England’s Selection of the Dolder Grand Hotel for Euro 2025
As the Lionesses gear up to defend their title at Euro 2025 in Switzerland, the Football Association (FA) has unveiled the meticulous process behind selecting their Zurich base camp. With the tournament set to begin on July 2, featuring 16 nations vying for European supremacy, England is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations.
To replicate their historic triumph in 2022, the FA has focused on ensuring that the team’s environment off the pitch is optimal for success. Their selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation of 35 UEFA-listed base camp options. After visiting 23 hotels and 24 training pitches, they ultimately chose the luxurious Dolder Grand Hotel, located on the outskirts of Zurich.
The Thought Process Behind the Selection
FA Women’s Technical Director Kay Cassington and Lionesses General Manager Anja van Ginhoven have provided insight into the key factors that influenced the decision. A major priority was ensuring player privacy while maintaining a sense of normalcy throughout the tournament.
A tram system conveniently located behind the Dolder Grand Hotel allows players and staff to access outdoor spaces, restaurants, and coffee shops, ensuring a balance between relaxation and competition. The hotel’s compact layout also facilitates close interaction between players and staff, with the dining and recovery areas within short walking distances.
Creating a “Home Away from Home”
The FA emphasized the importance of fostering a comfortable and familiar environment, enabling the squad and coaching staff to perform at their best. However, one challenge they faced was the lack of a suitable training pitch attached to the hotel. The existing facility was neither regulation size nor private enough to meet England’s needs.
The FA had to rethink their strategy and eventually secured the Sportanlage Au training ground, located just 20 minutes away from the hotel. This state-of-the-art facility meets all the required specifications, providing a regulation-sized pitch, complete privacy, and space for a gym and media stand.
The Performance Hub at Sportanlage Au
England will integrate a high-performance hub within the Sportanlage Au training ground, incorporating essential elements such as medical facilities, nutritional support, rehabilitation services, and a cutting-edge gym. This setup ensures that players have everything they need to maintain peak physical condition throughout the tournament.
England’s Euro 2025 Group Stage Journey
The official Euro 2025 draw placed England in Group D alongside France, the Netherlands, and Wales. Their first two group-stage matches, against France and the Netherlands, will take place at Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, a mere 15-minute coach ride from their base camp.
The third and final group-stage match against Wales will be held at the AFG Arena in St. Gallen, requiring a 90-minute coach journey. If England tops the group, they will travel to Basel for the quarter-finals—a journey that is also just 90 minutes by coach from the Dolder Grand Hotel.
Knockout Round Travel Plans
Should England finish second in Group D, they will remain in Zurich for the quarter-final. However, if they advance to the semi-finals from this position, they will have to travel to Geneva, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes by train.
To ensure player comfort during this long trip, the FA is exploring options to equip train carriages with physiotherapy and rehabilitation equipment. This measure would allow players to recover effectively and maintain peak fitness as they progress through the competition.
The Road to the Euro 2025 Final
The ultimate goal for the Lionesses is to reach the final at St. Jakob-Park in Basel and successfully defend their European Championship title. With meticulous planning, optimal training conditions, and a well-structured travel itinerary, England hopes to recreate their 2022 glory and cement their dominance in European football.
As the countdown to Euro 2025 continues, England’s strategic base camp selection and preparation demonstrate their commitment to success. The FA’s careful approach could prove instrumental in helping the Lionesses conquer Europe once again.
