Latest news with #Euro2027
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Euro 2025: England team guide – what can we expect from the defending champions?
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Shellshocked Celtic star speaks out on shock defeat in under-21 Euros
But Portugal - who play against Scotland later this year in the Euro 2027 qualifiers - were stunned when they were eliminated in the quarter finals by the Netherlands. And Bernardo, 23, wasn't impressed as they crashed out. Read more: He said: "We had everything we needed on our side to reach the semi-finals. "The team gave everything, we all gave a great commitment to the cause. "But unfortunately, our football was not the best and that's why we lost.'
The National
5 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Shellshocked Celtic star speaks out on shock defeat in under-21 Euros
The Hoops midfielder became the most capped player of all time for his country's Under 21s side at the European Championships in Slovakia. But Portugal - who play against Scotland later this year in the Euro 2027 qualifiers - were stunned when they were eliminated in the quarter finals by the Netherlands. And Bernardo, 23, wasn't impressed as they crashed out. Read more: He said: "We had everything we needed on our side to reach the semi-finals. "The team gave everything, we all gave a great commitment to the cause. "But unfortunately, our football was not the best and that's why we lost.'
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Jim Crawford labels Cork City's Cathal O'Sullivan as ‘fantastic' while playing in Ireland U-21 friendlies in Croatia
JIM Crawford's Under-21s drew a blank against Qatar's 23s last night. The Boys in Green 2 The Cork City future star was impressive in the 0-0 draw 2 The Ireland U-21 squad will begin their Euro 2027 qualifiers in September Shamrock Rovers ace Cory O'Sullivan But he could not inspire a win despite Cathal O'Sullivan and Jad Hakiki going close by hitting the post. IRELAND U-21: A Wogan; J Devaney, G Otegbayo (A Murphy 74), S Grehan, J Slater (Cory O'Sullivan, h-t); E McJannet (J O'Brien-Whitmarsh, h-t), J Mullins; Cathal O'Sullivan, J Hakiki, H Vaughan (W Davis 74); C Dillon (M O'Mahony 74). Jim Crawford Read more on Irish football The Ireland U-21s boss said: "A really young team with a 17-year-old playing right back, which he was fantastic, Jacob Devaney. "We had Cathal O'Sullivan who played 90 minutes, fantastic. Andrew Wogan in goal, very good. "There was a lot of pleasing aspects for individuals but what we need going into the (Euro 2027 qualifying) campaign is competitive players. "Certainly here, players have sort of turned staff members' heads, if you like, to say, 'yeah, I'm ready to be selected for September'. Most read in Football "Cian Dillon, you know, worked hard and people have to remember that Cian turned down a holiday to Greece to gain two U21s caps. I'm sure he wouldn't change that for the world. "He's done himself absolutely no harm at all, you know, so delighted for him. Inside Arsenal's Ibiza holiday as Katie McCabe and teammates pop champagne to celebrate Champions League win "This is one step away from the senior team. This isn't easy. Some of the players have probably been ever-present in squads, from 15s, 16s, 17s and so on. "Now all of a sudden, when they gets to 21s, the player pool gets a little bit bigger."
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'Fantastic': Ireland boss pleased with Cathal O'Sullivan in first U21 start
Cathal O'Sullivan got his first start for the Ireland U21s as they drew 0-0 with a Qatar U23 side in a friendly played in Croatia on Tuesday. The Cork City teenager made his debut in Friday's defeat to Croatia, entering the game as a late substitute. Also against Qatar, goalkeeper Andrew Wogan made his first appearance, Shamrock Rovers defender Cory O'Sullivan earned his debut off the bench, and there were first starts for Cian Dillon and Jacob Devaney. "A really young team with a 17-year-old playing right back, which he was fantastic, Jacob Devaney," said Ireland manager Jim Crawford. "We had Cathal O'Sullivan who played 90 minutes, fantastic. Andrew Wogan in goal, very good. "There was a lot of pleasing aspects for individuals but what we need going into the (Euro 2027 qualifying) campaign is competitive players. Certainly here, players have sort of turned staff members' heads, if you like, to say, 'yeah, I'm ready to be selected for September'. "Cian Dillon, you know, worked hard and people have to remember that Cian turned down a holiday to Greece to gain two U21s caps. I'm sure he wouldn't change that for the world. He's done himself absolutely no harm at all, you know, so delighted for him. "This is one step away from the senior team. This isn't easy. Some of the players have probably been ever-present in squads, from 15s, 16s, 17s and so on. Now all of a sudden, when they gets to 21s, the player pool gets a little bit bigger. "We just need to be competitive in all areas of the pitch with regards to our squads. I'm happy with that. To bring up boys like Jacob, like Cathal O'Sullivan, like Andrew Wogan, a lot of really good, polished performances that we're delighted with." Ireland created plenty of chances against Qatar but were not clinical enough in front of goal. O'Sullivan and Jad Hakiki went closest for Crawford's side. "We did create lots of chances," said Crawford. "Lots of fantastic intricate play, individual play and lots of positives. "It's the first sort of clean sheet with the group, which is one positive defensively. It's been a little bit of a concern with the group so far. "The main learning from that game is that when you're on top in a game, you need to score goals. When we play Moldova, Andorra, Kazakhstan, it'd be probably similar where teams just drop off, looking to catch you on a counter-attack. "We got a lot of prep for September and October with the way Qatar were set up. People have to understand that it was a Qatar U23s team, so 22-year-olds; a few of those players played in their senior team."
