Sir Keir Starmer visited the England Women squad to wish them luck ahead of this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament.
The 23-player squad has gathered at St James’ Park ahead of next month’s tournament in Switzerland. Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will look to defend the trophy they won at Wembley Stadium three years ago.
During the Prime Minister’s visit to St James’ Park in Burton upon Trent on Thursday, Starmer spoke to the squad and announced plans for equal access to sport in schools.
He watched the squad train alongside Football Association head Mark Bullingham and head coach Wiegman, before addressing the team.
The PM said: “I just wanted to have this opportunity to come and see you, to wish you the very best luck in the Euros – and I say that as Prime Minister, and I say that as a massive football fan.
“It’s a really incredible, inspiring story that you have already told. That win in Euro ‘22 was absolutely amazing.”
He added: “You’re winning, but you’re also bringing a whole new generation of people through to play more sport, play more women’s football, and to get young girls into it.
“These are millions of girls and women that you’ll never meet, whose lives you’re already changing.
“Thank you for changing lives. We’re really proud of what you’ve already achieved and we’re absolutely behind you to go to this competition.”
🗣️“We want every young girl to have the opportunity to play football in school… We as Lionesses are eager to see the speedy introduction of these new proposals.”@lottewubbenmoy gives her reaction to the Prime Minister’s announcement of the new School Sport Partnership ⚽️
— England Football (@EnglandFootball) June 19, 2025
Why did Keir Starmer visit the England squad?
Sir Keir Starmer visited the players of England Women to wish them good luck, but also announced plans for a new approach to school activity.
He outlined plans to give every child across the country access to ‘high-quality PE and sport’ with schools to have a renewed focus on sport, including equal access and two hours per week of physical education.
The government has outlined plans to publish information about every school’s sport and enrichment offer, which will be included in school profiles available for parents to see.
It also aims to build better collaborations between schools, clubs and governing bodies. This will be aimed at breaking down barriers to physical education for children who are less active.
England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy said: “We want every young girl to have the opportunity to play football in school. This isn’t only about laying the foundations for future Lionesses to rise up, but also a chance for the power of football to help create change within the education system and set an example for equality.
“Only 50% of secondary schools currently offer equal access to football for girls and boys. At such a crucial time in a young person’s life we cannot underestimate the positive impact football and sport can have on their physical and mental wellbeing.”
When does England’s Euro 2025 campaign start?
England will begin the defence of their European Championship trophy at Euro 2025 on July 5th, when the Lionesses face France.
The Euro 2025 fixture schedule then sees the Lionesses play the Netherlands and Wales on July 9th and 13th respectively.
