think she's in our best pressing trio in the front area of the pitch. I think with her, Alessia Russo and Lauren Hem, out on the left, I think that's our most dynamic pressing duo. I would then flip that and go, I think Lucy Ronson and Beth Mead have the best relationship on that right-hand side. How Serena Vigman uses Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly, I think it'll be, you know, it'll be a back and forth role.

It's so difficult to say what Serena's going to do and that's a good thing because we can't read it. I'm sure the players can't read it either but they just know they've got to be ready for when they get the nod. Steph, want to give it a read? to be ready for when they get the nod. Steph, want to give it a read? To be honest, I think I agree with Izzy in the sense of if you're thinking of that starting 11 against France, I think Chloe is in my team and I think I can see why Beth would be too and I think that is the greatest strength that England have is that in them forward areas we have unbelievable quality, we have unbelievable strengths in the sense of we've got a lot of pace up there, we've got a lot of creativity,

we've got goals and we're speaking about Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly but you've got Aggie Beaver-Jones that's played on the wing for Chelsea this season, you've got Lauren Hemphack can potentially play on that right wing and Chloe can play on the left wing, you don't actually know what's going to happen but I think that's something that really excites me is that how we are going to use that forward line and how we're going to use them attacking players. And especially in this France game when we need to stifle them as much as we possibly can. I'm interested, actually, there might be one more towards you, Steph, but the relationship

that you think she has with Serena Vigman, because she taught there, and it sounded very honest and open, you know, she said, you've got those minutes in the bank, but you need to go and play. But she's taught so much these last couple of months about how important René Slaygers has been for her at Arsenal. She seems to be the kind of player

that really needs that trust and that patience, maybe, from the manager. I think it's about knowing your players isn't it and I think being a part of teams and not even not ever being a manager or being a coach but I think in general in team sport you need to know what you get the best out of people and I think Chloe is definitely one that she likes honesty but also you need to be able to encourage you need to be positive and and also you tell her off sometimes. I'm sure that I've told her off on the

pitch a few times but at the same time I think it's all about that balance and that's important in elite sport is that you can give it but you can take it as well and I think of course you move to Arsenal, loan move and you've been given a chance by a manager of course you want to try and impress and you're going to repay them if they're're gonna be giving you starts so that that relationship is important but I feel as though now she's in that place where you can build them relationships and you can go and do what you can on the pitch and give the best that you can.

I think she would have fit in quite well at some of the Dark Arts Norway moments today. Yeah she's got that in her locker, but I think in that interview with Ben Haynes, she just, you know, we just listened to her. I think that it's interesting that she spoke about the sort of pushing of each other between herself, Beth Mead and Caitlin Ford at Arsenal. And I think the timing of the move

and the lone move obviously, which happened in January, it kind of gave Arsenal a huge lift as well. Cause Chloe on a personal level, she was out there to go and prove to the world who she was and what she was doing and how good she is. She did that, but she also like dragged the Arsenal players along with her. And it really, you know, it had a really positive impact.

Yeah, ended with a Champions League trophy, so not bad at all. So England against France, England's tournament opener on Saturday evening, eight o'clock kickoff commentary to come on five live. Tomorrow though, World Champions Spain get their tournament underway here in Switzerland. Group B, they face Portugal.

Commentary eight o'clock kickoff once again, this time with your team of Dani Gabadon and Ailey Barber. We are sitting in the beautiful city of Bern. We've just arrived this morning and we have a pretty plum deal for our first game, I have to say, because first up for us will be the world champions and tournament favourites, Spain. Are you looking forward to it? I am. This is my first major tournament from the women's side. I'm experiencing it. So

yeah, really looking forward to it. And as you say, we've got a really good game to start with. Obviously Spain, the world champions, everybody's kind of tipping them and rightly so to win the Euros, a competition which they've never won. And Portugal are a team I think that are kind of trending in the right direction. This is I think their third consecutive Euros and a really experienced manager in Francisco Neto. So yeah, really good game for us to start with. Yeah, if you'd sort of looked at it, maybe when the draw was made, you thought brilliant first game Portugal, though they have struggled a little bit

in the build up this term and in the Nations League campaign they had, which included a 7-1 defeat to Spain. What are you expecting, though, because the expectations on Spain as world champions is something they haven't experienced before, even when they went into that World Cup that they won back in 2023. Yeah, I think it's dealing with that pressure, you know, it's different kind of maybe expectations, as you say, for Portugal. You know, they were on a really good run before they played Spain actually I think was 14 and beaten they went without losing. And it's no shame losing to

Spain because they are fantastic teams. So yeah, but I think from a Spanish point of view, I think they just did a really good place at the minute. You know, you look at the qualifying for the Euros, they amassed the most points, scored the most goals. The players that they have, I think it's like 11 Barcelona players in this squad. So that kind of continuity, that team understanding, particularly in that kind of midfield area

where they have that trio of Barcelona players and brimming with confidence at the minute. And they want to be one of those three teams now to hold the World Cup and the Euros at the same time. So that will be their aim, that will be their goal coming into this tournament. They have had a couple of problems personnel-wise coming into this tournament. We know Irina Paredes is going to be suspended for the opening match, but also Ayita Bonmati, part of that midfield trio you speak about, had viral meningitis, was in hospital. She is back with the squad. She is a doubt though

for tomorrow night's game, as is Katakoi, the goalkeeper who has had tonsillitis in the build-up to this game. So a couple of potential players missing, but when you look at the squad they have named the 23, there is so much talent and some young players that we haven't seen playing on this major stage before who could have a huge impact. Yeah, you look at the squad and there's so much depth there, which is really important when you come into a major tournament. You never know what's going to happen with injury, suspension, so the team that starts

the tournament doesn't tend to be the team that kind of finishes it. So the squad's really important and they have quality players in every area. We know about Bon Matty and how good she is. But if she's not available to play, then you've got Caldante, who's a WSL player of the year, who can kind of play anywhere across that midfield and forward line. She can drop into that position and they're just blessed with quality all over the pitch. So, you know, you want your best players out there, but equally, you know, they've got players with quality coming from the bench and I don't think it'll affect them too much.

We will have full commentary of Spain against Portugal in this Euro 2025 tomorrow. Thanks very much to Ailey and Dani, Steph Horton and Izzy Christensen still with us here in Basel. I wonder Steph, how much illness like that can affect a group leading into a tournament like this? Because, I mean, it's not just a cold, is it? This is meningitis. I mean, this is awful.

And apparently she was back on an exercise by two days ago. Montse Tome, the manager, is saying, right, we're going to protect her because if it was up to her, she'd be out playing the game already before Portugal even turned up. That's the problem as a player.

You'd want to be, you just think that you're back to normal. You feel a little bit better and you think you can do everything. But yeah, I mean, first and foremost, I think health is the most important thing and I think we all want Bon Matty to play a massive role in this tournament because this is what this tournament needs is the best player in the world and someone that can kind of light up and inspire young girls in Switzerland as players like her. But ultimately,

if you don't have 100% fit Bon Matty, then you don't get the best of her. And I think that's the most important thing. But yeah, I think there's been previous times where we haven't had illnesses like Matty has, but I think sometimes it does affect preparation, especially when it's one of your style plays. You want them to be fit, you want them to contribute as much as you possibly can,

but that's why you have a squad of 23, so that in case these things happen, and you look at this that's Spanish squad and they have quality throughout every single unit and you're speaking about Paradis that's going to be suspended. They have quality and they have replacements that are ready to go and whenever the time is right hopefully we do see a player like Bomati grace this European championships. Well that's it Izzy, because this Spanish side, there's talent everywhere you look.

There's a very realistic prospect that tomorrow night, Spain without Bonmatti, without someone like Catacolc, could still get the job done. Yeah without a doubt, and I'd be very surprised to see Bonmatti even on the pitch tomorrow. And if she does, massive respect, but like you said you said there she'll have to be looked after very well and held back if you like but there are

players in Claudia Pina obviously and you know a player who I'm very excited to see as well who had a superb domestic season with Barcelona and yeah they've just got that flow and that rhythm and that you know they play with such speed and you know technical ability to play in and around teams and play through the lines. It's just, can they find that momentum and generate it? But it's just interesting, like, the context around Bonmatti's illness coming into it. And then you just compare it to, like, England. England had their sort of rocky patch to deal with, like, three, four weeks ago. But now Bonmatti's, you know, that will have rocked the Spanish team. It's just how you deal with it. And all these sorts of factors are just totally out of your control.

It's just how you deal with it. And like you talked about Steph as well, you know, we were lucky enough to watch Arda Hegerberg out on the pitch tonight. How many more times will we potentially see her in a Norway shirt, an icon of the sport, a Ballon d'Or winner? It would be such a shame for football if we didn't have Aitana Bon Matty, but you know, we don't want to rush her in. So Spain against Portugal tomorrow night, eight o'clock kick the world champion in action. They have never won the Euros before. I was looking at the pundits predictions before we go, Steph, on the BBC Sports website.

You have said Spain or Germany. I have done a bit of reverse psychology. If I say that out loud, then I manifest that England are going to win, then we will be OK. I think you can't look past them three teams, if I'm thinking if I say that out loud, then I manifest that England are going to win, then we'll be OK. So but yeah, I think you can't look past them three teams of them being honest in terms of their quality.

So I'm going to stick with my decisions. Lovely stuff. And when are you coming out next week? Next Tuesday. So I'll see you then for the England game. Oh, brilliant stuff. Steph, thank you so much for joining us this evening. It's been great. Former England captain with us and former England midfielder Izzy Christensen alongside our commentator Vicky Sparks bringing you that tournament opener for the hosts.

Switzerland losing 2-1 to Norway here in Basel. On BBC Sounds, this is Sports Strangest Crimes from the man who tried to buy cricket. One night, one game, winner take off, 20 US million dollars. The kidnap of a super horse. It must have been terrifying. Of course it was. How we got through all that going on? An ill-advised errand changing F1 forever. It will haunt the people involved for as long as they live.

A trillion dollar takeover which never took off. Broadsters of this level, they will never stop. The mysterious death of a superstar cyclist. Entering the world of professional cycling was like joining the mafia. And teammates becoming bitter enemies at one of the biggest football clubs in the world. Betrayal, plots.

We've gone beyond women's football in France. Sports, strangest crimes. Listen on BBC Sounds.