Lionesses: What shape are defending champions England in for Euro 2025?

Wiegman’s first year in charge could not have gone any better with England wrapping up the Euro 2022 title.

A first Finalissima trophy followed, before her side navigated injuries to reach the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.

Expectations were high and pressure increased last year as a result but England’s form left much to be desired.

Having failed to qualify for the Olympic Games, the Lionesses stumbled through Euro 2025 qualification with unconvincing performances against Sweden and France.

A period of experimentation followed as Wiegman switched formations and rotated her players, which meant results were patchy.

Midfielder Georgia Stanway admitted they had “things to work on” following their defeat by Germany in October, but they were not panicking.

“As a whole, I don’t think we need to be disappointed too much,” she said. “We have a long process to be right for the Euros.

“This is a step in the direction – whether it’s a good one or a bad one. It’s a way that we can learn.”

The Lionesses ended the year with seven wins in 12 matches, but there were improvements in their goalless draw with Olympic champions, the United States.

Wiegman and her players are under pressure to deliver this year, having ended 2024 with more questions than answers.