Lauren James, Agyemang Lead the Charge as Wiegman Unveils Fearless England Squad for Euro 2025
England coach Sarina Wiegman has named Lauren James and 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang in her 23-player squad for Euro 2025.
The Lionesses will defend their title in Switzerland with a mix of experienced stars and exciting young talents.
Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player England Women’s squad for the UEFA Euro 2025, with Chelsea forward Lauren James and teenage sensation Michelle Agyemang among the notable inclusions. The Lionesses are set to defend their European crown in Switzerland, with their campaign kicking off on July 5.
Lauren James’ selection is a major boost for England. The Chelsea winger has been out of action since April due to a hamstring injury, but Wiegman confirmed James is on track with her recovery and should be fit in time for England’s opener. “It’s not a risk,” said Wiegman. “She’s training well and is exactly where we hoped she would be.”
Another exciting inclusion is 19-year-old Arsenal striker Michelle Agyemang, who burst onto the scene in April with a stunning debut goal against Belgium. After a successful loan spell at Brighton, her dynamic presence and physicality earned her a first call-up to a major international tournament.
“She brings something different,” said Wiegman. “She’s strong, quick, and fearless. We remember that debut goal, she deserves this chance.”
While the squad boasts experience and firepower up front, Wiegman has taken a calculated risk by naming just five recognised midfielders. Georgia Stanway, who only recently returned from knee surgery, joins Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Jess Park, and Grace Clinton in the engine room. Clinton and Park will be making their first appearances at a major tournament, while Toone and Walsh were key figures in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph.
There is no room for Aston Villa’s Missy Bo Kearns or Brighton’s Nikita Parris, though Kearns is on the standby list alongside Sophie Baggaley, Lucy Parker, and Laura Blindkilde Brown. The squad will convene at St George’s Park on June 16, with standby players remaining until the team travels to Switzerland on June 30.
Notably absent are retired duo Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, while Millie Bright withdrew to focus on her health. Chelsea confirmed that Bright recently underwent minor knee surgery and is set to begin rehabilitation.
Among the squad, seven players are heading to their first major tournament, including goalkeeper Khiara Keating and defenders Maya Le Tissier and Esme Morgan. Veteran Lucy Bronze marks her fourth Euros and seventh consecutive major tournament.
Wiegman’s approach highlights attacking depth, with Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, and Chloe Kelly joining James and Agyemang in the forward line. However, the limited midfield options have raised eyebrows. Analysts suggest Leah Williamson could be an emergency midfield option, but her current form in defence makes such a shift unlikely.
England will warm up with a friendly against Jamaica on June 29 before facing France, the Netherlands, and Wales in the group stage. With a blend of youth, experience, and tactical versatility, the Lionesses will be hoping to write another golden chapter in their remarkable journey under Wiegman.
