Women's Euros Lionesses Squad Unveiled
Sarina Wiegman is gearing up for UEFA Women's Euro 2025 with her 23-player squad, even in the wake of surprise retirements and withdrawals. The Lionesses are set to journey to Switzerland next month as defending champions, but the departure of Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright has caused a shake-up.
13 players from the historic 2022 trophy-lifting squad remain, alongside seven fresh faces – Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, Khiara Keating, Maya le Tissier, Anna Moorhouse, and Jess Park – who are poised to make their major tournament debuts. Lauren James, who has been sidelined since April due to a hamstring issue, will also join the team, marking her comeback for the competition.
James, Niamh Charles, and Esme Morgan were part of the 2023 World Cup squad, but will be making their first Euro appearance. Wiegman expressed excitement about the team'sbalance of tournament veterans and newcomers, stating, "I am excited to see what we are capable of this summer."
Upon the squad announcement, Wiegman stressed that including James wasn't a risk. "We have some time, we still have a month," she said, explaining that James is making steady progress at her club and would join the team ready for training.
Wiegman has had to address uncertainty in the England camp, assuring that unavoidable decisions are being made carefully to maintain peace within the team. The Lionesses manager noted that "more players are coming in at a higher level and they start to compete." This freshness could potentially help England reach a third consecutive final for the first time.
A few players will be on standby for the tournament, including Sophie Baggaley, Laura Blinkilde-Brown, Missy Bo Kearns, and Lucy Parker. The squad will convene at St George's Park from June 16, with U.S.-based players – Anna Moorhouse, Jess Carter, and Esme Morgan – joining the team on June 23. The side will then fly to Switzerland on June 30, with their title defense starting against France in Zurich on July 5.
With four days to go until they face the Netherlands, who won their home Euros under Wiegman in 2017, and a match against Wales on July 13, the Lionesses will be working tirelessly to prepare for Europe's biggest women's football competition.
Analysis: Wiegman's decisiveness on display in squad selection
Following the announcements, it's clear that Sarina Wiegman navigates rough waters with grace. Tasked with both naming the squad and offering reassurance that all is well within the England camp, she demonstrated decisiveness – the trait for which she was hired.
Despite upheaval, as evidenced by the retirements and withdrawal of key players with 218 appearances combined, Wiegman is making strategic moves to secure England's future success in this competition. She's emphasizing the importance of fresh talent, stating that "more players are coming in at a higher level and they start to compete." This approach could pave the way for England's third consecutive final appearance.
England's success hinges on the balanced mix of experienced players and those embarking on their tournament debuts. Agyemang, for instance, brings a unique physicality to the team that Wiegman values. Despite the hard conversations and difficult selection decisions, Wiegman stays positive, citing the energy derived from both giving tough news and receiving heartening messages from players.
- Sarina Wiegman appeared to integrate a blend of fresh and experienced talent in her squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2025, as she selected seven newcomers, including Jess Park and Khiara Keating, in addition to the 13 players from the 2022 trophy-lifting team.
- Despite the retirement of key players like Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright, Sarina Wiegman showed her commitment to the future of women's football in England by actively seeking new talents like Aggie Beever-Jones and Anna Moorhouse, who are poised to make their major tournament debuts.
