LAURA WOODS’ LIONESSES XI FOR EURO 2025
GOALKEEPER: HANNAH HAMPTON
Hannah is Sarina Wiegman’s number one due to her brilliant season for Chelsea, which appears to have led to Mary Earps withdrawing.
There’s really no other choice now, with the other two keepers having zero international experience. It’s a lot of pressure for Hannah, but she is more than ready – let’s just pray she doesn’t get injured or suspended.
RIGHT-BACK: LUCY BRONZE
Veteran full-back Bronze brings bags of experience to the side. With numerous international tournaments under her belt, plus 133 international caps, her know-how will be crucial for the side. She is brilliant going forward, solid in defence and is one of the key players for Sarina.
CENTRE-BACK: LEAH WILLIAMSON
Williamson is the captain and the rock in the centre of defence. The Arsenal defender brings tournament experience as well as ability on the ball and will be vital for England, especially with fellow mainstay Millie Bright pulling out of the squad for personal reasons and burnout.
CENTRE-BACK: ALEX GREENWOOD
With Bright unavailable, Greenwood is my choice to play alongside Williamson. The Manchester City captain has 98 caps for England and is the obvious partner for Williamson as they look to replicate their heroics of the last European Championships.
LEFT-BACK: JESS CARTER
Carter just edges out Niamh Charles for me for the left-back starting berth. She started all but one of England’s games as they made the final of the 2023 World Cup and has made herself an integral part of the team. She had a fantastic game against Portugal recently, too, with the Lionesses winning 6-0 in the Nations League.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD: KIERA WALSH
Walsh played every game at the last Euros and most recent World Cup and her presence in the midfield has a huge impact. Her impressive passing range and ability to control matches continue to be super important to England. The midfield anchor.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: GEORGIA STANWAY
Back from injury, Stanway starts for me in the middle of the park. She’s popped up with vital goals for England in major tournaments and having her fit again will be a big boost for Sabrina. She comes into the engine room.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: ELLA TOONE
A big-game player, she was the first England player to score in a quarter-final, semi-final and final of a major tournament. Toone pulls magic out of the bag when it is most needed and has had some of her best games in an England shirt when the pressure is on. Her Manchester United team-mate Grace Clinton isn’t too far behind her, though, and could be an excellent replacement if needed.
RIGHT WING: LAUREN JAMES
If she is fit, she starts. She is our game-changer, and other teams are scared of her. She is so talented, but the only concern I have is over her match fitness. If she’s not ready, then Beth Mead is an excellent and reliable replacement – she’s been there and done it.
STRIKER: ALESSIA RUSSO
Russo has really matured in an England shirt and is 100% going to be Sarina’s number nine for the tournament. Her 22 England goals prove she knows where the net is and she has done it on the big tournament stage too. Goals in Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup helped England to success, and she will be a big threat for the Lionesses here.
LEFT WING: LAUREN HEMP
Having struggled with injury over the past season, England fans will have been pleased to see her look back to her best in the win over Portugal. Having her fit again is massive, and she is my left-wing pick as England look to defend their crown in Switzerland.