Predictions
30 November, 2025
In the wake of a resounding 7-0 victory against Jamaica, the England squad gathered at the King Power Stadium, soaking in the atmosphere as they prepared for their Euro 2025 journey. The familiar tunes of “Sweet Caroline” filled the air, sparking memories of their triumphant summer in 2022, especially the thrilling final against Germany.
As the Lionesses gear up to defend their European Championship title in Switzerland, they are focused on carving a unique identity distinct from their past successes. This is, as the players assert, a “new England” team. Since reaching the World Cup final in 2023, their performance has been a mix of highs, including impressive wins against France and Spain, and lows, with unexpected defeats to Belgium and Germany.
The term “new England” is likely to be a recurring theme as manager Sarina Wiegman emphasizes the fresh energy within the squad. Veteran Lucy Bronze noted the excitement surrounding the influx of debutants, stating, “We’ve got even more debutants that haven’t played in a Euros [than 2022], and that makes it exciting.” This squad is the most experienced yet youngest under Wiegman, averaging just over 25 years old, marking a shift from previous tournaments.
Of the 23 players from the Euro 2022 winning squad, 16 were present in the World Cup squad, but only 13 will travel to Switzerland. Key players like Rachel Daly, Fran Kirby, and Mary Earps have stepped back for various personal reasons, leaving room for new talents to shine.
With the absence of experienced players, concerns arose regarding leadership within the team. However, sources dismissed these worries, highlighting the strong leadership from players like Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh. As Stanway put it, “Leah leads with the armband, while Keira demands high standards from everyone, including herself.” The core leadership group will be pivotal during Euro 2025, ensuring that new players feel supported and confident.
This tournament marks Wiegman’s fifth major competition as a head coach, and her journey has been remarkable. From winning Euro 2017 with the Netherlands to leading England to victory in Euro 2022 and reaching another World Cup final, her evolution has been significant. She acknowledges her growth alongside her players, stating, “I develop, too — as a human being and as a coach.”
The squad’s tactical approach remains flexible, having predominantly leaned towards a 4-2-3-1 formation, ready to adjust as needed. Players like Alessia Russo emphasize the importance of adapting to various game situations as they prepare for their first group match against France on July 5. The psychological aspect of being defending champions is also crucial, as Walsh points out, “We don’t see ourselves as holders; we are focused on the present and what we can achieve now.” The dominant win over Jamaica has set a positive tone for the upcoming weeks, as England aims to make their mark once more.
The transition towards a younger squad coupled with experienced leadership signals a strategic shift for England. As they prepare for Euro 2025, the blend of fresh talent and seasoned players could prove instrumental in their quest to retain the championship. The mindset of embracing the present rather than dwelling on past triumphs may be the key to their success.
Play responsibly
In United Kingdom, betting can only be conducted through entities that hold the appropriate license to organize betting activities.
If you notice signs of addiction, immediately contact an organization that offers help to overcome addiction: Play responsibly!
