🏴 England: How they shape up for Women's EURO 2025
The Lionesses, under the leadership of Sarina Wiegman, are aiming to repeat their 2022 success in Switzerland with a squad that blends experience and renewal, driven by established leaders and emerging talents.
What strengths does England have?
England boasts a squad full of stability and authority, with established stars such as Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, and Leah Williamson, each of whom has over 100 international caps. The midfield is well-balanced, combining technique and physicality, while the attack offers depth with stars like Lauren James, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, and Chloe Kelly. Additionally, the mix of attacking precision and ball management in midfield strengthens their competitive potential.
What weaknesses does England have?
Despite their great potential, questions arise in goal following the retirement of Mary Earps, a key figure in the Euro 2022 victory, leaving Hannah Hampton as the new number 1, backed by two rookie goalkeepers. There are also concerns about redefining defensive leadership after the absence of Millie Bright due to physical and mental exhaustion. Furthermore, the tournament group – with France, the Netherlands, and Wales – is highly competitive.
Notable absences
The most significant absences are Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright, who left an indelible mark on the 2022 triumph. Earps and Kirby have announced their international retirement, while Bright is stepping away for physical and mental health reasons. These departures leave a gap in leadership and experience that Wiegman hopes to fill with the inclusion of Hannah Hampton, the new goalkeeper, and the return of stars like Lauren James and Georgia Stanway.
The star of the team
Lucy Bronze remains the anchor in defense and a tactical reference point, with over 130 caps for the national team. Her experience in major tournaments and her ability to push forward make her a key player for Wiegman, serving as an indispensable link in the transition between defense and attack.
A player to watch
The recovery and return of Lauren James, after overcoming a hamstring injury, is generating great excitement. With 27 goals in 27 matches, the Chelsea forward brings unpredictability, speed, and creativity from the wings. Wiegman is confident she will be fit for the start of the tournament, making her performance crucial for opening up spaces and creating play.
Possible starting eleven
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
📸 BEN STANSALL - AFP or licensors
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