Euro 2025: England team guide – what can we expect from the defending champions?

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a day ago

This England team head into the tournament with the kind of pedigree they have never had previously: reigning European champions and 2023 World Cup finalists.
On their day, the Lionesses have the talent, know-how and experience to beat any European side, but their form has been patchy to say the least. Gone is the time when England went on an unbeaten 30-game streak and were a relentless winning machine — but they have proved they can get results in tournament football.
Who is the manager?
Sarina Wiegman has been in charge of England since September 2021 and signed a contract extension in January 2024, keeping her with the Lionesses until after the 2027 World Cup.
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Known for her directness and honesty with players, the former Netherlands international makes decisions based on what is best for the team. After triumphs with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022, she could become the first manager, in the men's and women's games, to win three Euros titles in a row.
How do they play?
Wiegman normally uses a 4-2-3-1 out of possession and then, in possession, pushes her box-to-box midfielder up the field to form a 4-3-3.
In England's third group game of the 2023 World Cup, however, she showed her flexibility by going to a 3-4-1-2 after Keira Walsh's injury and even maintained that formation on the midfielder's return as England made it to the final.
Who are their three most influential players?
Walsh and Georgia Stanway are the heart of England's midfield. Walsh is the lynchpin connecting defence and attack and Stanway is the engine. Should they miss a game, England's level would surely drop significantly given the lack of backup options.
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Lauren James brings a sense of unpredictability and her mere presence can trouble opponents. Her two-footedness makes her a versatile option for Wiegman as she can pop up in pockets across the front line. England have depth in the No 10 (attacking midfield) role and in wide areas but no one can replicate James' talent.
What is their biggest strength?
England field a very strong starting XI with some of the best players in the world. They have leaders on the pitch and a coaching staff off it who have been there and done it. They know what it takes to win.
What weakness might other teams be able to exploit?
When England start slowly, a habit of late, they make life very difficult for themselves and struggle to get into a rhythm. Their substitutes have been having less impact than at Euro 2022, preventing them from killing the game.
Any notable absentees?
Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Fran Kirby are all missing for different reasons. Bright, the captain at the 2023 World Cup, withdrew from selection as she was unable to 'give 100 per cent mentally or physically', while Earps and Kirby have retired from international football. Neither would likely have made the starting XI, but the trio leave a notable void in the dressing room, especially in leadership and experience.
What is their strongest starting XI?
How have they performed over the past 12 months?
Great Britain failed to qualify for the 2024 Olympics and a summer off for England's players was seen by some as a blessing in disguise. But they have struggled to string together consecutive convincing performances.
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They have been making errors and losing control of games, including in the 4-3 defeat against Germany in the autumn at Wembley, and away to Belgium in April, when they lost 3-2. That said, they have kept clean sheets against the world's best, with a 0-0 draw against the United States in November and a 1-0 win over reigning world champions Spain in February.
Their most fluid performance came at the end of May, when they beat Portugal 6-0. But they could not back up those levels against Spain a few days later, losing 2-1 in early June.
What are they expected to achieve at these Euros?
England will want another trophy but with such a mixed bag of recent results, it is uncertain which version of this team is going to turn up.
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They do not have the luxury of easing themselves in with a straightforward fixture — they kick off their tournament against France, then face the Netherlands. There is a realistic possibility they do not make the knockout stages.
Did you know?
England assistant Arjan Veurink will leave the Lionesses to become the Netherlands head coach after the Euros, returning to his homeland. Going the other way, Netherlands assistants Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit will join Wiegman in England.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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