England coach Sarina Wiegman has explained her bold squad decisions ahead of Euro 2025, defending her approach despite recent withdrawals from Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Chelsea’s Millie Bright. Chelsea’s Lauren James and Arsenal’s Michelle Agyemang were selected in a move that highlights Wiegman’s faith in their resilience. Speaking on James’s inclusion, who hasn’t played since April with a hamstring issue, Wiegman was emphatic: “It’s not a risk”, adding that James is expected to be fit for the July 5th opener against France.
00:00Lioness' coach Serena Weigmann has explained her bold squad decisions ahead of Euro 2025,
00:08defending her approach despite recent withdrawals from Mary Earp's Fran Kirby and Chelsea's Millie Bright.
00:15Chelsea's Lauren James and Arsenal's Michelle Agumon were selected in a move that highlights Weigmann's faith in their resilience.
00:23Speaking on James' inclusion, who hasn't played since April with a hamstring issue,
00:28Weigmann was emphatic.
00:30It's not a risk, adding that James is expected to be fit for the July 5th opener against France.
00:36Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has also praised James as a maverick that both club and England coaches manage carefully.
00:4519-year-old Arsenal loanee Agumon continues her meteoric rise.
00:49Weigmann described her as someone who brings something different after her stunning debut volley against Belgium.
00:56Her dynamic presence ensures England have a raw and exciting wildcard option.
01:03Defensive depth remains strong with Arsenal's Leah Williamson as captain alongside Maya Letizia.
01:10Chelsea's Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter round the back line.
01:16Midfield holds a London flavour too with Keira Walsh of Chelsea joining Arsenal's aligned Georgia Stanway and others.
01:24Weigmann emphasises her direct communication style and refused to shoulder responsibility for players' personal decisions.
01:33I can't always control how people respond. I don't go around the bush, she said.
01:38She rejects any notion of crisis despite the exodus of their household names.
01:42And I hope there's competition going on in the team and I think that we're going with this 23 to the Euros now and I feel very comfortable with this team.
01:52I'm very happy with the team and I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to it.
01:57And for me, it doesn't feel as a crisis at all.
02:01With the squad set and the tournament's just a month away, Weigmann believes her blend of London talent and emerging stars gives England a strong foundation to defend their European crown.
02:12I'm very excited and that's what they're just sitting at that moment.
