England’s Pursuit of a Second European Title
As the defending champions, England’s Lionesses are poised to embark on their pursuit of a second consecutive European title at Euro 2025. This tournament, hosted in Switzerland beginning July 5, sees them placed in a challenging Group D alongside formidable opponents France, the Netherlands, and Wales. Sarina Wiegman’s squad carries significant experience after their triumph on home soil three years ago and a World Cup final appearance the following year.
Squad Selection and Key Players
With preparations intensifying, England is expected to announce a 23-player roster for the tournament, even as UEFA has expanded the maximum squad size from 23 to 26 for major competitions, a change first implemented for the men’s Euros last summer. As the countdown to squad submission continues, we delve into the players who are set to make the journey, along with those whose places may be uncertain.
Key Players to Watch
- Lucy Bronze: The 33-year-old right-back is making her seventh major tournament appearance and is crucial for instilling a competitive spirit within the team.
- Leah Williamson: The Lionesses’ captain during the last Euros triumph returns from an ACL injury that sidelined her during the World Cup. A strong presence on and off the pitch, the Arsenal defender is expected to lead once again.
- Millie Bright: After overcoming a knee injury that impacted her World Cup performance, this vice-captain remains an integral part of the defense and has opted for additional recovery before the Euros.
- Keira Walsh: The midfielder is back in the national setup after a successful stint at Barcelona, known for her ability to control the tempo of the game.
- Alessia Russo: Initially a second-half impact sub during the previous Euros, the striker has become a key player, showcasing her scoring prowess at the World Cup and earning the WSL Golden Boot this season.
Several returning players are dealing with high expectations after injury setbacks, such as Beth Mead, who was a standout during the last tournament but missed the World Cup due to an ACL tear. Chloe Kelly, the hero of the Euros final, is also back in shape after a rocky start to her season. Emerging talents like Grace Clinton, who performed admirably in earlier fixtures against world champions, and Jess Park, a rising star from Manchester City, add layers of depth to the squad.
Goalkeeping and Potential Injury Issues
Meanwhile, the goalkeeping position sees Hannah Hampton securing the No. 1 spot following the unexpected retirement of Mary Earps, last year’s tournament-winning goalkeeper. Hampton’s recent form has been impressive and she will have the responsibility of manning the goal as the team’s fortunes hang in the balance. As they finalize preparations, England must also navigate potential injury issues; players like Lauren James and Georgia Stanway have recently returned from injuries, which could affect their selections.
Fringe Players and New Faces
A number of players are vying for the chance to join this elite group. Michelle Agyemang, a recent debutant, could provide backup in attacking roles, while Lotte Wubben-Moy and Nikita Parris are also on the roster but face challenges as competition intensifies. Overall, the mixture of seasoned veterans and dynamic newcomers provides a promising outlook for England as they prepare to defend their title.
As the kickoff date approaches, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Wiegman’s final squad decisions and the Lionesses’ performance against their first opponents, France.
