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Key Points

England's women's national football team has been selected for the UEFA Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland, with manager Sarina Wiegman taking calculated risks on key players. Chelsea's Lauren James returns from injury, joining exciting newcomer Michelle Agyemang in a squad aiming to defend their European title. The team faces a challenging group stage, including matches against France and the Netherlands. Despite several retirements and withdrawals from their 2022 Euro-winning squad, England remains determined to compete at the highest level.

Key Points: Lauren James, Agyemang Lead England's Euro 2025 Squad

  • Lauren James returns despite fitness concerns
  • Michelle Agyemang earns first major tournament call-up
  • England face tough group with France and Netherlands
  • Nine players from 2022 Euro-winning squad missing
2 min read

James and Agyemang named in England women's Euro squad

Sarina Wiegman names challenging 23-player squad for UEFA Women's Euro, featuring James and rising star Agyemang

"We're ready to defend our European title - Sarina Wiegman"

Burton upon Trent, June 5

Sarina Wiegman has announced her 23-player England squad for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, with forward Lauren James included despite recent fitness concerns. The tournament will take place in Switzerland next month, where England will look to defend their European title.

James, who plays for Chelsea, has not played since April due to a hamstring injury. Still, Wiegman has opted to take a calculated risk on the 23-year-old, who has netted seven goals in 27 international appearances.

One of the most exciting selections is 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang. The Arsenal striker has just one senior cap but made an immediate impact by scoring within 41 seconds on her debut against Belgium in April. She joins six other forwards in the squad.

England’s group-stage opponents are challenging, with their campaign kicking off against 11th-ranked France on July 6. They will also face the Netherlands (ranked 10th) and Wales in what promises to be a competitive group. The final is scheduled for July 27 in Basel.

The squad also includes Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway, recently returned from a knee injury and back in action for 60 minutes last week. Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp, both recovering from knee surgeries, played in the closing weeks of the Women’s Super League season to secure their spots.

The build-up to the Euros has been far from smooth for England. Key players Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have both announced their international retirements, while World Cup 2023 captain Millie Bright has withdrawn from selection to prioritize her physical and mental health.

Of the squad that lifted the Euro 2022 trophy, nine players are missing this time - five due to retirement.

Four players have been named on the standby list: Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley, Manchester City’s Laura Blindkilde Brown, Aston Villa’s Missy Bo Kearns, and Lucy Parker. They will train with the team at St George’s Park from June 16 to 30 before the final squad departs for Switzerland.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Leah Williamson.

Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh.

Forwards: Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Exciting to see young talent like Agyemang getting a chance! England's women's team has been inspiring to watch. Hope they can defend their title 🇮🇳🤞 Though I wonder if taking James is too risky with her injury record.
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Rahul S.
As an Indian football fan, I admire how England develops young players. We need to learn from their system. But they've lost so many experienced players since last Euros - will be tough against France and Netherlands!
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Ananya M.
Lauren James is worth the gamble! She's pure class when fit. Hope our Indian women's team can reach this level someday 🤩 The group stage looks like a mini-World Cup already!
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see 19-year-old Agyemang selected after just one cap. Shows England's faith in youth. But with so many retirements, the squad lacks experience. Might struggle in knockout stages.
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Sneha P.
The mental health aspect is important - respect to Millie Bright for prioritizing it. We need more awareness about this in Indian sports too. Wishing England team all the best! 🙌
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Karan D.
England's group is tougher than last time. France and Netherlands will test them. But their squad depth is impressive - even with injuries and retirements, they have quality replacements. That's what we lack in India.

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