There will be no Mary Earps, Millie Bright or Fran Kirby at the tournament in Switzerland, but it could be a breakout summer for one teenage prospect
In the end, England's squad announcement for this summer's European Championship was not as dramatic as some might've expected. A week of blockbuster news sucked a lot of the suspense out of it, with Fran Kirby revealing that she wasn't selected, thus leading to her retirement, while Millie Bright's withdrawal from selection predictably paved the way for Lotte Wubben-Moy to bulk up the defence. Mary Earps' own decision to step away from Lionesses duty was stunning in itself, but regarding this squad announcement, it simply confirmed that both Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating would go along with Hannah Hampton, rather than one or the other.
However, there were still several spots up for grabs and a couple of eyebrow-raising decisions made by Sarina Wiegman, as she cut her squad down to 23 for England's European title defence. Would she really pick eight defenders? Or would one make way for another forward? Could teenage talent Michelle Agyemang sneak in? Or would she opt for the experience of Nikita Parris? And what of the midfield? Would five names be enough? Or was Missy Bo Kearns' debut in midweek a sign that Wiegman wanted another body in there?
Those were thoughts likely running round the head of the Dutchwoman, as well as the fans, this week as she pondered just what the right mixture and balance of players would be as the Lionesses try to defend their first, and so far only, major tournament title. Has she got it right? Only time will tell. But, for now, let GOAL break down the winners & losers from England's Euro 2025 squad announcement…
AFPLOSER: Sarina Wiegman
Let's address the elephant in the room first, as Thursday's squad announcement was the conclusion of what has been a long and arduous week for England and, specifically, Wiegman. The Lionesses boss has had her management style criticised in the wake of a flurry of shocking announcements, starting with Earps' international retirement, continuing through Kirby following suit and concluding with Bright's withdrawal from selection for this summer's tournament.
Wiegman did not, then, have the full player pool to choose from for this squad. For starters, she's had to pick a goalkeeping unit that lacks experience, as Hampton is the only one of the three who is even capped, and she's never played at a major tournament. Wiegman has also lost the best-performing English centre-back of this past season, in Bright, while the combination of Chelsea captain's absence and that of Earps means the Lionesses will be without two key leaders and big personalities in the dressing room – two players who have worn the armband for their country, no less.
Throw in the doubts over Lauren James' fitness and Wiegman has certainly not been able to pick this squad in the best of circumstances. Of course, it is still going to be one of the best and deepest at Euro 2025, but is it good enough to win the whole thing? We'll find out soon enough.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWINNER: Lauren James
James' inclusion in this squad doesn't tell us too much. A mercurial talent who can change a game with the drop of the shoulder and a swing of either foot, it always felt like Wiegman was going to give the Chelsea star every chance to be fit for this tournament – whether she features from the start of it or is able to come in and contribute at a later date.
However, what it does say is that James remains on the right track when it comes to her recovery from a hamstring injury. If there was no chance of her returning to play a part at the Euros, then one would assume Wiegman would have left her out, as replacing James in the squad if she has to withdraw will not be entirely straight-forward. After all, she's not just someone who can shine as a winger, but also as a No.10. As such, her absence would impact both positions as well as the composition and balance of the squad.
For now, the hope remains that none of that will have to be considered and James is still well in the mix to be involved in the tournament in Switzerland. That's great news for her and her country.
Getty ImagesLOSER: Nikita Parris
Of all the players who had the hear the heart-breaking news that they wouldn't be going to the Euros, Parris is one of those most will feel for in particular. Despite being part of the England squad which became European champions, the veteran forward was forced into the international wilderness only a few months later, with her entering 2025 having not been involved since November 2022.
Then, in February, she was suddenly back. Amid a terrific first season at Brighton, Parris earned her Lionesses return for the first camp of the year – then was involved again in April and in May. She's been in every squad Wiegman has named in 2025 – except the one for this summer's Euros.
In truth, it's not a huge shock. The 31-year-old hasn't done anything to stake a significant claim for a place when she has got on the pitch, whereas those also in competition for the forward spots have. Her experience, wonderful character and the fact Wiegman knows she can play the squad role well, having done so in 2022, were all reasons to believe Parris could still make the cut but, in the end, she was one of the unfortunate ones to fall the other side of it.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Michelle Agyemang
Ironically, a big reason why Parris isn't on the plane is because Agyemang, who has spoken glowingly of the 31-year-old's guidance during their time together at Brighton this season, is. The Arsenal academy prospect spent this past year on loan with the Seagulls and learned a lot from not only Parris but also Kirby, who also hasn't made the cut.
Soaking up their words of wisdom like a sponge, the 19-year-old impressed enough in her first Women's Super League season to earn a call-up in April, after Alessia Russo had to withdraw from the England squad due to injury. Two days later, she was making her Lionesses debut – and 41 seconds into that, she had scored her first senior international goal.
There was a lot of debate about whether or not Agyemang would get this call-up. After all, the Under-19s Euros kick-off later this month and the teenager might have been better suited to playing a starring role with the Young Lionesses instead. But Wiegman has decided that she will also benefit massively from being around the senior team as they bid to defend their European title, and she knows full well that the talented forward has the ability to make a difference from the bench as they do so.