England Euro 2025: Wiegman Backs Lionesses for Repeat

England Euro 2025 preparations are complete as Sarina Wiegman insists her Lionesses are “ready to defend the crown” when they kick off against France on Thursday night.

England Euro 2025 Countdown Begins

The reigning champions have spent the past ten days at St. George’s Park fine-tuning tactical details, set-piece routines and fitness levels. Wiegman, who guided the side to glory in 2022, told reporters that “every drill, every video session and every recovery period has been focused on one thing—retaining the trophy at England Euro 2025.” Players echoed her confidence, with captain Leah Williamson adding that the group “feels sharper than at any point since we lifted the last European title.”

Primary Focus: Beating France in the Opener

Facing France in Lyon is arguably the sternest test in Group A. Les Bleues, unbeaten in 12 matches under Hervé Renard, boast the pace of Kadidiatou Diani and the craft of Grace Geyoro. Yet Wiegman believes the pressure is on the hosts. “We know the stadium will be loud, but the first roar could come from us,” she smiled. England Euro 2025 scouts have tracked France’s recent friendlies and identified weaknesses in their left-back channel, an area Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze are primed to exploit.

Tactical Tweaks for Title Defence

• High press led by Alessia Russo to disrupt French build-up
• Double pivot of Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway to recycle possession
• Full-backs encouraged to overlap, mirroring the successful blueprint from 2022

Assistant coach Arjan Veurink confirmed that England Euro 2025 data analysts recorded a 17 % improvement in transitional speed during warm-up games against Sweden and Norway—numbers that excite the staff.

Squad Depth Could Prove Decisive

Injury clouds hovered earlier this year, but Wiegman now has a near-full complement. Goalkeeper Mary Earps shook off a minor hip issue, and Millie Bright’s return fortifies the back line. New faces such as Brighton’s Katie Robinson offer unpredictability. “We have 23 starters,” Wiegman declared, reinforcing the competition for places that drove success last time.

What Winning Again Would Mean

Victory at England Euro 2025 would confirm the Lionesses as a dynasty rather than a one-tournament wonder. It would also boost the FA’s push for equal facilities across the grassroots game. Commercially, another triumph could add an estimated £50 million in sponsorship value, according to Deloitte projections, strengthening the Women’s Super League and academies nationwide.

France Respect, Not Fear

While respectful, England will not be overawed. Wiegman reminded journalists that her side has taken points from France in three of the last four competitive meetings. “History is useful, but what matters is the 90 minutes ahead,” she said. England Euro 2025 staff have practiced penalties daily, mindful that the group stage could come down to fine margins.

Fan Support Travels Well

Over 7,000 England supporters are expected in Lyon, and the FA has organised fan zones featuring live music and ex-player Q&As. The Lionesses visited one such zone virtually, sending a video message thanking fans for “painting France red and white.” Defender Alex Greenwood noted that “seeing those flags in the crowd lifts us during tough moments.”

Road Map Beyond the Group Stage

After France, England Euro 2025 fixtures include Norway and Portugal. Topping the group would set up a quarter-final in Rotterdam, a city familiar to Wiegman from her playing days. The manager refused to look beyond match one but conceded that “peaking later in the tournament is the dream scenario.”

Wiegman’s Personal Journey

Since taking charge in 2021, Sarina Wiegman has amassed a staggering 0.83 win ratio. Her calm sideline presence contrasts with the intensity of her preparation. Insiders reveal that she watches replays at 1.5× speed to maximise analysis time. England Euro 2025 is her chance to become the first coach to win back-to-back European titles with two different nations after previously lifting the trophy with the Netherlands in 2017.

What the Opposition Says

French skipper Wendie Renard acknowledged England’s pedigree but warned, “We have grown under our new coach; we are not the same team that fell in the semi-finals last summer.” Neutral observers expect a tactical chess match rather than a goal fest, especially in the opening 30 minutes as both sides gauge tempo and nerves.

The Bigger Picture for Women’s Football

UEFA expects record-breaking viewing figures, with 600 million cumulative viewers projected across the tournament. England Euro 2025 hype feeds into wider conversations about investment, visibility and pathway structures in the women’s game. Wiegman called it “the perfect shop window for young girls dreaming of this stage.”

Key Stats Heading into Matchday One

• England unbeaten in 24 competitive fixtures under Wiegman
• France conceded just four goals in qualifying, the fewest of any side
• Lionesses averaged 2.6 goals per game across their last ten outings
• Earps kept seven clean sheets in her previous nine starts

Opinion: The Stage Is Set

England Euro 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment. The Lionesses possess blend, balance and belief, while France carry the weight of home expectation. If England navigate the opener unscathed, momentum could snowball exactly as it did in 2022. My hunch? Wiegman’s meticulous planning edges the tactical trench war, and England begin their title defence with a narrow, statement-making win.