Three key England Lionesses missing from Sarina Wiegman team at Euro 2025

England women will aim to make it back-to-back European Championship titles when they open their 2025 campaign against France in Switzerland this evening (Saturday). Sarina Wiegman's side won their first-ever major trophy on home soil three years ago, beating Germany in the final at a packed-out Wembley.

The Lionesses weren't able to make it a delightful double at the World Cup the following year, with Spain defeating England in the final. In the two years since that 2023 showpiece, it hasn't been smooth sailing for Wiegman, who has come under fire for her tactics on the pitch and was dealt the blow of losing three big-name players ahead of this summer's tournament.

Chief amongst them being goalkeeper Mary Earps, who saved a penalty in the World Cup final against Spain and was between the sticks for England when they beat Germany in 2023. Earps pulling out of the squad took most, including Wiegman, by surprise, and it came after the goalkeeper was told she wouldn't be England's No.1 for the tournament. Hannah Hampton was picked as Earps' replacement between the sticks, with the Chelsea ace having just come off the back of a domestic treble-winning season with Chelsea.

Millie Bright, who, like Earps, started every England game at Euro 2022, also sparked surprise when she pulled out of contention. Bright captained the Lionesses at the 2023 World Cup after Leah Williamson was ruled out with injury, but revealed in a podcast with ex-England team-mate Rachel Daly that she was "at her limits".

Fran Kirby's absence didn't come with the same level of shock, given she announced her retirement herself. Kirby was informed that she wasn't part of Wiegman's plans and opted to hang up her international boots ahead of the squad announcement.

Speaking to ESPN, she explained: "When I had the conversation with Sarina and she laid her plans out for the Euros and she told me I wasn't going unless someone got injured, I knew it was the moment where I'd outstayed my welcome. I don't want to take the opportunity away from someone who can learn [and which can] then set them up for the future."

Following England's opening match against France this weekend, Wiegman and co. take on the Netherlands in their second of three tough group matches. The 'Group of Death' for England concludes with a match against fellow home nation Wales.