Latest news with #Euro2025
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
The Euro 2025 lessons learned from Wales' Denmark defeat
It was not the ideal scenario for what Wales still hope will be an idyllic summer in in Denmark – albeit amid controversy – means Rhian Wilkinson's side were relegated from Nations League also ensures a tricker path to World Cup qualification in 2027 as a result of dropping into the second with their opening Euro 2025 fixture against the Netherlands in Lucerne just five weeks away, what will be of greater importance is how Wales are shaping up ahead of their first ever major finals in women's as they prepare to face Italy on Tuesday in their final Nations League fixture - and their final game before their European Championships debut – what can Wales take from their 1-0 loss in Odense? It should not come down to technicalities There are no regulations that insist goal-line technology has to be used in the Nations goes for the men's tournament as well as the women' as Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson suggested for this level of international football, there should Fishlock's goal that never was may have proven the difference. It may not have – and Denmark certainly had chances before and after to argue the given Nations League A is meant to be the elite of women's international football in Europe – and that goal-line technology if not VAR has been used in other fixtures at this level – it was hard to argue with the viewpoints of those such as former Wales captain Kath Morgan who pondered if men's football at this stage would really be put in the same not forget, a guaranteed play-off for the 2027 World Cup was also a reward for Wales staying in League A."I'm just fed up with the system," Morgan said. "If that means we won't stay in League A, you have to question Fifa and Uefa. There shouldn't be a debate over which games to send VAR to."For the record, Euro 2025 will have goal-line technology, VAR and semi-automated offsides all in operation. Uefa have also been asked for their thoughts. Out of League A, but not out of their depth A third defeat for Wales in League A, and a third by the solitary goal."It's fine margins again," said Wales captain Angharad James. "We're disappointed to be relegated but we have put on good performances. "They were slowing the game down in the corner and doing little things and that wouldn't have happened a few years ago – this is the new us now and we can built on it."Compared to their last appearance at this level – where there were five goals conceded in one game against Denmark and another against Germany – Wales have looked a different may have hung on in periods but, they have not parked the bus. In fact, it is needing to be more clinical at the other end that has ultimately cost are still missing that win though – and the squad know it."We can be positive about our performance, but we also need to have a little bit of mentality that it's almost not good enough and needs to be better – because we want to get better and win games," said senior star Fishlock. Shaky starts must stop Fishlock made her 161st appearance for her country – just like matchwinner and former Chelsea forward Pernille will be disappointed they switched off just after the restart to allow the Bayern talent to score her 78th goal for her country."Wales were not switched on enough and got punished," admitted former men's captain Danny also hit the bar in a determined Danish start to things where Wales could not settle and put their foot on the impressing defensively, Wales have conceded in the first 15 minutes of halves in all four games to be on it and at it from the off against the likes of England, France and the Netherlands this summer, and Wales could be out of games before they know it. Fishlock's still got it Plenty of observers were a little worried when it was revealed key midfielder Fishlock would start, less than a week from her comeback for Seattle Reign in the US after more than a month out 38, Wales' record goalscorer and appearance maker may no longer be at the peak of her powers, but she will be needed in made her first start for Wales since the Nations League opener in Italy back in February and only her second appearance on any football pitch since March – but it proved both needed and her own admission, there were some rusty touches, but there was also a presence and an uplift to Wales' no mistake, Wales will look to their icon in Switzerland – and other sides should look out for her too. Wilkinson has options Wales will not have the same top-flight pedigree among their players as the nations they face in their depth and options are better than arguably ever before."What's really positive for me, if we go back 18 months, you're looking at the same 11, maybe one or two players coming off the bench constantly," said former striker Gwennan Harries. "But there is a lot more depth now."You're always unsure with [Rhian] Wilkinson on the team and who is going to start in these positions. She is trying to give players opportunities and to be more adaptable."She said beforehand she wants the team to be able to adjust and adapt and that they're not predictable, and I think we are seeing that."Wales can change systems to suit and are not weakened by change as much as they were a very short time ago,Alice Griffiths coming off the bench early after the unfortunate – and hopefully, minor – injury to Mayzee Davies was a case in point. Some of her passes helped Wales get a foothold in the game and will give her confidence of performing come this too for a player who has just been released by Southampton and effectively could be going to the Euros without a says she sees it as an opportunity. With one last game to go before Switzerland, Wales will hope to be ready to seize theirs this summer.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
England's Euro 2025 squad: Who's on the plane and who's got work to do?
England head into Euro 2025 as reigning champions as the Lionesses seek to win a second consecutive European crown. Sarina Wiegman's side will have to be sharp from their first match in Switzerland, after being drawn alongside France, the Netherlands and Wales in Group D of the July tournament. England won the Euros on home soil three years ago and then reached the World Cup final the following year, so come into the competition with plenty of major tournament experience. A number of star players from England's historic triumph will return but there are plenty of new faces competing for their places, too, as well as a couple of major injury concerns. Advertisement As it stands, England are preparing to name a 23-player squad for the Euros, although Uefa increased the maximum squad size to 26 ahead of the men's Euros last summer and may opt to mirror it for the women's tournament. There is less than one week to go until England have to name their squad for the Euros, so here's a look at how Wiegman's plans are shaping up ahead of their opening match against France in Zurich on Saturday 5 July. On the plane Lucy Bronze Key to setting a winning mentality among the squad, Bronze is set to represent her country at a seventh major tournament. The 33-year-old's competitive edge is as sharp as ever and she remains England's first-choice right back. Advertisement Leah Williamson The captain of the Lionesses when they won the Euros, Williamson was forced to sit out of the World Cup after suffering an ACL injury. Now back as skipper, the Arsenal centre-back is a leader off and on the pitch. Showed she remains one of the best in the world with a remarkable display in Arsenal's Champions League victory over Barcelona. Millie Bright Bright recovered from her own knee injury to stand as England's defensive rock at the last World Cup. An invaluable presence as England's vice-captain, who remains key to Chelsea's dominance domestically. Has withdrawn from the Nations League squad for games against Portugal and Spain to take an extended break and allow a period of recovery. Advertisement Keira Walsh Back in England having signed for Chelsea after a successful two-and-a-half-year spell at Barcelona. Walsh's ability to set the tempo in midfield helped Barca to back-to-back Champions Leagues titles. On her day, she is one of the best in the world in her position. Alessia Russo England's super-sub in the Euros, who shone as a starter at the World Cup. The Arsenal striker's record at major tournaments is impressive, with seven goals across her appearances at the Euros and World Cup, and she will lead the line again as No 9 after a brilliant season for the Gunners that saw her win the WSL Golden Boot award. Advertisement Ella Toone A player for the big occasion, with goals in the Euros final and World Cup semi-final. Toone opened up about the difficulty of losing her father last September and her form since on the pitch has been superb. Beth Mead England's golden boot winner in 2022, who then missed the World Cup with an ACL injury. The Arsenal forward has yet to rediscover the heights of that 21/22 campaign since returning from injury but is still an important player for the Lionesses and Wiegman trusts her. Chloe Kelly The scorer of the goal that won the Euros has been in sensational form since joining Arsenal on loan and has starred in their run to the Champions League final. Her place looked to be in doubt after being dropped earlier this year, but she has responded in the perfect way. Advertisement Grace Clinton Started against Portugal and Spain in February, and held her own against the world champions at Wembley. A strong, powerful box-to-box midfielder, Clinton is beginning to assert herself in the England side. Jess Park One of the breakthrough talents to emerge over the last couple of years, Park is set to appear at her first major tournament. At 23, she has stepped up on a regular basis for Manchester City and has caught the eye on a couple of starts for England with her skill and guile on the ball. She has emerged as a surprise option on the right wing. Hannah Hampton Will be England's No 1 in Switzerland after the shock retirement of Euros winner Mary Earps. Hampton had won the battle for the shirt having started three of the last four games, but there are no doubts now. Impressive under Emma Hayes and now Sonia Bompastor for Chelsea, she has come a long way since being dropped by Wiegman in 2022. Advertisement Jess Carter Often an unsung hero in defence, Carter played an important role at the last World Cup due to her versatility and can play in both at the left side of a back three and back four. Wiegman has used Carter as a full back and centre back since the World Cup. Niamh Charles The Chelsea full-back started both games against Portugal and Spain and was quietly impressive. Her connection with club team-mate James on the left is a bonus for Wiegman and Charles showed her strengths as a willing runner around the outside and as a recovering defender. Almost there Lauren James Arguably the biggest talent in the squad, James did not play for England for almost 10 months due to injury but showed what they had missed with her performances against Portugal and Spain in February. Wiegman says James had also shown a 'massive improvement' in her work off the ball. Suddenly the biggest injury concern in the squad after hurting her hamstring. Advertisement Lauren Hemp A guaranteed starter when she's fit, offering pace and constant danger as an all-action forward, Hemp returned to the pitch over the final weeks of the season after undergoing surgery on a knee meniscus injury in November, in what is a big boost for the Lionesses. Georgia Stanway The Bayern Munich midfielder was named in an England squad for the first time this year ahead of the games against Portugal and Spain. Yet to play a match since December and may not feature in the Nations League, although she is back in training, but her return is important for Wiegman ahead of the Euros. Alex Greenwood Arguably England's best player at the last World Cup and most important defender on her day, even if Bright and Williamson are often selected ahead of her. Greenwood is also back in the squad after returning from injury. Advertisement Fran Kirby The Euros winner and former PFA Player of the Year has not had much luck with injuries after being ruled out of the last World Cup, but is usually selected when she it fit. The emergence of Clinton and Park, along with James and Toone, means Wiegman has options at No 10. Aggie Beever-Jones The impressive 21-year-old winger has already racked up 50 appearances for an all-conquering Chelsea side, where she is in constant competition with some of the best in the world. Pacy and direct with an eye for a goal, she is starting to get minutes for England and scored her first for her country against Belgium. (Getty) Maya Le Tissier The 22-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season after being named as captain of Manchester United. Le Tissier was close to making the World Cup squad and she has grown as a player since being named on the standby list. Interestingly, Wiegman views Le Tissier as a full-back even though she is a centre-back for her club. Advertisement Esme Morgan Morgan appears to fit Wiegman's requirements as an adaptable defensive player who can play in multiple positions in the defence, having played at both centre-back and full-back under the England manager. Khiara Keating The 20-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper had a breakthrough campaign last season and has featured in England squads without making her senior international debut. This season has been more difficult after high-profile errors in games against Manchester United and Arsenal. Anna Moorhouse The Orlando Pride goalkeeper received her first call-up at the age of 29 but is yet to make her first appearance, though. Looks likely to go to the Euros along with Keating after the retirement of Mary Earps. On the fringes Michelle Agyemang Scored on her debut against Belgium after being drafted into the squad as an injury replacement for Alessia Russo. Could go to Switzerland as a back-up striker, with England short of options behind Russo at No 9, and she was selected again for the games against Portugal and Spain. Advertisement Lotte Wubben-Moy A firm favourite at Arsenal, but has been in and out of England squads despite making the final cut for the Euros and the World Cup. Although Wubben-Moy has yet to feature prominently at a major tournament, the centre-back is clearly a personality that Wiegman wants to have around her squad. Missed the end of the season due to injury but has replaced Bright. Nikita Parris The Euros winner made a shock return to the England squad after a two-year absence for the games against Portugal and Spain. The 30-year-old, who is now at Brighton, was given an opportunity while Kelly was out of the picture and Hemp was injured, but her place at the Euros is uncertain now they are both back. Advertisement Jessica Naz The Tottenham winger was given some chances when there were injuries among the forwards but did not take them as finds herself out of the squad ahead of the summer. Millie Turner The Manchester United centre-back is not as versatile as some of the other defenders in England's squad, such as Carter, Morgan and club team-mate Le Tissier, and likely faces a battle with Wubben-Moy to be the fourth-choice centre-back. Ella Morris The Tottenham defender was called up to the England camp for the first time ahead of the Nations League finale against Spain and Portugal, having impressed as part of the Under-23s. Advertisement Missy Bo Kearns Another who has spent some time around the first time after catching the eye while playing for the Under-23s, the Aston Villa midfielder is ahead of some other prospects for now but the Euros are still unlikely. Ruby Mace Made her England debut in December and kept her place in February, but has returned to the England Under-23s for now. Had caught the eye playing in defensive midfield for Leicester. Laura Blindkilde Brown Followed a similar journey to Mace, coming through from the Under-17s to the senior side, but has also dropped out of contention ahead of the Euros. Lucy Parker The Aston Villa defender has spent time around the squad as an injury replacement but won't go to the Euros if Wiegman's senior options are fit. Advertisement Gabby George Could have been an option at left-back and has shown good form for Manchester United after making a comeback from an ACL injury. Returned to the England squad last November after a two-year absence but is out of the picture now. Ellie Roebuck The former England goalkeeper – who had been challenging for a starting spot with Earps before the last Euros – is looking to rebuild her playing career after recovering from a stroke. Retired Mary Earps The Euros winner and two-time goalkeeper of the year has announced her retirement from international football and will not go to the Euros. 'I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly,' Earps said. 'For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.' England squad to face Portugal and Spain Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse, Khiara Keating, (Mary Earps retired) Advertisement Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Ella Morris, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben Moy (Millie Bright withdrawn) Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Missy Bo Kearns, Fran Kirby, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh Forwards: Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Alessia Russo
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
England's rampant attack renders the goalkeeper narrative obsolete
This piece was supposed to be about goalkeepers. Sentences had been drafted, paragraphs were forming, conclusions were ready to be drawn. Hannah Hampton's performance for England against Portugal was about to be analysed within an inch of its life after Mary Earps' abrupt international retirement made the Lionesses' goalkeeping position the headline story of this international window. Advertisement Earps, 32, was imperious during England's 2022 European Championship triumph and run to the 2023 World Cup final, but unexpectedly called time on her international career on Tuesday, just five weeks before Euro 2025 kicks off, having lost her starting spot to Hampton, 24. Friday's Nations League fixture against Portugal was England's first match since Earps' shock announcement. This was going to write itself. A re-draft was potentially on the cards inside just five minutes at Wembley as England raced into a 2-0 lead through Aggie Beever-Jones and Lucy Bronze, but it was still early days. A re-write was seriously being considered by the half-hour mark as goals from Beth Mead and Beever-Jones further extended England's advantage. Advertisement By the time the half-time whistle had been blown, England were leading 5-0, Beever-Jones had completed her hat-trick, Hampton had yet to lay a glove on the ball and the backspace key was taking an absolute hammering. Chloe Kelly added a sixth in the second half to emphatically ensure that in a week dominated by goalkeeper discourse, England's forward line made themselves the story. In a week in which feelings were mixed within the squad over Earps' decision and the way it unfolded, England turned in a performance of cohesion and togetherness. 'As cliche as it sounds, Sarina (Wiegman) said it's a new kit, new England today — go out there and put a graft in,' Beever-Jones told reporters at full-time. 'I think her words were 'destroy them', in her Dutch accent. 'For us, it was just executing the game plan, and in the first half we were really good at that.' Advertisement The game plan, as Wiegman described in her post-match press conference, was to 'press really early and high, and win the ball back as soon as possible'. This came to fruition within three minutes. Bronze led the counter-press, Jess Park's hustle forced the mistake from Portugal midfielder Andreia Norton, and Beever-Jones capitalised. England's coordinated, aggressive press again paid dividends 90 seconds later as Jess Carter won possession on halfway and fed Lauren Hemp, who scurried past Ana Borges. Her delivery eventually found its way to Bronze to head into an empty net. It was one of a number of encouraging first-half moments from Hemp, who looked particularly sharp on her return to the England side for the first time since October following five months out after knee surgery. Within the opening 30 minutes, she had caused chaos with a surging run, sent in a teasing delivery that narrowly evaded Beever-Jones and expertly spun Borges on the touchline. The Manchester City winger was withdrawn shortly before the hour mark and is yet to complete a full 90 minutes since returning to action at the end of April. Hemp has been ever-present at major tournaments under Wiegman and Friday was a timely reminder of the unique threat she brings. Advertisement 'I'm building up, I'm working hard, training hard,' she said at full time. 'It's been a long time so I'm trying to not put too much pressure on myself but I want to contribute as much as I can.' Hemp was joined by the returning Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood, who were introduced from the bench in the second half following lengthy injury lay-offs of their own, in a further boost to England ahead of Euro 2025. 'They've worked so hard to get where they are right now,' Wiegman said. The England head coach emphasised how positive training had been for her side in the week and while the Lionesses' opening two goals were derived from their press, goals three and four capped slick team moves. 'Connections' has been a buzzword of the Wiegman era and Friday's game was the first time she had fielded a front four of Hemp, Park, Mead and Beever-Jones — the quartet combined impressively throughout. It was Beever-Jones who the night belonged to as she completed her hat-trick on 33 minutes, latching onto a fine Leah Williamson pass and firing low past Ines Pereira. The 21-year-old Chelsea forward was making just her sixth senior international appearance and her first for her country at Wembley. 'She is a goalscorer,' Wiegman said, before praising her quick feet and ability in tight spaces. Advertisement Portugal offered little resistance compared to the side that had held England to a 1-1 draw back in February, and tougher tests will come for the Lionesses — starting with a trip to world champions and group leaders Spain on Tuesday. But Friday was just what England needed as a blend of Wiegman's trusted regulars and fresh faces turned in a performance to ensure the conversation was about those present, not those absent. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. England, UK Women's Football 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
13 hours ago
- General
- New York Times
England's rampant attack renders the goalkeeper narrative obsolete
This piece was supposed to be about goalkeepers. Sentences had been drafted, paragraphs were forming, conclusions were ready to be drawn. Hannah Hampton's performance for England against Portugal was about to be analysed within an inch of its life after Mary Earps' abrupt international retirement made the Lionesses' goalkeeping position the headline story of this international window. Advertisement Earps, 32, was imperious during England's 2022 European Championship triumph and run to the 2023 World Cup final, but unexpectedly called time on her international career on Tuesday, just five weeks before Euro 2025 kicks off, having lost her starting spot to Hampton, 24. Friday's Nations League fixture against Portugal was England's first match since Earps' out of the blue announcement. This was going to write itself. A re-draft was potentially on the cards inside just five minutes at Wembley as England raced into a 2-0 lead through Aggie Beever-Jones and Lucy Bronze, but it was still early days. A re-write was seriously being considered by the half-hour mark as goals from Beth Mead and Beever-Jones further extended England's advantage. By the time the half-time whistle had been blown, England were leading 5-0, Beever-Jones had completed her hat-trick, Hampton had yet to lay a glove on the ball and the backspace key was taking an absolute hammering. Chloe Kelly added a sixth in the second half to emphatically ensure that in a week dominated by goalkeeper discourse, England's forward line made themselves the story. In a week where feelings were mixed within the squad over Earps' decision and the way it unfolded, England turned in a performance of cohesion and togetherness. 'As cliche as it sounds, Sarina said it's a new kit, new England today — go out there and put a graft in basically,' Beever-Jones told reporters at full-time. 'I think her words were 'destroy them', in her Dutch accent. 'For us it was just executing the game plan, and in the first half we were really good at that.' The game plan, as Wiegman described in her post-match press conference, was to 'press really early and high, and win the ball back as soon as possible'. This came to fruition within three minutes. Bronze led the counter-press, Jess Park's hustle forced the mistake from Portugal midfielder Andreia Norton, and Beever-Jones capitalised. England's coordinated, aggressive press again paid dividends just 90 seconds later as Jess Carter won possession on halfway and fed Lauren Hemp, who scurried past Ana Borges. Her delivery eventually found its way to Bronze to head into an empty net. It was one of a number of encouraging first-half moments from Hemp, who looked particularly sharp on her return to the England side for the first time since October following five months out after knee surgery. Within the opening 30 minutes, she had caused chaos with a surging run, sent in a teasing delivery that narrowly evaded Beever-Jones, and expertly spun Borges on the touchline. Advertisement The Manchester City winger was withdrawn shortly before the hour mark and is yet to complete a full 90 minutes since returning to action at the end of April. Hemp has been ever-present at major tournaments under Wiegman and Friday was a timely reminder of the unique threat she brings. 'I'm building up, I'm working hard, training hard,' she said at full-time. 'Obviously, it's been a long time so I'm trying to not put too much pressure on myself, but I want to contribute as much as I can.' Hemp was joined by the returning Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood, who were introduced from the bench in the second half following lengthy injury lay-offs of their own, in a further boost to England ahead of Euro 2025. 'They've worked so hard to get where they are right now,' Wiegman said. The England head coach emphasised how positive training had been for her side in the week and while the Lionesses' opening two goals were derived from their press, goals three and four capped slick team moves. 'Connections' has been a buzzword of the Wiegman era and Friday's game was the first time she had fielded a front four of Hemp, Park, Beth Mead and Beever-Jones — the quartet combined impressively throughout. It was Beever-Jones who the night belonged to as she completed her hat-trick on 33 minutes, latching onto a fine Leah Williamson pass and firing low past Ines Pereira. The 21-year-old Chelsea forward was making just her sixth senior international appearance and her first for her country at Wembley. 'She is a goalscorer,' Wiegman said, before praising her quick feet and ability in tight spaces. Portugal offered little resistance compared to the side that had held England to a 1-1 draw back in February, and tougher tests will come for the Lionesses — starting with a trip to world champions and group leaders Spain on Tuesday. But Friday was just what England needed as a blend of Wingman's trusted regulars and fresh faces turned in a performance to ensure the conversation was about those present, not those absent.
The Independent
14 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Lionesses may have found a new star ahead of Euro 2025
England defeated Portugal 6-0 in a confidence-boosting home performance, with Aggie Beever-Jones scoring a first-half hat-trick on her first Wembley start. Beever-Jones, the Women's PFA Young Player of the Year, seized her opportunity, displaying the hunger to secure her place for Euro 2025, following Sarina Wiegman 's instructions to "destroy them." Young players like Beever-Jones (21), Grace Clinton (22), and Jess Park (23) are set to play important roles in the upcoming Euros, with Hannah Hampton (24) already England's No. 1. Lauren Hemp made her first appearance of the year after recovering from a knee injury, while Lucy Bronze contributed with a goal and an assist; Leah Williamson marshalled the defence effectively. Despite Portugal's poor performance, England's dominant display, marked by ruthless attacking and a fresh energy, has given Sarina Wiegman selection headaches ahead of the Euros, with potential forward options including Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Chloe Kelly.
