By Catherine MacKenzie (26/04/2025)
Above: the Lionesses celebrate a win over Belgium. Photo: The FA.
The most important Lionesses squad since the summer of 2023 is going to be for this year’s European Championships in Switzerland. Whilst the domestic season is wrapping up, players are trying to get into form to prove to head coach Sarina Wiegman that they deserve a spot in the squad.
Squad sizes are normally restricted to twenty-three spots, including three goalkeepers. So, two months out from the tournament – who already has a space on the plane, and who is still fighting?
Goalkeepers
We know that barring injury or a catastrophic downturn in form, two goalkeepers are already set. Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton are vying for the no.1 spot, leaving the third goalkeeping position open.
In recent squads, Manchester City’s Khiara Keating and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse have both been selected; however, there is only room for one in Switzerland. Whilst Keating is arguably more visible due to playing in the WSL, Moorhouse is more experienced and had a very strong 2024 in the NWSL, winning both the championship and shield.
Defenders
Defence is arguably going to be the most contentious part of the squad selection. With the reintroduction of Alex Greenwood (if fit), and potentially needing to fit in Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Lauren James, it is likely that the biggest cuts to the recent squads will come in defence.
Three defenders are never going to be left out from the squad; whether they are starters is more controversial. Leah Williamson is Lionesses’ captain; Millie Bright captained England to a World Cup final and is still playing almost every game for Chelsea, and Lucy Bronze has been on an incredible run of form. Beyond them, it is also likely that Jess Carter will be included, alongside Alex Greenwood (if fit).
Esme Morgan is known for her versatility across the back line and has been playing regularly for Washington Spirit. She also plays in the NWSL, and the fact that she plays in a league with a more transitional style of football may be something Wiegman looks for.
That leaves question marks over Niamh Charles, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner, and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Charles has been a starter for England at left-back, however has been struggling for minutes this season at Chelsea. Her last outing for England was an uncharacteristically sloppy one, but she has since been back to her best for Chelsea.
The strongest calls from fans have been for Le Tissier and Turner to play more; they are part of the strongest defence in the WSL (Manchester United have only conceded nine goals this season). It may come down to only one being included – likely Le Tissier due to the lack of back-up at right-back for Lucy Bronze.
Wubben-Moy has missed a significant portion of the season to injury; however, she brings slightly different qualities to the back line. If she makes a return for the last games of Arsenal’s season, she could be in contention – particularly as a potential partner in central defence with Williamson.
Midfielders
Midfield has been the area with the least amount of depth for England in recent years; the double act of Walsh and Stanway has worked well and there has been little need to deviate from it until Stanway’s injury earlier this year. Ella Toone is another stalwart of the England midfield and has been in strong form for Manchester United in 2025. Her link-up play with best-friend Alessia Russo in particular has been a strong feature for England, and is something unlikely to be interrupted.
However, in the last year Grace Clinton has also made a strong case to start – even starting when there were not as many injuries (for example, against Sweden at Wembley) – and Jess Park has been used as both a starter and an impact player in recent windows.
Wiegman has been unlucky with injuries to potential squad midfielders, with both Ruby Mace and Laura Blinkilde-Brown sustaining major injuries in 2025. Blinkilde-Brown is further ahead in recovery; making her a potential squad member. The Lionesses’ head coach may decide to go with more experience, however, as several more senior members of the squad can play in midfield – such as Leah Williamson – particularly if Blinkilde-Brown is not match-fit in time.
Forwards
Lauren Hemp has been one of the biggest misses for England recently; her pace on the left and ability to create major chances for Manchester City make her one of the first names on the team-sheet. She is due to return from injury for the remaining games of City’s season, which should give her plenty of time to recover ahead of the Euros.
Beyond Hemp, there are three other players that are arguably in the strongest contention: Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and Aggie-Beever Jones have all impressed recently for both club and country. If Chloe Kelly can continue her good run of form at Arsenal, she would also be a strong addition.
Lastly, if Lauren James is fit then she is a known gamechanger and has been the best player on the pitch for numerous important games for both Chelsea and England. If she returns from injury in time, she would be an obvious choice for Wiegman to include.
This leaves no room for Jess Naz: a possible wildcard, against the USA Naz proved her credentials in pace and tracking back to help her defence – something England miss if Hemp or James are not on the pitch.
So – how is a 24-woman squad looking?
Due to injuries, it is unlikely that all players below will be fit enough to make the squad. For that reason, we have included 24 players – one more than would be officially named.
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