Sarina Wiegman has lots of time to give opportunities to future stars before next year's European title defence – so who might get a chance?
A new cycle begins for the Lionesses on Friday as they kick-off their qualifying campaign for the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro. After failing to secure Great Britain’s place at this summer’s Olympic women’s football tournament, the focus has already shifted to next year and the road to defending their European title.
Given that Olympic dream died in December, Sarina Wiegman has been granted over 18 months of run-up to the Lionesses’ next big event and it is always interesting when that is the case, because it means there is more chance of players breaking through and changes being made to the team that has completed the previous cycle.
With Wiegman having also signed a new contract that runs until the end of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the future will be in the back of her mind even more so as she looks to bring in some young talent that can lead this team forward in the coming years.
So, who could take real steps forward in their England career in this cycle? With some for the immediate future and others to keep an eye on further down the line, GOAL picks out nine names that fans of the Lionesses may start to see more of in the build-up to Euro 2025…
GettyGrace Clinton
All signs point to Grace Clinton being the next player to really break through in Wiegman’s England XI. The 20-year-old started both of the Lionesses’ friendlies in February and, despite those being her first two appearances for the senior national team, she did incredibly well. As we move towards competitive fixtures, Clinton looks well-poised to capitalise on the fact that no one has really nailed down that third midfield spot, in front of Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway.
She showed in February that she can also play as a No.8, while she’s played on the left for Tottenham, on loan from Manchester United, too. It’s unlikely that Stanway relinquishes her place in the No.8 role anytime soon and the wide areas are incredibly competitive, but such versatility is sure to help Clinton secure a regular place in Wiegman’s plans.
AdvertisementGettyJess Park
Right there in the competition for that No.10 role is Jess Park, who has been thriving for Manchester City in 2024. Like Clinton, she can play a variety of roles, which makes her an increasingly valuable member of the Lionesses’ squad, but breaking into the starting XI will be her next task, and it is in that attacking midfield position that her chances feel highest.
“She's doing well. She's enjoying her game. I think she plays with a lot of joy and with a lot of freedom,” Wiegman said of Park ahead of Friday's qualifier against Sweden. “She has had a lot of patience. Over the last year, she made some choices, she went to Everton, got the minutes, came back and then needed to be a little more patient too, but was ready to start when, unfortunately, Jill Roord got injured. I think she's doing a good job, as we see many players in that position who are doing a good job. The competition for that position is really high, which is good for the team.”
Getty ImagesHannah Hampton
Another position that has plenty of competition and is slowly coming under the microscope more and more, is in between the sticks. Mary Earps has kept hold of the No.1 shirt rather comfortably throughout Wiegman’s tenure and has justified it with her performances on the biggest stage. However, the form of those behind her in the pecking order is starting to open more debate over who should be England’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Arguably no English shot-stopper is in better form right now than Hannah Hampton. After joining Chelsea from Aston Villa in the summer, she has had to bide her time, but opportunities are coming thick and fast now and she is thriving in them. Combined with a lack of game time for Ellie Roebuck at Man City, Hampton’s form has helped her to move up the pecking order to be Earps’ back-up for England, but she will have ambitions to climb to the top.
Can she do it? It will be a tough ask, but she’s doing all the right things to give herself a chance of becoming the Lionesses’ No.1, whether in the near or long-term future.
GettyKhiara Keating
Khiara Keating is right behind Hampton, too. The 19-year-old has less experience than her international team-mate, Hampton having been part of England’s Euro-winning squad and the group that reached last year’s World Cup final, while this is the teenager's first season as Man City’s No.1, too.
However, you can’t argue with Keating’s talent. Yes, she’s made some mistakes this campaign, but she will iron those out over time and only get better from the regular game time she is getting at such a young age.
England have had some very competitive goalkeeper groups over the last few years and that looks set to continue, especially with it looking likely that Roebuck will move to Barcelona this summer in a bid to throw her hat back in the ring with the Lionesses.
