England’s Euro 2025 squad: Who’s on the plane and who’s got work to do?

The Lionesses have been left with several major injury doubts ahead of this summer’s Euros in Switzerland while new faces push for a place in the squad. England head into Euro 2025 as reigning champions as the Lionesses seek to win a second consecutive European crown. Sarina Wiegman’s side will have to be sharp from their first match in Switzerland, after being drawn alongside France, the Netherlands and Wales in Group D of the July tournament.

England won the Euros on home soil three years ago and then reached the World Cup final the following year, so come into the competition with plenty of major tournament experience. A number of star players from England’s historic triumph will return but there are plenty of new faces competing for their places, too, as well as a couple of major injury concerns. As it stands, England are preparing to name a 23-player squad for the Euros, although Uefa increased the maximum squad size to 26 ahead of the men’s Euros last summer and may opt to mirror it for the women’s tournament.

While there is still plenty of time before England have to name their squad for the Euros, here’s a look at how Wiegman’s plans are shaping up ahead of their opening match against France in Zurich on Saturday 5 July. Lucy Bronze. Key to setting a winning mentality among the squad, Bronze is set to represent her country at a seventh major tournament. The 33-year-old’s competitive edge is as sharp as ever and she remains England’s first-choice right back.

Leah Williamson. The captain of the Lionesses when they won the Euros, Williamson was forced to sit out of the World Cup after suffering an ACL injury. Now back as skipper, the Arsenal centre-back is a leader off and on the pitch. Millie Bright. Bright recovered from her own knee injury to stand as England’s defensive rock at the last World Cup. An invaluable presence as England’s vice-captain, who remains key to Chelsea’s dominance domestically.

Keira Walsh. Back in England having signed for Chelsea after a successful two-and-a-half-year spell at Barcelona. Walsh’s ability to set the tempo in midfield helped Barca to back-to-back Champions Leagues titles. On her day, she is one of the best in the world in her position. Alessia Russo. England’s super-sub in the Euros, who shone as a starter at the World Cup. The Arsenal striker’s record at major tournaments is impressive, with seven goals across her appearances at the Euros and World Cup, and she will lead the line again as No 9.

Ella Toone. A player for the big occasion, with goals in the Euros final and World Cup semi-final. Toone recently opened up about the difficulty of losing her father last September and her form since on the pitch has been superb. Lauren James. Arguably the biggest talent in the squad, James shone at the World Cup before her sending off against Nigeria in the last 16, which meant the Chelsea forward didn’t play again until the final. Needs some minutes for England, having missed the majority of Euro qualifiers due to injury.

Beth Mead. England’s golden boot winner in 2022, who then missed the World Cup with an ACL injury. The Arsenal forward has yet to rediscover the heights of that 21/22 campaign since returning from injury but is still an important player for the Lionesses and Wiegman trusts her. Mary Earps. Named the best goalkeeper in the world after her show-stopping performances between the posts at the Euros and World Cup, but no longer an automatic starter. Will definitely be in the squad but Wiegman faces a big decision at No 1.

Hannah Hampton. The Chelsea goalkeeper has come a long way since she was dropped by England after the Euros. Impressive under Emma Hayes and now Sonia Bompastor for the Blues, she has made a claim to be England’s best. Jess Carter. Often an unsung hero in defence, Carter played an important role at the last World Cup due to her versatility and can play in both at the left side of a back three and back four. Wiegman has used Carter as a full back and centre back since the World Cup.

Grace Clinton. Started two of England’s friendlies late last year and took her chance by scoring two goals, including the winner against Switzerland. A strong, powerful box-to-box midfielder, Clinton is beginning to assert herself in the England side after impressing for Manchester United. The 21-year-old has been backed by Wiegman to replace Georgia Stanway in midfield, if the Euros winner is unavailable.

Jess Park. One of the breakthrough talents to emerge over the last couple of years, Park almost made England’s World Cup squad but is set to appear at her first major tournament. At 23, she has stepped up on a regular basis for Manchester City and has caught the eye on a couple of starts for England with her skill and guile on the ball, coupled with energy in midfield. Could contend for a starting spot ahead of Toone.