Wales qualify for Euro 2025 but Scotland and Northern Ireland miss out

Wales have made history by reaching a major women's tournament for the first time.

They beat the Republic of Ireland 3-2 on aggregate in their play-off final match to qualify for next year's Euros.

However, it was heartache for Scotland and Northern Ireland, who both lost their games and missed out on a place.

Wales will join England, who had already secured their spot at the tournament next summer in Switzerland.

Wales

Wales beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Dublin to win 3-2 on aggregate (the total result after all games played against each other) and seal their place at next year's Euros.

Wales took the lead early in the second half when Hannah Cain scored from the penalty spot after a Republic of Ireland handball.

Substitute Carrie Jones' strike put Wales 2-0 up before the Republic of Ireland got a goal back through Anna Patten’s late header.

After the match, Wales’ most-capped player and record goal scorer, Jess Fishlock, said qualifying for a major tournament with her country was “the proudest moment of her life".

Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson added the result will "change everything" for Welsh football.

"This team found a way. They never broke for each other, they stayed strong. I've never been prouder of a team,” she explained.

Scotland

Scotland missed out on their third Euros finals in a row after a 2-0 loss against Finland in Helsinki.

The teams had drawn 0-0 in the first leg last week, meaning that the winner of the second leg would qualify for the tournament.

However, two first half Finland goals meant it was the home side who go through to next summer's Euros.

After the match, Scotland defender Sophie Howard said the team was "really disappointed" not have made it through.

She said: "I feel like every single player on that pitch gave everything and I think we deserved to win with the way we played.

"I think it's important that you allow the emotions to be disappointed, it just shows how much it means to us," she added.

"The whole national team is ready to pick one another up and go again."

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland went into their play-off match knowing they needed a huge win after being beaten 4-0 by Norway in the first leg.

However, three goals from Norway meant they completed a 7-0 win on aggregate and go through to next summer's tournament.

The loss ended Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching back-to-back European Championships.

Despite the result, Northern Ireland defender Rebecca McKenna said her side showed their "togetherness".

"We knew it was going to be difficult coming here after the home result, but I can't be prouder of the group," she told BBC Sport NI.

England

England had already qualified for Euro 2025 after finishing as runners-up in their group.

The defending champions took on next year's hosts, Switzerland, in a friendly match at Bramall Lane.

And it was the Lionesses who finished the year with a win, after an early goal from Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton gave England a 1-0 win.

England manager Sarina Wiegman made 10 changes to the starting XI following the 0-0 draw with the United States, and after the game, she explained why.

"We played many players. We wanted to tweak a couple of things in our style of play.

"Of course there is a lot of work to do but I think it was good to see," Wiegman said.

When will Euro 2025 take place?

England are the defending champions, having won the last tournament in 2022

Euro 2025 takes place next summer from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 27 July.

Switzerland will host the 16-team tournament in eight venues across the country.

England and Wales will find out which groups they're in and who they'll face when the draw for the Euros is made on 16 December.