England will enter the 2025 Women’s Euro Championship in Switzerland as one of the favorites, but their path to defending their title will be far from straightforward. The team has faced a series of setbacks in the buildup to the tournament, including high-profile retirements and withdrawals. Goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby have retired, while centre-back Millie Bright has also pulled out due to injury. These absences have left England with some gaps, but they still have the quality and depth to challenge for a third consecutive European title under the guidance of Sarina Wiegman.
Despite the absence of some key players, the squad remains stacked with talent. The return of Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, and Georgia Stanway, all of whom have recovered from knee surgeries, provides a welcome boost, even if their match fitness is still in question. The absence of Bright puts added pressure on Greenwood to deliver alongside Leah Williamson in the heart of England’s defense. While the midfield looks relatively thin on paper with just five players, Wiegman has emphasized that her squad is flexible, with players like Williamson, Maya Le Tissier, and Lauren James all capable of filling in different roles. Nevertheless, any significant positional changes could disrupt the team’s flow and cohesion, which would be a real challenge during a major tournament.
England’s group draw presents a significant challenge. They are set to face France, the Netherlands, and Wales in the group stages, meaning that they will need to hit the ground running if they are to progress to the knockout stages. A tough group could serve as a trial by fire, but if they manage to navigate through it, their confidence could soar, providing valuable momentum heading into the later stages of the competition.
Under Sarina Wiegman’s leadership, England have achieved remarkable success, including winning Euro 2022 and reaching the World Cup finals. However, this tournament may present her with the toughest challenge yet. The recent withdrawals and retirements have raised questions about the internal dynamics of the squad, especially given Wiegman’s reputation for being a ruthlessly pragmatic coach. Her leadership style has been effective in the past, but it will need to be finely tuned to deal with the emerging pressure and the tactical adjustments required.
One of the standout players for England will be Leah Williamson, whose leadership and performances have been critical both at the back and in the team’s overall strategy. Having missed out on the 2023 World Cup due to injury, Williamson has returned to form and will be key to England’s hopes of success. Her ability to control play from defense, make key passes, and drive forward could prove invaluable as the team looks to defend their title.
In goal, Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton will have big shoes to fill following Earps’ retirement. At just 24, Hampton has impressed in her appearances for England, particularly in high-pressure matches. Euro 2025 will be a significant test for her as she aims to establish herself as the team’s undisputed number one goalkeeper.
Overall, England’s aim in Switzerland is to defend their title, but given the challenges they face in the group stages and the absences of key players, a semi-final finish would not be seen as a failure. The team’s potential is undeniable, but their ability to adapt quickly and overcome these early hurdles will be crucial to their chances of success.
