The 2025 Women’s Euros will take place in Switzerland this July, but defending champions England will arrive without three of the most crucial players from their triumph at Wembley three years ago.
Just weeks before the tournament, head coach Sarina Wiegman was forced to rip up her plans and rethink the shape of her 23-woman squad. It sparked drama from Europe and caused a seismic shift in the Women’s Euros odds.
Whether through personal choice or painful omissions, these three Lionesses will not be donning the England shirt this summer—and each absence is sending shockwaves across the tournament landscape.
Mary Earps
The first major domino to fall was the announcement from Mary Earps that she would no longer be available for international selection.
The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper—twice named Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper—was a towering presence during England’s iconic Euro 2022 win and their run to the World Cup final a year later.
However, with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton emerging as Wiegman’s new No.1 choice, Earps faced the prospect of playing a backup role in Switzerland.
Despite her inclusion in England’s Nations League squad earlier this year, Earps shocked fans and teammates alike by announcing her international retirement.
Her decision created an emotional ripple effect throughout the squad—and marked the beginning of a dramatic overhaul just before the Euros.
Fran Kirby
Things went from bad to worse just days later, when Fran Kirby also announced her retirement from international football—adding yet more turbulence to England’s preparations.
The Brighton & Hove Albion forward, who netted twice during Euro 2022, had featured in the 6-0 Nations League win over Portugal and appeared to be in the frame for selection.
But Kirby was left out of the matchday squad for the following game against Spain, and shortly after confirmed her decision to step away from the international stage.
The 31-year-old was reportedly informed by Wiegman that she would not make the final 23, which ultimately led to her calling time on a glittering England career.
Millie Bright
If Earps and Kirby created a stir, the news about Millie Bright delivered the biggest gut punch of all. The Chelsea defender was a rock at the back during England’s Euro 2022 campaign, starting every match, and went on to captain her country at the 2023 World Cup.
Initially included in the Nations League squad, Bright stepped away from those fixtures to focus on an extended period of physical and mental recovery—fuelling optimism she might return in time for the summer.
But hopes were dashed when Bright confirmed she would not be fit enough to take part. In a heartfelt message, she said she couldn’t give her all to the cause and had to put her physical and mental well-being first.
Her absence leaves a leadership void and a major gap in defence—arguably the hardest to fill of the three withdrawals.
Not only is Wiegman facing a huge challenge to reshape her side just weeks before the tournament kicks off, but she is also now facing critics and serious questions regarding her own future as England coach—with the turmoil that’s unfolded potentially even damaging her legacy.
