As England’s women’s team gears up to defend their European title, they are set to face France in Zurich on July 5. Manager Sarina Wiegman addressed the media at St George’s Park, expressing confidence despite recent challenges within the squad. The team is under increased scrutiny and higher expectations, but Wiegman is optimistic about their preparation and focus.
Sarina Wiegman said: “There is always noise, so we expect noise before we go into a tournament. The difference is in my first tournament, the attention and visibility with the women’s team has increased. It seems more noise, but there are more journalists here, we have to deal with it and move on and focus on football. You’re not in our environment all the time and I can ensure you the training sessions have been good. Having had conversations in camp and seeing what happens on the pitch and off the pitch I am really happy where we are right now. It is important that I am honest and treat people in the right way. Sometimes you have good news and don’t have good news. I don’t beat around the bush with that. I can’t control how they respond, I just hope they have the clarity to move on and then we can move on.”
Chelsea striker Lauren James has been included in the squad, marking her return after a hamstring injury that sidelined her since April. Wiegman is hopeful that James will be fit for the opening match against France. Additionally, 19-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang, who scored just 41 seconds into her England debut in April, is set to make her major tournament debut.
Wiegman said: “It’s not a risk. We have a month. She’s training really well at her club and she’s at the point where we hoped and she keeps progressing. I hope she will be available for the first game. (Agyemang) brings something different, really strong up front and we have different qualities. What she showed was so much physicality and we all remember her first goal against Belgium.”
In a setback, Millie Bright withdrew from the squad, citing her inability to give 100% mentally or physically. Bright, who captained the Lionesses to their first World Cup final in 2023, played a crucial role in their Euro 2022 success. Wiegman expressed her disappointment at Bright’s absence, acknowledging the importance of mental well-being.
Wiegman said: “It is not nice when you don’t feel well mentally and hope she gets better soon. I think what we are all trying to do is perform at the highest level, recover and do it again, that’s what Chelsea are in. There are big games and that’s what the players want. We try to give all the support off the pitch so players are in a good place and unfortunately that’s not the case. She would have been part of the squad.”
As the Lionesses prepare for the upcoming tournament, Wiegman’s focus remains on ensuring the team is ready to meet the challenges head-on. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, England aims to maintain their status as European champions.
