Sarina Wiegman defends England's build-up to Euro 2025 and insists her Lionesses have 'moved on' after string of key players withdraw before the tournament

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Sarina Wiegman insists England's Euro 2025 preparations are not being undermined by a crisis as she sought to move on from the most challenging week of her reign.
The women's head coach revealed the 23 names she will take to Switzerland next month to defend the title they famously won three years ago but the atmosphere around St George's Park is considerably different now to how it was back then.
Aside from seeing England lose 2-1 in Spain on Tuesday, Wiegman has had to contend with the unexpected retirements of goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby, as well the withdrawal of defender Millie Bright – they have all been huge characters in the Dutchwoman's four-year reign.
This has been a remarkable narrative and while Wiegman bristled when the comparison was made, you did not have to think too hard about what the reaction would be like if, for example, Jordan Pickford, Jack Grealish and John Stones made similar decisions before a men's tournament.
What could Wiegman say, then, to show that the events of the last seven days have not left an indelible mark on confidence and planning?
'That is not the case,' she insisted. 'We know what is happening in the team. I think – and hope – there is competition going on in the team. I feel very comfortable. I'm very happy with the team and I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to it. For me, it doesn't feel like a crisis at all.'
Perhaps but the only way she will be able to prove that emphatically is through what her team do on the pitch; they face Jamaica on June 29 before starting what appears to be a 'Group of Death' against France on July 5 in Zurich; The Netherlands and Wales are their other opponents.
It was clear to see Wiegman would love nothing more than to talk about the future – 'can we talk about the players that are here?' she asked at one stage – but it's very hard to do when figures as big as Earps, Kirby and Bright are suddenly no longer available.
Earps, of the three, raises the biggest eyebrow. Wiegman, theoretically, could still call her into the squad, as UEFA have a clause that allows goalkeepers injured in the tournament to be replaced but it won't happen, as the pair haven't spoken since the 32-year-old went public with her decision.
Plenty believe Earps made her decision from a fit of pique, given that Wiegman had made it clear to the PSG keeper she was no longer first choice, that role having gone to Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. You also wonder why a player would retire, as being an international is the ultimate recognition.
'There were no calls (with Earps) – that is done now,' said Wiegman. 'There are two different situations and it is sad they are not in the team. I will always cherish what we have had we had such an incredible journey. But as this moment, we have moved on.
'You have to look at every individual situation. Some will say 'ok, I've had such an incredible time but it's time to move on.' That is what we hope – there is a natural progression and transition within the group. It's up the players to make the decision themselves.'