With Euro 2025 on the horizon, the English women’s football team is beginning to feel the pressure. Following England’s recent 1-0 win against Spain, which capped off their first international break of 2025, manager Sarina Wiegman has plenty to consider as she leads the Lionesses toward defending their European Championship title. Despite a tough period since their World Cup final defeat in 2023, there are still reasons to be optimistic about England’s chances for next summer.
As the countdown to the Euros in Switzerland begins, England must address several crucial issues to ensure they are ready to face the top teams in Europe. The squad’s form, injuries, and tactical decisions all play a significant role in determining their fate. In this article, we will take a deeper dive into the 3 key questions Sarina Wiegman and England must answer before the start of Euro 2025.
The Right-Back Conundrum: Who Will Replace Lucy Bronze?
One of the most pressing concerns for Sarina Wiegman is the right-back position, particularly in light of Lucy Bronze’s age and the increasing physical demands on her game. Bronze, a key player in England’s success at the 2022 Euros, remains a crucial figure for the Lionesses. Her ability to push forward and create attacking opportunities, as demonstrated by her assist for Alessia Russo’s goal against Portugal, highlights just how vital she is to England’s attacking strategy.
However, at 33 years old, Bronze is undoubtedly nearing the end of her career at the international level. While she will be a focal point for England at Euro 2025, Wiegman must soon face the reality that the team will need a successor for the Chelsea defender. The question remains: who will step up when Bronze no longer features for England?
At present, Jess Carter has been given the responsibility of filling in when Bronze is unavailable. However, her performance against Portugal showed that the team loses some balance and attacking potency in that position. The obvious alternative within the current squad is Maya Le Tissier, who primarily plays as a centre-back at Manchester United but has the skill set to be a viable option at right-back. However, her natural position might limit her effectiveness in that role, and Wiegman may need to experiment further with different setups.
Looking ahead, Naomi Layzell, a young talent from Manchester City, could be an option in the future, but her inexperience may prevent her from being immediately ready for a major tournament like Euro 2025. This leaves Wiegman with the challenging task of finding the perfect balance between experience and youth while maintaining consistency on the right flank.
Firepower from the Bench: Can England Rekindle Their Super-Sub Magic?
One of the standout features of England’s triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros was their ability to change the course of a game from the bench. Players like Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Chloe Kelly were pivotal in creating match-winning moments from substitute appearances. In fact, Kelly’s famous goal in the final against Germany became a symbol of England’s never-give-up attitude, thanks to the impact of their substitutes.
However, recently there has been a noticeable shift in Wiegman’s approach to substitutions. The manager has appeared increasingly reluctant to trust her bench options, with many of her changes coming too late in games to have a meaningful impact. The squad’s fresh legs, once their strength, are no longer making the same difference they did in 2022, leading to frustration and questions over whether England’s attacking options are being maximized.
Wiegman’s decision to bring on Nikita Parris and Chloe Kelly early in the second half against Spain suggests a shift in mindset. Both players added vital energy and defensive solidity, helping England hold onto their slender lead. If this marks the beginning of more proactive substitutions, it could be a turning point for the Lionesses.
As injuries begin to clear up, with Beth Mead and Lauren Hemp expected to return, England’s bench options will expand. Wiegman will need to ensure that she has reliable impact players ready to step up when needed, as this will be essential in defending their European title. Even without the likes of Mead and Hemp, players like Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, and Ella Toone offer match-winning abilities at the club level, and they could play crucial roles in the tournament.
England must rediscover their super-sub magic to ensure they don’t become too reliant on their starting lineup. The Lionesses need to ensure that their bench is just as effective at Euro 2025 as it was two years ago if they are to overcome the strong competition from other nations.
Georgia Stanway’s Fitness: What Are the Alternatives?
Another key issue Sarina Wiegman must address ahead of Euro 2025 is the fitness of Georgia Stanway, one of England’s most important midfielders. The Bayern Munich star is currently recovering from knee surgery, and there is uncertainty surrounding her availability for the tournament. Although it’s expected that Stanway will recover in time, the fact remains that she will have missed a significant portion of the 2025 season by the time the Euros begin.
If Stanway is not fit or fully match-ready, England will need to have a clear plan in place to replace her in the starting lineup. Stanway’s presence in midfield is vital for England, as she offers both defensive stability and attacking creativity. However, the absence of such a key player could leave England vulnerable in the centre of the park.
In Stanway’s potential absence, Wiegman will have to rely on her other midfield options. Ella Toone will undoubtedly remain a key figure, having grown in prominence since the 2022 Euros. Alongside Toone, Jess Park and Grace Clinton have emerged as valuable assets in midfield. Both players have shown significant growth over the past year and were handed important roles in recent fixtures against Portugal and Spain. The upcoming Nations League fixtures will be crucial in determining whether these players are capable of stepping up in a tournament setting.
As an outside possibility, players like Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown, both of whom have impressed at club level, could be included in the squad for Euro 2025. Mace, in particular, has been excelling in a deeper midfield role at Leicester City, making her a potential option to fill the void left by Stanway.
Conclusion: England’s Euro 2025 Preparations Are Key
As the countdown to Euro 2025 continues, Sarina Wiegman and the England women’s national team have several important decisions to make. With key questions surrounding Lucy Bronze’s replacement at right-back, the ability to make an impact from the bench, and the fitness of Georgia Stanway, England must resolve these issues to ensure they are ready to defend their European Championship title.
The next few months are crucial for the Lionesses as they finalize their preparations for the tournament. If Sarina Wiegman can address these three questions effectively, England will be well-positioned to take on Europe’s best and defend their crown in Switzerland next summer.
