Sarina Wiegman insists England women’s squad stays strong despite retirements and setbacks ahead of Euro 2025 in Switzerland

Sarina Wiegman insists England women’s squad stays strong despite retirements and setbacks ahead of Euro 2025 in Switzerland

It’s been a whirlwind week for England’s women’s team—and not in the best way.

With retirements, withdrawals, and a loss to Spain fresh in everyone’s minds, it’s easy to assume alarm bells might be ringing.

But according to Sarina Wiegman, there’s no panic in the Lionesses’ camp—just change, and a team ready to face it.


Big Names Out, But Wiegman Stays Focused on the Mission

Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad heading to Switzerland for this summer’s Euro 2025 tournament, where England will try to defend the title they won so memorably three years ago.

But it’s fair to say the mood around the camp at St George’s Park isn’t quite the same as it was in those euphoric post-victory days.

In the past week alone, England lost to Spain 2-1 and saw three major players exit the squad—goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby have both retired unexpectedly, and defender Millie Bright has pulled out.

All three have been vital figures in Wiegman’s four-year reign.


Wiegman Says It Loud and Clear: “This Isn’t a Crisis”

Despite the tough headlines and emotional exits, Wiegman is standing firm.

She doesn’t see this as a team unraveling but evolving.

“That is not the case,” she said when asked about any crisis talk.

“We know what’s happening in the team. I feel very comfortable. I’m happy with the team.

I’m excited. For me, it doesn’t feel like a crisis at all.”

It’s a bold stance, but she’s sticking to it. And really, the only way to quiet critics is to deliver results on the pitch—starting with a pre-Euro friendly against Jamaica on June 29, and then jumping straight into a tough group stage featuring France, The Netherlands, and Wales.


The Shadow of Mary Earps and the No-Call Controversy

Of the three recent exits, Mary Earps’ decision raised the most eyebrows.

Not just because of her stature in the game, but because her retirement came with no heads-up to the manager—and no conversation since.

Wiegman didn’t dodge the question, even if her response was brief: “There were no calls—that’s done now.”

UEFA rules would allow Earps to be brought back if a goalkeeper got injured during the tournament, but Wiegman made it clear that door is closed.

Some suspect Earps walked away out of frustration, having reportedly been told she was no longer the first-choice keeper—Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton now holds that spot.


Kirby and Bright Leave Quietly, but Their Absence Still Looms Large

While Earps’ exit sparked the most speculation, Kirby and Bright’s departures are still deeply felt.

Wiegman was honest about how much all three had contributed to the Lionesses’ journey, saying she’ll “always cherish” the memories they created together.

Still, she’s urging everyone—including the media—to look ahead, not back.

“Can we talk about the players that are here?” she asked at one point, clearly eager to shift the spotlight to the squad that is going to Switzerland.


Moving On, Even If It Hurts

Wiegman understands that fans are emotional and that the sudden loss of big names naturally leads to panic.

But for her, this is part of the natural rhythm of international football.

“You have to look at every individual situation,” she said.

“Some will say, ‘I’ve had an incredible time, but it’s time to move on.’

That’s what we hope—that there’s a natural transition in the group. The players have to make that call for themselves.”


Eyes on the Future as the Lionesses Reset

Sarina Wiegman has always been steady under pressure, and this moment is no different.

Yes, the past week has been tough. But the mission stays the same: defend the Euro title.

And with a new group ready to step up, she’s putting her trust in the present—not dwelling on who’s no longer in the squad.

Whether this reshuffled England side can hold onto their crown remains to be seen.

But one thing’s certain—Wiegman isn’t letting the narrative spiral out of her control.