The English national women’s football team is poised to usher in a “new era”. They are already preparing to host the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, which will be held in Switzerland. Head coach Sarina Wiegman has announced an exciting 23-player team. It has a mix of new talent and experienced heads that suggests a new era for the Lionesses. This decision comes on the heels of retirements from influential figures Mary Earps and Fran Kirby. Their contributions were pivotal to England’s historic victory at Euro 2022.
That squad for Women’s Euro 2025 included exciting young prospects in Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton and Michelle Agyemang. Alongside them are familiar faces such as Khiara Keating, Maya Le Tissier and Anna Moorhouse. This blend of youth and experience is meant to both replicate the team’s past successes while pivoting into the future and addressing different challenges.
Key Player Changes
The implications of losing Mary Earps and Fran Kirby on and off the pitch run deep. To that end, they were both instrumental for the national team’s recent run of success. On top of that, Millie Bright has ruled herself out of selection after having minor knee surgery. Her absence, along with that of Earps and Kirby, has led to a happy problem for the squad.
Player reaction Beth Mead was candid about how disappointing this situation is, focusing on the influence these players exercised over the club.
“I’d be lying if I said they’re not missed. They’re incredible players and they’ve done a lot for England over the years.” – Keira Walsh
Even with these losses the squad remains hopeful, if not excited, about welcoming new talent into their roster. Grace Clinton, representing the upcoming generation of players, emphasized the importance of cohesion among both new and established squad members.
“We speak a lot about it being a new England. Last time the girls were unbelievable at the Euros, but we’ve got a lot of new faces,” – Grace Clinton
Building Towards the Tournament
The Lionesses are set to face Jamaica in a warm-up friendly at King Power Stadium on June 29. With the next Euro tournament fast approaching, this game provides a crucial opportunity for them to hone their tactics in preparation. After this game, the team will leave for Switzerland on June 30, prepared to battle in the group stages.
The fixtures are as follows:
- July 5: France (N), kick-off 8pm
- July 9: Netherlands (N), kick-off 5pm
- July 13: Wales (N), kick-off 8pm
Each of these matchups will be important for determining their seeding as we get started in a tournament. They will have sharpened their tactical Ethos against some truly fearsome adversaries.
The Role of Veterans
In a still-evolving landscape veteran players such as Keira Walsh, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood and Beth Mead will be called on to take on leadership roles. Their legacy will extend far beyond the field. Our good friend Walsh has never not given a tour de force. She has been paired with Grace Clinton on the back line in four of England’s last five international matches.
Stanway’s return to midfield after a year-long absence gives Georgie a big boost in depth. At one end, the elder statesmen of the experienced athletes are positively influencing their younger teammates. Optimism pervades the building as all eyes realize the high ceiling of this roster.
Grace Clinton remarked on this blend of experience and youth:
“The standards are unbelievable. We’ve been in and around a little bit and we’ve played some games. I think it’s going to be a big tournament. And I think people like Aggie and Jess are going to have massive roles themselves.” – Grace Clinton
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