England star Lauren James says this summer’s Women’s Euro 2025 campaign will feel like the start of a ‘new era’ rather than a title defence.
James recovered from a hamstring injury in time to be included in the England squad for the tournament which starts next week.
The Lionesses go into the tournament as defending champions, after beating Germany in the final of Euro 2022.
England are again one of the favourites to lift the trophy this summer. However, there is many changes to the squad that won the competition three years ago.
Lauren James insists Euro 2025 not about defending trophy
Speaking to the Guardian, Chelsea star Lauren James insisted Euro 2025 is not about defending the trophy they won in 2022.
She said: “(It’s) a fresh start, a bit like a new era. Hungry girls wanting to do well.
“It’s not really about defending a title because it’s a completely different team. This team’s got a lot of youth in it and this will be some people’s first big tournament.”
When asked if England can win the trophy, she added: “I hope so. We’ll just take it game by game and hopefully have momentum and the belief of the fans and everyone in the country behind us.”
England are in a tough Group D alongside France, the Netherlands and Wales. The Euro 2025 fixture schedule sees England start their campaign on July 5th against France.
The Euro 2025 outright odds list place Spain as tournament favourites at odds of 2/1.
What has changed for England since Euro 2022?
The England squad for Women’s Euro 2025 features 13 players who were part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2022.
Sarina Wiegman’s plans were changed after Mary Earps and Fran Kirby retired from international football just before her squad announcement. Millie Bright also withdrew herself from the squad due to mental and physical fatigue.
Jill Scott and Ellen White retired from football after Euro 2022, while Rachel Daly retired from international football in 2024.
Other players who made the 2022 squad but not the 2025 team include; Ellie Roebuck, Beth England, Demi Stokes, and Nikkita Paris.
Lauren James, Esme Morgan, and Niamh Charles will play at their first Euros this summer, after previously being included in the England squad at the 2023 World Cup.
Seven players have been called up to their first senior tournament for the Lionesses at Euro 2025.
That list includes; Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, Khiara Keating, Maya Le Tissier, Anna Moorhouse, and Jess Park.
What are England’s chances of winning Euro 2025?
England have a strong chance of winning Euro 2025, even if it is the start of a ‘new era’ as Lauren James told the Guardian.
The best UK football betting sites have the Lionesses as second-favourites to lift the trophy in Switzerland next month.
England are at odds of 3/1 to lift the trophy on July 27th, ahead of the likes of France and Germany.
