England's Lionesses have been handed a daunting task in their quest to qualify for the 2025 Women's European Championship. The draw has placed them in Group A3 alongside football powerhouses France and Sweden, as well as the Republic of Ireland.
A Tough Road Ahead
Manager Sarina Wiegman acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating: "It's a tough group, no doubt. France and Sweden are among the best teams in the world, and Ireland have shown they can compete at this level." However, the Dutch coach remained optimistic about England's chances.
Recent Success Breeds Confidence
The Lionesses enter the qualifiers as reigning European champions, having won the tournament on home soil in 2022. This success, combined with their runner-up finish in the 2023 World Cup, has raised expectations for the team.
Key Fixtures to Watch
- England vs France - A clash of European heavyweights
- Sweden vs England - A rematch of the 2022 Euro semi-final
- Republic of Ireland vs England - A potentially tricky away fixture
The qualifying campaign begins in April 2024, with the top two teams from each group automatically progressing to the finals in Switzerland.
Wiegman's Selection Headaches
With several key players returning from injury and emerging young talents pushing for places, Wiegman faces some difficult selection decisions. The manager emphasized: "We have depth in this squad, and that competition for places can only make us stronger."
