As 2025 draws closer, England’s national women’s football team, the Lionesses, are gearing up for another major year, with Euro 2025 on the horizon. In addition to defending their European title, they also face a challenging Women’s Nations League campaign. With the pressure mounting, it’s time to assess the Lionesses’ current form and how they are positioned to tackle the challenges ahead.
The year 2024 was a rollercoaster for the Lionesses, with highs and lows that have left both players and fans wondering how the team will perform in 2025. From unconvincing results in qualification matches to dealing with injuries to key players, the road ahead is filled with uncertainties. But despite some setbacks, the Lionesses have reasons to be optimistic heading into the new year.
A Year of Patchy Form for the Lionesses
When Sarina Wiegman took over as head coach of England, the team saw immediate success, with the Lionesses clinching the Euro 2022 title and following it up with their first Finalissima trophy. The road to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final was filled with triumphs, but expectations grew immensely as the pressure on the team mounted.
However, 2024 has proven to be a year of inconsistency. The Lionesses have failed to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games, a blow to their momentum. To make matters more challenging, their performances in Euro 2025 qualification were shaky. England’s results against top teams like Sweden and France raised concerns, as they stumbled through the qualifiers with lackluster performances.
Despite the struggles, Sarina Wiegman continued to experiment with different formations and rotations, trying to find the best combination of players. This led to patchy results, and the Lionesses had to deal with growing pressure as they navigated through an unpredictable 2024.
Midfielder Georgia Stanway acknowledged the team’s challenges after a loss to Germany in October. She admitted that there were “things to work on” but remained hopeful. “As a whole, I don’t think we need to be disappointed too much,” Stanway said. “We have a long process to be right for the Euros. This is a step in the direction – whether it’s a good one or a bad one. It’s a way that we can learn.”
The Lionesses ended 2024 with a mixed record of seven wins from 12 matches. Despite their unconvincing performances, there were some positives, including a resilient goalless draw against Olympic champions, the United States.
Injuries Complicate England’s 2025 Plans
One of the significant factors contributing to England’s recent inconsistency has been a growing injury list that has left many key players sidelined. As the team prepares for Euro 2025 and other important fixtures, the absence of several top performers is a considerable setback.
Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood, a central defensive figure for England, underwent knee surgery in December and is expected to miss several months. Additionally, her club teammate, forward Lauren Hemp, has been absent from the last two international matches due to a similar injury. Hemp has been one of England’s most influential players, creating the most chances and registering the highest number of assists in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season. Losing her at this crucial stage is a significant blow for the Lionesses.
Sarina Wiegman spoke about the loss of Hemp, expressing disappointment over the timing of the injury. “She was in such a good place and was playing so well, so it’s of course disappointing,” Wiegman said. “On the other hand, I would say it’s better that if something happens, it’s now rather than in the spring and she can be back to her level again.”
Further injury concerns have affected other key players. Chelsea’s Lauren James has not played for England since April, while Manchester United’s Ella Toone suffered a calf injury in November, followed by Brighton’s Fran Kirby picking up a similar issue in December. These injuries have left the Lionesses with a depleted squad as they head into 2025.
However, there is some positive news. Chelsea’s Niamh Charles has made a successful return after a dislocated shoulder, and captain Leah Williamson is gradually regaining her form after recovering from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury. These returns are crucial for England’s defense and leadership as they aim to build a competitive squad for Euro 2025.
The Bright Future of England’s Youth Talent
Despite the challenges faced by the Lionesses in 2024, one of the most encouraging aspects heading into 2025 is the emerging talent in the squad. Sarina Wiegman has consistently given young players the opportunity to showcase their abilities, and several of these players have seized their chance to impress.
Manchester United’s 21-year-old Grace Clinton is one of the standout performers of late. She was particularly influential in England’s December victory over Switzerland, and many, including former England striker Ian Wright, believe she should be a strong contender for a place in the Euro 2025 squad. Wright commented, “Grace is more than ready for this level. I would like to see her play more.”
Other young talents like Jess Park (Manchester City), who impressed against the United States, and Jess Naz, Laura Blindkilde Brown, and Ruby Mace, who all made their debuts in 2024, have further strengthened the pool of talent available to Wiegman. The growth of defender Maya le Tissier has been another highlight, with her solid performances helping Manchester United keep seven clean sheets in the WSL.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones continues to develop at club level, even though she has struggled to find regular game time under Wiegman. Despite this, Beever-Jones remains an important option for the Lionesses moving forward.
The future looks bright for the Lionesses with these talented youngsters coming through. As the squad continues to evolve, the combination of experienced players and fresh talent will be key in England’s pursuit of success in 2025.
Belief in Themselves: Key to Euro 2025 Success
While 2024 presented some hurdles, there remains a strong belief within the England squad that they can perform at the highest level when it matters most. The Lionesses have shown in the past that they can rise to the occasion. Under Sarina Wiegman’s leadership, England reached back-to-back major tournament finals, winning Euro 2022 and finishing as runners-up in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
England’s squad for Euro 2025 will be a blend of experience and youthful energy, and despite the challenges, they remain one of the top teams in the world. Wiegman’s leadership has been a key factor in the team’s success, and she remains confident that her squad will be ready for the European Championship.
The team has been drawn into a challenging group alongside France, the Netherlands, and Wales, but they have proven their ability to compete with these teams. In the past 12 months, they have beaten both France and the Netherlands, providing optimism as they head into Euro 2025.
“The group is tough. The women’s game is developing so quickly so I don’t think there are easy things any more,” Wiegman said after the Euro draw in December. “We just have to be ready. Straight away, you have to be at the top level when you go into the tournament and that will make us really sharp.”
The Lionesses will also face stiff competition from Spain, the reigning World Cup champions, and Germany, who recently defeated England in a friendly. But with the right preparation and focus, England knows they are capable of competing at the highest level.
Former England defender Anita Asante believes the team has the necessary mentality to succeed. “If anything, they should recognise that they are the ones to be feared,” Asante said. “They are the holders, they have done it, they know what it takes to do it. [They need to] go out there and believe in themselves.”
As the Lionesses prepare for Euro 2025, their journey has been filled with both challenges and reasons for optimism. Despite some inconsistency in 2024, the team has the talent and leadership necessary to defend their European crown. With key players returning from injury and young talent making their mark, England has the potential to rise to the occasion. As they enter 2025, it’s clear that Sarina Wiegman’s side has the determination and belief to succeed at the highest level, and they will be ready for the challenge that awaits in Switzerland.
