Photo Credit: Getty Images
England manager Sarina Wiegman has firmly stated that "there is no crisis" within the squad despite a turbulent 10-day period marked by the loss of three key senior players ahead of Euro 2025. Wiegman, who named her 23-player squad for the tournament in Switzerland starting 2 July, will be without goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby—both of whom have retired from international duty—as well as defender Millie Bright, who has withdrawn to focus on her physical and mental wellbeing. Together, the trio has earned 217 caps, and their sudden absence has raised concerns about potential instability in the Lionesses' camp.
Acknowledging the difficulty of losing such experienced players, Wiegman said each situation was unique and personal. Despite the upheaval, she reassured that morale remains high within the group, emphasizing that while the media only sees glimpses, she has witnessed strong cohesion and high-quality training sessions. "I didn't see anything to suggest a lack of connection within the team," she noted, expressing satisfaction with the team's current state.
Wiegman is no stranger to off-pitch distractions, having previously navigated issues like performance-related bonus disputes before the World Cup and public scrutiny over her controversial decision to leave out former captain Steph Houghton from the Euro 2022 squad. Reflecting on the evolving nature of women's football, she pointed out that the game's growing popularity has amplified media attention. "It seems like there is more noise, but that's because there are more journalists. That's a good thing—it shows how far we've come. We deal with it and move forward."
Though Wiegman admitted that delivering difficult news to players is part of the job, she strives to approach these conversations with honesty and respect. Kirby's retirement came after being left out of the Euros squad, while Earps was reportedly frustrated with being named the number two goalkeeper. "These conversations aren't easy. Players work hard to be selected, and it's tough to give them disappointing news. But I also had some very positive conversations that brought me energy," she said. Wiegman added that while she can't control players' emotional responses, she hopes the clarity she provides allows them to move forward.
Millie Bright's late decision to opt out of the tournament came just days before the squad announcement. Wiegman described it as both sad and disappointing, saying Bright would have been selected had she been available. She acknowledged the intense demands placed on players due to the rising profile of the team, noting that "players are not robots" and need support both on and off the pitch. Despite the challenges, Wiegman remains optimistic and focused as the Lionesses prepare to defend their European title.
