Lauren James named in Lionesses squad for Euro 2025 in major boost for Sarina Wiegman | OneFootball

James declared fit after hamstring injury as Arsenal teenager Michelle Agyemang earns call-up

Arsenal striker Michelle Agyemang has also made the cut, despite being just 19 and only making her England debut in April.

Agyemang is one of seven attackers in the squad, with Nikita Parris the most high-profile absentee from the forwards. Agyemang is also one of seven payers called up for her first major tournament.

Lioness: Michelle Agyemang has been named in the 23-player England squad

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Aggie Beever-Jones, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp complete the forward options, but Wiegman looks light on midfielders.

England have just five in their squad in Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Grace Clinton, Jess Park and Keira Walsh.

Laura Blindkilde Brown and Missy Bo Kearns are among the most notable absentees in midfield, although they are among four players on standby - alongside goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley and defender Jess Parker.

England head to Switzerland as defending European champions after winning the tournament on home soil three years ago.

But the Lionesses’ build-up has been disrupted this time. Goalkeeper Mary Earps retired last week and midfielder Fran Kirby followed suit on Tuesday.

Millie Bright, who captained England at the World Cup in 2023, has made herself unavailable for selection after saying she is not 100 per cent “mentally or physically”.

Bright’s absence has paved the way for Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy to make the squad as one of eight defenders.

Wubben-Moy is joined in defence by by Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Esme Morgan, Maya Le Tissier and Leah Williamson.

The goalkeepers contain no surprises after Earps’ retirement, with No1 Hannah Hampton joined by Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating.

England’s squad contains 13 players who were part of the group that won the Euros three years ago.

The squad was announced on social media by a host of big names - including Bukayo Saka, David Beckham, Harry Kane, Ian Wright and Jude Bellingham.

“I know this is an exciting day, for the players and also for our fans and it underlines that the tournament is coming soon,” said Wiegman.

“Telling the players they have made the squad is always a great moment. They will all give everything to help us make the country proud.

“This group is a very well-balanced mix of players with multiple tournaments on their CVs and also those that will make their tournament debuts. I am excited to see what we are capable of this summer.

“At the same time, I do feel for those that have just missed out. I can only name 23 but there are more players who have been so important to us on our journey to Switzerland. We would not be here without them.

“As we look forward, we still have a month to go until we play the first game. After some important rest, we will all be working really hard to make sure we are ready to go on July 5.”