England enters UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 not as an underdog but as reigning champion. Yet head coach Sarina Wiegman insists the team is starting from scratch. With a squad in transition, rising global standards, and key absences, the road to back-to-back European titles will be anything but straightforward.
Starting from zero
With less than a month until the Women’s European Championship kicks off in Switzerland, Sarina Wiegman has made one thing clear: England’s past triumphs will count for little this summer.Sitting in the Wembley Stadium dressing room where the Lionesses celebrated their historic Euro 2022 win, Wiegman reflected on a shift in mindset that helped them cross the finish line three years ago. “Many players said they were desperate to win a tournament,” she told CNN Sports. “So, I asked them to take off the word ‘desperate’ and just do everything to get prepared and be at your best.”
That approach carried England to the top of Europe. But as Wiegman now looks toward Euro 2025, she is adamant that this is an entirely new chapter. “Of course, I cherish the moment. I’ll never forget it,” she said. “But we’re in a new situation now. Everything starts again—I would say at zero.” And starting from zero may be necessary. England’s form this year has been uneven, with three wins, two losses, and a draw. Off the pitch, the team has been rocked by surprise retirements and injuries, adding further complexity to Wiegman’s task.
Growing the game, managing the pressure
Since that breakthrough Euro 2022 win, women’s football in England has experienced rapid growth. According to the FA, there has been a 56% increase in women and girls playing football since 2020. School access to the sport has expanded, and professional-level investment continues to rise, with Deloitte noting significant increases in revenue and attendance.
But with growth comes new challenges. Players are now public figures, under constant scrutiny and pressure. Chelsea defender Millie Bright openly addressed mental health concerns earlier this year, reminding fans via Instagram that players “are not collectables, we are not robots, we are humans the same as you.”
Wiegman echoed those concerns. “So many good things happened,” she said of the sport’s evolution. “But also, lots of challenges. Players are now household names. Which is great—but also brings challenges because their life has changed.” For Wiegman, navigating this changing landscape means more than just tactics and fitness. “There’s still a connection between players from different countries,” she added, “supporting each other to improve facilities and structures. I think that goes beyond football. That helps women in sport, and women in society. That’s a deeper purpose.”
A squad in transition
Wiegman’s coaching record is unparalleled in modern women’s football: two European Championships with two different countries (the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022) and consecutive World Cup final appearances. Still, the 2025 campaign presents fresh terrain.
“There are lots of countries that could win it,” Wiegman said. “This is a new situation. We’re moving on. If you stand still, people will just pass you.” England’s road to the Euros has been far from smooth. In addition to on-field inconsistencies, the team has faced several significant absences. Longtime number one goalkeeper Mary Earps and veteran midfielder Fran Kirby both announced their retirements from international play earlier this year. Millie Bright, who captained England at the 2023 World Cup, is unavailable due to injury and mental fatigue.
Other key players are still recovering. Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood returned only in the final stages of the WSL season. Georgia Stanway has seen just 60 minutes of action since December due to an LCL tear, while star forward Lauren James hasn’t played since early April. Despite these challenges, Wiegman named 13 players from the Euro 2022-winning squad in her final selection. Seven players are headed to their first major tournament, while the overall experience level remains high—with an average of 40 caps per player. “I think we have a new England team now,” she said. “We’ve been in transition, with new players coming in. Some very experienced players still. That’s where we stand right now.”
Learning from defeat, looking toward France
While Euro 2022 was a crowning moment, England’s loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final offered lessons about the shifting balance of power in women’s football.
“They have a very specific style of play which is really good, which is attractive to watch,” Wiegman said of Spain. “But we also showed that they have some vulnerabilities too. The level’s going up, and countries are developing. Teams are figuring out super strengths—and trying to find weaknesses.” That process will be critical from day one. England’s group is arguably the tournament’s toughest. They open against world No. 11 France, followed by 2017 champion the Netherlands. For Wiegman, the key to success is consistency and unity.
“We have to be on it on the Fifth of July,” she said. “France are a very good team, and so are the Netherlands. Our group is really tough. But if you want to win a tournament, you have to be at your best. We need every single player to contribute.” Wiegman’s perspective remains grounded, focused more on process than outcome. With 13 returning champions and a cohort of fresh faces, the Lionesses are neither overconfident nor underprepared. They know the target is on their backs—and that starting from zero may be the best way to go forward.
England Euro 2025 squad:
Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse; Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy; Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh; Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo.
