After bringing home the nation’s first senior piece of silverware after 56 years, Sarina Wiegmann and her Lionesses set out on their mission to defend their European title.
The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was another successful tournament, as England reached the final but lost 1-0 to Spain.
Before the team’s Nations League game against Spain, the England boss emphasised the importance of winning in preparation for the tournament.
“We want to win and every prize you want to win. You want to have a good performance tomorrow, but we’re also preparing for the Euros,”
Wiegman: Sky Sports
Wiegmann has named a 23-member squad for the tournament.
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Jess Park (Manchester City)
Forwards: Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal on loan from Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Michelle Agyemang (Brighton on loan from Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea)
One to Watch: Hannah Hampton
Mary Earps has been England’s standout number one. She appeared in the team of the tournament in Euro 2022, and
With 13 clean sheets in 22 matches, Chelsea’s Hampton gets the opportunity to prove that she is capable of filling Earps’s shoes as England’s number one.
Hampton revealed how she faced a tough time dealing with the media and its negativity, which almost made her end her career.
“Media scrutiny gets to you more than you realise. At a young age, I was likely exposed to more of it than most people are in their entire career, and I wasn’t ready.’
Hampton: ONEFOOTBALL
It was also revealed that Hampton was dropped from both Aston Villa and England’s squad due to issues concerning her attitude.
There was also the possibility that this could have spelt the end of her international career.
Carla Ward, Ireland’s new Head Coach, gave an insight into the 24-year-old’s rise to being England’s number one.
“She was an endearing character, as well as being a livewire, like most goalkeepers. But she articulated things in a way that was far more mature than her age. “It was on day two that I really saw what everyone was talking about. She was one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever worked with. “Everyone has different talents but she was born to be a footballer.”
Ward: BBC Sport
Can she prove why she deserves to be Earps’ successor between the posts?
Schedule:
England will be featuring in Group D alongside France, Wales, and the Netherlands. Here is the schedule:
Saturday 5th July: France vs England 8:00 pm, Letzigrund, Zurich
Wednesday 9th July: England vs Netherlands, 5:00 pm Letzigrund, Zurich
13th July: England vs Wales, 8:00 pm, AFG Arena, St Gallen
Should Wiegman’s side top the group, they will play the runner-up of Group C, which includes Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Sweden. Finish second, and they will play the winner of that group in the Quarter Finals.
Can England reclaim European glory?
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