With Euro 2025 just months away, England’s Lionesses are gearing up for the monumental task of defending their European Championship title. Having made history by winning the trophy for the first time in 2022, England’s women’s football team will head to Switzerland next summer with hopes of adding another prestigious title to their collection. In an exclusive interview with meritking.news, Lionesses legend Karen Carney shared her thoughts on why she believes England can defend their crown and why this group of players has what it takes to go all the way again.
England’s Title Defence: A New Challenge
England’s victory at Wembley in 2022 was a landmark moment in women’s football, sparking celebrations and elevating the profile of the game both in the UK and across the world. The Lionesses’ triumph, under manager Sarina Wiegman, ended decades of near-misses and solidified their status as one of Europe’s top teams. Fast forward to 2025, and the pressure is on to retain their title as champions of Europe.
For Carney, this squad’s mix of youth and experience, as well as their success at previous tournaments, makes them strong contenders for next summer’s Euros. “This is a talented group, and we’ve got experience in there,” said Carney, reflecting on the team’s journey over the past few years. “We’ve won the Women’s Euros, we’ve been to the Women’s World Cup final. This is an experienced group, and they know how to do it. I’m really looking forward to it.”
However, repeating the success of 2022 will be no easy feat. Every team at the Euros will be aiming to dethrone the reigning champions, and as the competition in European women’s football grows ever stronger, England’s players must be prepared to face even more formidable opposition.
Defensive Solidity and Tactical Evolution
Looking back at the recent international break, where England played two friendlies against the USA and Switzerland, Carney was impressed by the team’s defensive improvements. In particular, England managed to secure a 0-0 draw with the USA, the current Olympic champions, and followed it up with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland.
Carney, who was outspoken about England’s defensive vulnerabilities earlier in the year, was pleased with the tactical adjustments Sarina Wiegman made in these games. “I was pleased with our clean sheet against the USA. Coming off the back of the last few games, I’ve been vocal on our defensive fragilities, and I wanted to see a bit more of a tactical change. That absolutely happened, and we got a clean sheet,” Carney commented.
The Lionesses’ ability to shut out the USA, who are perennial powerhouses in women’s football, marked a positive shift in their defensive outlook. This solid foundation will be crucial as they head into Euro 2025, where teams will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses.
Attacking Concerns: Missing Key Players
While England’s defense appeared more organized in the friendlies, Carney acknowledged that their attacking play lacked the usual sparkle, particularly in the absence of key players like Lauren Hemp and Lauren James. Both attackers are integral to England’s offensive play, providing pace, creativity, and crucial goals.
Carney reflected on how the team’s attacking rhythm was impacted by their absence: “It was a little bit at a detriment to our attacking play, but sometimes that naturally happens. There wasn’t solely a focus on the defensive side of the game, but there clearly was an emphasis on it. Once we get the two Laurens back, that will add a little bit more of a dimension to our play.”
However, Carney was quick to point out that relying solely on the return of these players would not be enough. England will need to experiment with new attacking combinations and ensure that their younger players step up when needed. “You can’t solely rely on those two players coming back; you’ve got to try test a few other players,” she said. “It was a difficult game for our younger Lionesses, because it was a deep block. From my own experience, those are the most difficult games to play because you have to dig deep into your own experience of how to break a team down.”
For Carney, these types of challenges are opportunities for growth. She emphasized that the experience gained by the younger players in these games will be vital when the pressure mounts at Euro 2025. If England can adapt to different playing styles and tackle defensive blocks effectively, they will be in good stead to defend their title.
The Road to Euro 2025: A Motivated Squad
As the Lionesses prepare for next summer’s tournament, Carney believes the squad’s mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent makes them capable of lifting the trophy again. The team’s depth especially in key areas like midfield and defense will be an asset, but their biggest strength, according to Carney, is their winning mentality.
“Look at this group, they’ve been through it all,” Carney said. “They’ve won major tournaments, and they’ve got the experience. That’s what makes this team so special they know how to handle pressure and they’ve been to finals before. That winning mentality is so important.”
With Wiegman at the helm, England’s tactical approach will also play a significant role in their title defence. The Dutch manager’s success at the helm, leading England to victory in 2022 and to the World Cup final in 2023, has brought stability and confidence to the squad. Her tactical flexibility, particularly in how she uses her key players and adjusts to opposition strengths, will be crucial as England look to secure a successful defence of their European title.
Carney’s Optimism: Can England Do It Again?
While Carney is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, she is optimistic about England’s chances of retaining the title. “It’s going to be tough, but I think we’ve got a team capable of doing it,” Carney explained. “We’ve got the experience, the talent, and the mentality to go all the way again.”
Ultimately, Carney believes that the Lionesses’ combination of experience, depth, and tactical awareness gives them the edge over other European teams. “I’m confident that if we go into Euro 2025 with the right mindset, we can defend our title and create more history for English women’s football.”
Conclusion: England’s Euro 2025 Ambitions
As Euro 2025 approaches, England’s Lionesses are well-placed to defend their crown, thanks to a talented squad filled with experience and youthful energy. With key players like Lauren Hemp and Lauren James set to return, the team will be even more formidable next summer. Under Sarina Wiegman’s leadership, the Lionesses have the tactical awareness and the confidence to take on all challengers.
The road to Switzerland in 2025 will not be without its challenges, but with Karen Carney’s endorsement and the squad’s dedication, England will be aiming to make even more history and defend their European title with pride.
