England captain Leah Williamson admits she is feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement ahead of their Euro 2025 opener against France. After missing the 2023 World Cup due to an ACL injury, Williamson is eager to return to tournament football. While thrilled to be back, she acknowledged the many changes in the team since their Euro 2022 triumph.
Much of the squad from that historic Wembley win has moved on. Millie Bright stepped away for personal health reasons, while several key players Jill Scott, Ellen White, Rachel Daly, Mary Earps, and Fran Kirby have either retired or stepped back from international football. The current campaign, according to head coach Sarina Wiegman, marks the era of a “New England.”
This new chapter has brought in fresh talent and a shift in dynamic. While England builds on its past achievements, the focus is firmly on adapting and evolving in a fast-moving competitive landscape. The team regrouped in February with the mindset of embracing this transition, seeing it as a fresh challenge.
France, too, have undergone changes. Star defender Wendie Renard was dropped, along with Kenza Dali and Eugénie Le Sommer. Her absence hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by Lucy Bronze, who expressed disappointment at not getting the chance to face her former Lyon teammate. Bronze, a veteran of seven major tournaments, called Renard’s exclusion a missed opportunity to face the best, and hailed winning aerial duels against her as a personal challenge she would have relished.
Bronze also highlighted the potential of France’s new captain, Griedge Mbock, who is recovering from a calf injury, and 21-year-old Alice Sombath, who might be called upon to step up in her place.
Despite the changes, France remain a major threat with a frontline featuring Kadidiatou Diani, Sandy Baltimore, and Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Bronze, who faces similar talent daily in training, believes England’s own attack likely including Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Lauren James, and Chloe Kelly is just as formidable. She described training sessions as relentless, noting how defenders are constantly tested by attackers with varied styles and strengths.
With James returning from injury and ready for more minutes, England’s lineup looks strong. The match against France will be followed by games against the Netherlands and Wales in a group many consider the toughest in the tournament.
Bronze acknowledged the challenge of opening against a top contender but sees it as an opportunity. Facing elite opponents from the start sets the tone and standard for the rest of the tournament. For England, the mission is clear: embrace the pressure, adapt to the changes, and prove that this “New England” can be just as formidable as the old.
