Euro 2025: 'New England’ ready to defend their crown as campaign gets underway against France | OneFootball

The Lionesses are looking to make history with fresh feel to squad

England are no strangers to creating history under Sarina Wiegman — and this summer they can make some more. For the first time in 55 years, England are heading to a major tournament as the defending champions.

Women’s football has enjoyed rapid growth since Euro 2022 and that has been evident with the Lionesses. Of the 23 players in Wiegman’s squad for this summer’s tournament in Switzerland, just 13 were among the group who made history three years ago. Nearly a third of them are appearing at a major tournament for the first time and it is why the Lionesses are talking of a “new England”.

Household names, such as goalkeeper Mary Earps, are gone and the next generation can become heroes. “This is a new England,” says midfielder Georgia Stanway. “We’re hungry for it. We know what it’s like to win it, and we would like to taste that again.”

Wiegman’s ‘noisy’ build-up

England kick off their quest for glory on Saturday when they take on France in Bern on Saturday. The Lionesses have had a disrupted build-up, which began with Earps announcing her shock retirement from international football just five weeks ago. Days later, midfielder Fran Kirby, who like Earps played every game at Euro 2022, followed suit, then Millie Bright, who captained England at the 2023 World Cup, pulled out with fatigue.

With fitness worries over Alex Greenwood, Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Stanway, it is easy to see why there has been talk of a “crisis”. Wiegman has dismissed those suggestions, though, and draws confidence from her deep experience.

This is her second major tournament with England and the fourth of her career, having led the Netherlands to two as well. Wiegman has reached the final in all of them, and boasts a 100 per cent record in Euros matches after winning it with England and the Dutch.

Wiegman’s side are in the “Group of Death”, with France, the Netherlands, and Wales. France finished above England in qualifying, while the Dutch pipped them in their Nations League group last year.

No reigning champion has ever failed to get out of their group at a Women’s Euros, but France and the Netherlands hope to change that.

“There is always a target on your back when you’re England,” says striker Alessia Russo. “We’re aware of how good other people are, but also we know internally how good we can be. That’s what we’ll focus on.”

Gloves to fill: Hannah Hampton

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Changing of the guard

This “new England” blends youth with experience, and the early signs are promising. The Lionesses completed their preparations on Sunday with a 7-0 win over Jamaica, while off the pitch the squad have been engaging in team-building activities.

Last month, the squad took part in a graffiti art class, while one training camp featured a movie night complete with a giant projector, popcorn and a candy floss machine. Grace Clinton and Russo will be responsible for organising social events during the Euros.

Clinton is one of seven debutants in the squad and epitomises England’s attacking depth.

Wiegman arguably has four No10s to choose from in Clinton, Ella Toone, James and Jess Park. Out wide, Beth Mead, top scorer at Euro 2022, is no longer a guaranteed starter given the rise of Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp.

Russo will lead the line but newcomers Aggie Beever-Jones and Michelle Agyemang provide strong cover. Agyemang made her England debut only in April — scoring after 41 seconds against Belgium — but the 19-year-old Arsenal striker has since impressed in training.

“I remember the first time she [Agyemang] played because she came and flattened me in training,” says England captain Leah Williamson.

Among the goals: Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, and Lauren Hemp

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Williamson missed the World Cup through injury and her return is a big boost, especially in the absence of her centre-back partner Bright.

England’s squad appears top-heavy, with Wiegman naming seven forwards, and attack may be the best form of defence. Williamson is one of eight defenders, but — as in past tournaments — there is no conventional left-back. The midfield is talented, however it lacks depth.

An injury to Keira Walsh or Stanway would throw a spanner in the works, although Wiegman is capable of finding solutions. When Walsh injured her knee during the second game of the World Cup two years ago, England switched to a back-three for the first time under Wiegman.

“Sarina has evolved tactically,” says defender Lucy Bronze. “She’s always learning. I think her flexibility as a manager has definitely changed. It’s a good thing she’s adapted.”

This summer will be Bronze’s seventh consecutive major tournament with England and her experience complements the injection of youth. Midfielder Walsh says the young players are fearless, and that has been demonstrated by Hannah Hampton, who has stepped up to replace Earps.

Wiegman’s decision to make Hampton her No1 was a bold one, but the Chelsea goalkeeper earned it after starring in the club’s unbeaten domestic treble this season. Hampton also excels with the ball at her feet, allowing the Lionesses to build from the back.

“A lot of people say we’re holders [this summer], but we don’t see ourselves as that,” says Walsh. “There’s been such a long time in between and the team’s changed a lot.

Assessing the favourites

Inconsistent results are to blame for England not being favourites this summer, with a victory over world champions Spain this year followed by a defeat to Belgium.

Spain are the bookmakers’ pick to be crowned champions, and while they have endured mixed fortunes since winning the 2023 World Cup and did not even claim a medal at the Olympics last year, they decimated Portugal 5-0 in their opening match in Bern.

Their squad, however, is packed with talent — including a fully fit Alexia Putellas. Spain will hope Aitana Bonmati can partner her in midfield, although she is a doubt for the tournament after a bout of viral meningitis. Between them, Bonmati and Putellas have won the past four Ballon d’Ors.

Arsenal’s victory over Barcelona — who have 11 players in Spain’s squad — in the Champions League final demonstrated their vulnerability and there are plenty of capable contenders.

Germany are rejuvenated after a disastrous World Cup two years ago saw them exit in the group stage. Long-serving players such as Alexandra Popp have retired from international football and 25-year-old captain, Giulia Gwinn, underlines how Germany are looking to the future.

The Lionesses could meet Germany in the quarter-finals, or a clash with Sweden may await. Sweden have proved incredibly consistent in recent years, reaching the semi-finals of the past two major tournaments.

Either side would prove a tough test for England, with Germany ranked No3 in the world and Sweden one place below the Lionesses in sixth.

That is, of course, assuming England make it out of the group stage. France are one of the favourites to go all the way, thanks to their vast array of attacking talent. Chelsea fans will know all about the threat of forward Sandy Baltimore, but she is joined by Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto.

Like England, they look light on experience after head coach Laurent Bonadei made the bold call of leaving out captain Wendie Renard, France’s most capped player, Eugenie Le Sommer and Kenza Dali.

“I want different results for this team so I have gone with a different selection,” explained Bonadei.