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Washington Post
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
England's Lionesses face new challenges and 'noise' in Euro 2025 title defense
England will look to eliminate the 'noise' when it kicks off its campaign to retain the Women's European Championship crown. The defending champions travel to Switzerland as one of the favorites at the 16-team tournament, despite recent upheaval in the squad, after winning last time and finishing runner-up to Spain in the 2023 World Cup. Euro 2022 saw England triumph on home soil and secure the country's first senior title since the men's team won the World Cup in 1966. And, in a soccer-mad country, that success has ratcheted up the hype around the Lionesses. 'My experience is before a major tournament there's always noise,' England coach Sarina Wiegman said. 'So we expect noise until we go into the tournament, and it probably stays. 'The difference is that … now, just the attention and the visibility of the women's game has increased so much. So it sounds like that's more noise, but there's just more talk, more journalists here … we just have to deal with it and move on and focus on football.' The 55-year-old Wiegman, who took charge of the Lionesses in September 2021, is bidding to make it a hat trick of European Championship titles, as she steered the Netherlands to the trophy in 2017. However, a chaotic week leading up to her Euro 2025 squad announcement saw several key, experienced players pull out of selection for the tournament. Star defender Millie Bright declared herself unavailable , saying she was not ready '100% mentally or physically,' while goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby retired from international soccer. All three were in England's title-winning team at Euro 2022. 'We can only control ourselves and how good we can be,' England captain Leah Williamson said. 'That noise it's there, it is a factual thing, and of course there will be times when it will weigh heavier than others, but ultimately I think we're very much focused on this new task which has changed dramatically. 'The two tournaments of the Euros are incomparable really in terms of what's out there and what's to come,' she added, 'so I think it will be very exciting for us and we're excited for that new challenge as this new team.' Bright had knee surgery but Earps' surprise move came after she fell behind Chelsea's Hannah Hampton in the goalkeeping pecking order. It leaves Hampton as the only capped shot-stopper in a relatively inexperienced squad. The group includes 13 players who lifted the trophy three years ago, but there are also seven players heading into their first major tournament. And Wiegman is hoping to have found a winning blend of experience and youth. 'When I came in, the team was very experienced. But I do think we have enough experience in the team,' Wiegman said. 'There's about 16 players who have played a major tournament. Also with playing at such a high-level club, you are experienced with having media around, playing for big crowds. So I don't think that's a problem. 'I think the experience is enough, the balance with very young, with players that are coming in and playing the first tournament, they are so eager too.' In the build-up to Euro 2025, the Lionesses had ups and downs in the Nations League, where in their last three games they lost at Belgium 3-2, beat Portugal at home 6-0, and lost at Spain 2-1 . So there is uncertainty surrounding the team's title defense, which begins with a Group D opener against France on July 5 in Zurich. England also plays the Netherlands, which is Wiegman's home nation, as well as tournament debutant Wales. 'Before every tournament, things are different,' Wiegman said. 'And, to be honest, before every tournament you have your doubts. I think that's completely normal because if we all knew what was going to happen, then it would be very boring too.' ___ AP soccer:
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
England's Lionesses face new challenges and 'noise' in Euro 2025 title defense
England will look to eliminate the 'noise' when it kicks off its campaign to retain the Women's European Championship crown. The defending champions travel to Switzerland as one of the favorites at the 16-team tournament, despite recent upheaval in the squad, after winning last time and finishing runner-up to Spain in the 2023 World Cup. Euro 2022 saw England triumph on home soil and secure the country's first senior title since the men's team won the World Cup in 1966. And, in a soccer-mad country, that success has ratcheted up the hype around the Lionesses. 'My experience is before a major tournament there's always noise,' England coach Sarina Wiegman said. 'So we expect noise until we go into the tournament, and it probably stays. 'The difference is that … now, just the attention and the visibility of the women's game has increased so much. So it sounds like that's more noise, but there's just more talk, more journalists here … we just have to deal with it and move on and focus on football.' The 55-year-old Wiegman, who took charge of the Lionesses in September 2021, is bidding to make it a hat trick of European Championship titles, as she steered the Netherlands to the trophy in 2017. However, a chaotic week leading up to her Euro 2025 squad announcement saw several key, experienced players pull out of selection for the tournament. Star defender Millie Bright declared herself unavailable, saying she was not ready '100% mentally or physically,' while goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby retired from international soccer. All three were in England's title-winning team at Euro 2022. 'We can only control ourselves and how good we can be,' England captain Leah Williamson said. 'That noise it's there, it is a factual thing, and of course there will be times when it will weigh heavier than others, but ultimately I think we're very much focused on this new task which has changed dramatically. 'The two tournaments of the Euros are incomparable really in terms of what's out there and what's to come,' she added, 'so I think it will be very exciting for us and we're excited for that new challenge as this new team.' Bright had knee surgery but Earps' surprise move came after she fell behind Chelsea's Hannah Hampton in the goalkeeping pecking order. It leaves Hampton as the only capped shot-stopper in a relatively inexperienced squad. The group includes 13 players who lifted the trophy three years ago, but there are also seven players heading into their first major tournament. And Wiegman is hoping to have found a winning blend of experience and youth. 'When I came in, the team was very experienced. But I do think we have enough experience in the team,' Wiegman said. 'There's about 16 players who have played a major tournament. Also with playing at such a high-level club, you are experienced with having media around, playing for big crowds. So I don't think that's a problem. 'I think the experience is enough, the balance with very young, with players that are coming in and playing the first tournament, they are so eager too.' In the build-up to Euro 2025, the Lionesses had ups and downs in the Nations League, where in their last three games they lost at Belgium 3-2, beat Portugal at home 6-0, and lost at Spain 2-1. So there is uncertainty surrounding the team's title defense, which begins with a Group D opener against France on July 5 in Zurich. England also plays the Netherlands, which is Wiegman's home nation, as well as tournament debutant Wales. 'Before every tournament, things are different,' Wiegman said. 'And, to be honest, before every tournament you have your doubts. I think that's completely normal because if we all knew what was going to happen, then it would be very boring too.' ___ AP soccer:
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
FA chief gives update on Sarina Wiegman's future ahead of Euros
Sarina Wiegman 's position as England head coach is not under threat, even if the Lionesses fail to progress beyond the group stage at this summer's European Championships. England have been drawn in a 'group of death' alongside 2017 Euros champions the Netherlands and heavyweights France, as well as major tournament debutants Wales, and are coming into their title defence on an inconsistent run of form. The year started with an impressive win against world champions Spain, as well as a 5-0 drubbing of Belgium in the Nations League, but both reverse fixtures away from home ended in disappointing defeats. To add to this, the withdrawal of key leaders Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright in the lead-up to the squad announcement has added an air of uncertainty ahead of England's Euros campaign, which kicks off next Saturday against France. And FA CEO Mark Bullingham has thrown his weight behind Wiegman ahead of the curtain-raiser next week. When asked whether an early England exit would affect Wiegman's position, he replied: 'I think we're delighted that Sarina's in place for 2027 and I don't see any scenario changing that.' He added: 'We know we're one of a number of teams who can win it (the Euros), and there are actually three of those in our group. We've prepared well and we believe the Nations League provided us with some really testing fixtures for us to improve. 'Our aim is to win and, in terms of the tournament build-up, we feel like the team is in a really good place. There were obviously some players returning from injury and we're delighted we've got them back now. 'Obviously in a perfect world we would have had some of them playing for half a season, but that's not the reality. But we're really confident in the squad we've got going to the Euros.' Wiegman is contracted to remain in post until 2027. When she took over in 2021, England were eighth in the world and have not left the top five since winning the Euros on home soil in 2022 and leading them to the World Cup final in 2023. She remains the only coach – men's or women's – to win two major tournaments with two different countries, having led the Netherlands to Euros glory in 2017. As for extending her contract beyond 2027, those talks are yet to occur. 'We think she (Wiegman) is a fantastic coach and she's done a brilliant job for us,' Bullingham said. 'We're delighted that she's with us until at least 2027; we haven't started to look beyond that timescale yet or engaged in those conversations. We're locked in for this tournament and the next one (Brazil World Cup 2027) and that feels very good for now. But that's not to say we wouldn't have a conversation at some point in the future.'
The Independent
a day ago
- Sport
- The Independent
FA chief offers guarantee over Sarina Wiegman's future ahead of Euro 2025
The Football Association wants Sarina Wiegman to lead England into the 2027 World Cup, regardless of how the Lionesses perform at the upcoming Euro 2025, chief executive Mark Bullingham has said. Defending champions England are among the favourites ahead of the Euros, and will be aiming to retain their title, but have been drawn in a tough group alongside fellow contenders France and the Netherlands as well as Wales. Bullingham believes England are capable of defending their European crown and maintains that Wiegman is the best possible coach to lead the Lionesses in Switzerland, having won the past two tournaments with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022. England's build up has been more complicated this time, with vice-captain Millie Bright ruling herself out of selection and goalkeeper Mary Earps announcing her retirement, leaving Wiegman to laugh off the suggestion that the Lionesses were in crisis going into Euro 2025. Wiegman is under contract with England through to the end of the 2027 World Cup, having signed an extension after reaching the previous World Cup final in 2023, and Bullingham made clear that she has the FA's support even if the Lionesses fall to an early exit in Switzerland. "We're delighted that Sarina's in place until 2027 and I don't see any scenario changing that,' Bullingham said. Bullingham also offered reassurances over England's preparations for the tournament and said that the Lionesses are in a 'good place' ahead of the Euros, with Lauren James set to be fit and joining Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood in recovering from injuries to make the squad. 'Obviously there are a number of players returning from injuries and we are delighted we have them back now,' he said. 'In a perfect world, we would rather have had them playing for at least half a season but that is not a reality. I think we're really confident in the squad we've got going to the Euros.' While Bullingham said it is 'too early' to open talks with Wiegman about extending her stay with England beyond the 2027 World Cup, he did confirm that the 55-year-old coach was involved in the appointment of the FA Women's technical director following the departure of Kay Cossington later this year. 'We think she's a fantastic coach and has done a brilliant job for us,' he said. 'We are delighted she's with us until at least 2027. We haven't looked beyond that timescale yet or engaged in those conversations. 'We feel we have us locked into this tournament and the next and that feels very good for us. That's not to say we wouldn't have a conversation at some point in the future but it's too early for that really.' Wiegman will also welcome two new additions to her coaching staff in September, with Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit replacing assistant Arjan Veurink, who will be taking charge of the Netherlands after Euro 2025, but Bullingham also said a succession plan is in place - as there is for any senior position within the FA. 'She's the most successful coach in women's international football today, with two Euros wins and two World Cup runners-up medals,' Bullingham added. 'It's worth pointing out that no other coach in the men's or women's game has won a Euro or World Cup with two different nations, so she's got a unique achievement in that.' 'We're aiming to win, but we know just how hard that is,' Bullingham said on England's expectations heading into Euro 2025. 'We've only won one tournament since 1966, but we do believe we're one of a number of teams who are capable of winning and we'll be doing everything to try and make that a reality.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Women's Euros 2025: Guide to Group D – can England escape toughest group?
One of the teams in this group will be going home far earlier than they had hoped. Three does not go into two and France, the Netherlands and England will expect to make the knockout stages. The Netherlands and England are the two most recent winners of the European Championship, with both achievements being accomplished under the same manager, Sarina Wiegman. Spare a thought for poor Wales, who are being thrown in at the deep end for their first international tournament. The favourites are… They have not been at their best in recent months and the disruption leading into this tournament — the retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, plus Millie Bright making herself unavailable and having surgery — has not helped, but it is still hard to look past holders England as the leading contenders to get out of this group. Advertisement Wiegman's side have lost to the Netherlands and France in the past two years but they have also pulled out crucial wins against both teams when they have needed to. Wiegman has repeatedly shown she is a manager who can weather the storms of international tournaments, having reached the final of every European Championship and World Cup in which she has managed. That is not to say it is impossible England are on the wrong end of a shock here — it just feels hard to bet against them. The standout match will be… England vs Netherlands This whole group is pretty mouthwatering but the game between England and the Netherlands on the second matchday (July 9) will be pivotal. There is plenty of European Championship history between these teams — the Netherlands knocked England out at the semi-final stage in 2017 — with Dutchwoman Wiegman now managing England only adding to the fun. Advertisement Meetings between these sides have seen plenty of drama in recent years. In their Nations League group in 2023, Renate Jansen scored a late winner for the Netherlands, then in the reverse fixture at Wembley, Ella Toone did the same for England. Expect this one to go down to the wire. The group's galactico is… Lauren James (England) When fit, Lauren James is one of the best players in the world. England look like a different side when she is playing, and their success this summer may very well depend on whether they can keep the Chelsea forward healthy. She set the World Cup alight in 2023 until she was sent off in the round of 16 — she will be hoping she can harness the more positive aspects of that tournament in Switzerland. Advertisement Whether it is her ball-carrying, passing, shooting or even her defensive work rate, James has become the complete forward. Wiegman can use her off either wing or as a 'No 10' through the middle, adding to her unpredictability. James is so good that this England team could be built around her for years to come, but she needs to deliver this summer. The player who could make a name for themselves… Veerle Buurman (Netherlands) When Chelsea announced a transfer deadline-day signing last September, plenty of people asked, 'Who?', when they saw the name Veerle Buurman. The left-sided centre-back was immediately loaned back to her previous club, PSV, then broke into the Netherlands team at the start of the season. Advertisement She has looked very comfortable at senior level and her ability to vary whether she carries the ball or passes it out from the back makes her unpredictable in build-up. She also contributes in attack. She registered two goals and an assist at the most recent Under-20 World Cup, and has a goal and an assist in her senior international career already too. A story to look out for Wales For several of Wales' players, this summer will mark the culmination of years of work, none more so than Jess Fishlock, the 38-year-old who has amassed more than 160 caps for the national team. Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders ever in the women's game, Fishlock has been a dedicated servant to the Wales national team. Advertisement But it is not just her. Angharad James, Hayley Ladd and Sophie Ingle are some of the other names who have spent years striving for the opportunity to play in an international tournament for Wales. Ingle is in the squad but missed the whole of the 2024-25 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Chelsea's pre-season. Under former Portland Thorns manager Rhian Wilkinson, Wales have become a well-organised defensive side with a penchant for a quick counter-attack, powered by the speed of Bristol City winger Ffion Morgan and the sharp finishing of Leicester City forward Hannah Cain. They could hardly have been drawn into a tougher group but it also represents a free hit — and the opportunity to spoil England's summer. You might not know this Netherlands captain Sherida Spitse recently became the most-capped international player in European football history. In April, she played her 241st game for the Netherlands in a 3-1 win against Austria, surpassing Caroline Seger, who made 240 appearances for Sweden before retiring in 2023. The men's record is held by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 221. Advertisement Spitse made her debut as a 16-year-old in 2006, in a 4-0 defeat against England. She has since gone on to feature in seven international tournaments, with this summer's Euros being the fifth one she has been selected for. Fixtures in full 5 July: Wales vs Netherlands, 17:00 BST, 12:00 ET 5 July: France vs England, 20:00 BST, 15:00 ET 9 July: England vs Netherlands, 17:00 BST, 12:00 ET 9 July: France vs Wales, 20:00 BST, 15:00 ET 13 July: Netherlands vs France, 20:00 BST, 15:00 ET 13 July: England vs Wales, 20:00 BST, 15:00 ET This article originally appeared in The Athletic. England, Wales, France, Netherlands, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
