My England Women’s XI to start Euro 2025 – and Wiegman’s three biggest decisions

RCDE STADIUM — In the hours after losing their final competitive match before Euro 2025, England were hit with another bombshell as Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football.

Days after Mary Earps’ shock decision to quit the Lionesses, Kirby, 31, bowed out after learning she was set to miss out on the squad for this summer’s tournament in Switzerland.

Sarina Wiegman described the legendary midfielder as an “inspiration for a lot of people and an example”, while teammate Lucy Bronze referred to her as “Mini Messi”.

“I had conversations with her over this week again, looking forward to this game and I said to her that she most likely would not make the squad, even though things could change quickly,” Wiegman confirmed.

“We had these honest conversations.”

Kirby was told she would not be part of the Euro 2025 squad (Photo: Getty)

Kirby is an icon of women’s football, having fought back from a heart condition, injuries and bereavement to make 77 caps for the national team.

As Wiegman looks to the future, she made several other fascinating calls for Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Spain – handing a debut to Missy Bo Kearns, introducing Jess Carter as a right-back and giving Georgia Stanway her first start in seven months.

The biggest question marks remain over absent Lauren James’ fitness and Millie Bright’s availability after the defender withdrew from duty with burnout.

Asked how close she is to knowing her starting XI, Wiegman added: “I’m very close to the squad. The announcement is on Thursday. That’s very close. Close to the starting line-up? That’s still a month away.

“Of course we have our ideas. We speak about things and combinations but we have a few training days and Jamaica to play. So I think some things are still open.”

Here’s how England could line up for their opener against France on 5 July.

Hannah Hampton

England’s only option at No 1 after Earps’ retirement – Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are uncapped.

Lucy Bronze

Likely to be her last international tournament but the Chelsea right-back still has so much to offer, particularly going forward in the games when England can afford to be more expansive.

Leah Williamson

Has looked back to her best for Arsenal and will captain England again after missing out on the 2023 World Cup.

Alex Greenwood

A lot hinges on whether Bright declares herself available after admitting she was “mentally and physically at my limit”. If the vice-captain does not make it, Alex Greenwood could start ahead of Esme Morgan in her place – though Greenwood herself has been nursed back slowly after knee surgery earlier this season. Maya Le Tissier is also fighting to be included though that may be as a right-back.

Jess Carter

On the left, that means it is a shootout between Jess Carter and Niamh Charles. Carter feels like the safer option and operates well as a centre-back in the back three if needed.

Keira Walsh

First name on the team sheet and a world-class asset to have in the middle.

Georgia Stanway

Stanway might not be as combative as when she is fully fit but having her back from injury is a huge boost.

Ella Toone

Arguably the biggest dilemma for Wiegman – should Ella Toone start over Jess Park and Grace Clinton, or offer more creativity from the bench?

Beth Mead

Two goals in two games against Belgium and Portugal after nearly a year without an international goal following her ACL tear. Given James’ fitness issues it is likely Mead will get the nod on the right.

Alessia Russo

Russo has been in the form of her life this season and joint-top scored in the WSL with 12. England are blessed with back-up options too with Aggie Beever-Jones in brilliant form and potentially even 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang in the running.

Lauren Hemp

Hemp has had a remarkable turnaround. After missing six months of the WSL season, she still finished with the highest number of assists.

How England could line up in Switzerland (Graphic: The i Paper)

Wiegman’s three big headaches

Toone, Park or Clinton?

It is a much harder task for Marc Skinner at Manchester United who has tried to find a way to get both Toone and Clinton in his team simultaneously. Wiegman, at least, is only likely to have one spot left alongside Walsh and Stanway.

Clinton does not look out of place in that midfield but Toone is seen as more of a game-changer. She was United’s Player of the Season and even when she is not in such a rich vein of form has a reputation for pulling the spectacular out of the hat.

Mead or James?

That is largely dependent on James’ fitness. The 23-year-old was restricted to just six starts for Chelsea in the WSL this season and it could be touch and go whether she will be ready for the Euros at all.

Which fringe players to take

Wiegman has to get the group down to 23 and will have the likes of Maya Le Tissier, Nikita Parris, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laura Blindkilde Brown, and Missy Bo Kearns vying for the final spots.

It would be a surprise to see Parris on the plane when the more obvious option feels like Agyemang after a sensational goal on debut in Belgium. Bo Kearns’ chances are boosted by Kirby’s retirement – and it was telling that she was suddenly thrown in at the deep end against Spain.

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