How will Wiegman manage England’s three key absences at this Euros?

As the Lionesses head to Switzerland, they juggle unexpected changes and growing expectations that did not loom over their heads in 2022.

The victory over Germany at Wembley stadium, which saw the Lionesses win their first ever major international trophy, put them in the limelight, under scrutiny, and eternalised them all at once.

Three years later, the Lionesses are reigning European Champions, and World Cup runners-up. Their names feature on the backs of shirts and in everyday households; their crowd sizes are rising up and down the country, and the support is record-breaking. The players are a part of all-timer debates, and Ballon d’Or conversations. The stakes are high, and the competition is higher.

Three years is a long time in football. New names have emerged from a growing pool of talent and some big names are preparing to play their last international competition for England.

With Fran Kirby and Mary Earps recently announcing their international retirements, and Millie Bright missing through injury – fans will be wondering how Wiegman will navigate the absences of three players who all featured in the 2022 Euro win.

With captain, Leah Williamson, looking to lead the backline, she’ll need a capable centre back partner to stick in the starting line-up every game. The player Wiegman will choose, must be dependable, strong and willing to stay back - to allow Williamson some free range in the midfield areas. It will be debated, and whoever Wiegman decides to pair with the captain will be scrutinised, but there is only one answer.

Alex Greenwood.

A raw combination of experience and trustworthiness is exactly what is needed. There are talented, younger names in the England camp – but none of them have international experience that is needed against some of the most dangerous attackers in the world. The 31-year-old boasts an impressive resumé that cannot be matched. Greenwood has played in five international competitions for England since making her debut at the 2015 World Cup - in which she was the youngest member of the squad. Only two caps away from being a centurion, the legendary centre-back deserves another trophy in her impressive cabinet.

With Greenwood gaining precious minutes in recent Nations League games against Portugal and Spain, fans can assume that this preference will translate into European selection. Being left-footed also gives her leverage against other players vying for the vacant spot – as she can seamlessly slot into the role next to Williamson.

Wiegman had another issue in the lead-up to the long-awaited Euros – who will be England’s number one in between the sticks?

Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton played both Euro qualifications against Sweden and Ireland in July 2024, implementing the steps to becoming England’s new number one. She’s started all five of England’s last games and now – with Mary Earps announcing international retirement – Hampton has big boots to fill.

Earps, lovingly nicknamed ‘Mary Queen of Stops’ by the nation – shocked fans when she announced that she wouldn’t be featuring at the Euros this summer. She presented a level of respect and quality – combined with iconic moments – that won’t be topped for a long time.

Hampton must show the same kind of authoritative nature that Earps displayed in an England shirt. Opposition will smell uncertainty and inexperience – and Hampton must not grant them the pleasure of sniffing her out.

England's attacking options look very different this time around. Fran Kirbys retirement left fans wondering whether an integral piece of Englands 2022 Euro win could be replaced. It's time to look to the future. Four England attackers, and two midfielders are set to make their Euro debuts - and all six are hungry to make a name for themselves, and continue a winning legacy.

Kirby started the 2022 final in the number ten position. This year, the role will look totally different, but the drive is ever-present. A player who looks keen to replace the role is Manchester Citys, Jess Park. Both past and present front a short but powerful stature. They can manoeuvre past their opposition seamlessly, and are not shy of a strike. As the baton is passed, England will be praying that Park can do the position the justice it deserves, and put in a performance predecessor would be proud of.

The young are hungry. The experienced are poised. Here they come.

Our Lionesses.