The football world received a massive boost this week as England manager Sarina Wiegman named her 23-player squad for the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers. The headline news is the long-awaited return of captain Leah Williamson, marking a significant moment for the Lionesses as they begin their title defense.
After a heartbreaking spell on the sidelines, Williamson’s inclusion is a testament to her resilience. For fans following the latest on Baji999, her comeback story is one of the most compelling narratives in women’s football today. Her leadership and composure at the back were instrumental in England’s Euro 2022 triumph, and her return couldn’t be timelier.
Analyzing Sarina Wiegman’s Defensive Selections
The return of the Arsenal defender is the major talking point. Williamson was forced to withdraw from the previous squad with a hamstring issue, but after a solid recovery and a return to action for her club, she is finally back in the fold. Her last appearance for England was on April 11, 2023, making this a highly anticipated return.
Wiegman expressed her delight, stating, “I’m very happy. I’m looking forward to working with her again. She recovered really well and it didn’t take too long and now she’s getting into a rhythm. She needs the minutes now, and this is a perfect opportunity.”
While Williamson returns, there is a notable absence in defense. Millie Bright, the Chelsea centre-back who captained the side at the World Cup, remains out injured. Wiegman provided an update, noting, “We’re a little disappointed. We hoped it would be quicker but she’s taking her time to avoid setbacks. She needs to do more work in the gym to get stronger.” Emma Hayes has indicated Bright should return after the international break.
Manchester United’s Millie Turner, who replaced Williamson last month, retains her place, demonstrating Wiegman’s faith in her abilities.
Midfield and Attack: Blend of Experience and Youthful Exuberance
The midfield sees the welcome return of Chelsea’s Fran Kirby, who missed the February fixtures with a knee injury. Her creativity and goal threat add a different dimension to England’s attacking play. She is joined by the exciting Tottenham loanee Grace Clinton, who retains her spot after a dream debut last month where she found the net against Austria.
Grace Clinton’s impressive form for Tottenham and her goalscoring debut have earned her another call-up to the national team.
The forward line remains a powerhouse of talent. With the likes of Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, and Alessia Russo all selected, Wiegman has an embarrassment of riches in attack. This firepower will be crucial against tough opponents like Sweden and France.
The Road to Switzerland: A Tough Qualifying Group
The challenge ahead is formidable. England has been drawn in a demanding League A group alongside Sweden, France, and the Republic of Ireland. The quest for automatic qualification begins at the home of their greatest triumph—Wembley Stadium—against Sweden on April 5th. The team then travels to face the Republic of Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on April 9th.
The format is straightforward yet brutal: the top two teams from the group will book their direct ticket to the finals in Switzerland. The teams finishing third and fourth will face the nervy uncertainty of the play-offs. Every match, every point, will be critical.
Baji999 Expert Opinion and What This Means
From a tactical perspective, Williamson‘s reintegration will be key. Her ability to play out from the back and organize the defensive line provides a sense of stability that has been missed. Her partnership with Alex Greenwood could be the bedrock of England’s campaign.
The blend of experienced winners like Williamson, Kirby, and Walsh with the exciting new energy of Clinton and Park makes this one of the most balanced squads Wiegman has had at her disposal. The depth in every position allows for tactical flexibility, whether it’s controlling possession against deep-lying defenses or hitting on the counter against aggressive sides.
Baji999 will be providing in-depth coverage of every step of this qualifying journey, offering expert analysis that goes beyond the scoreline.
England Women’s Squad for April Euro 2025 Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City).
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Tottenham, on loan from Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).
Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
Leah Williamson’s England Return Headlines Crucial Euro 2025 Qualifiers Squad
The return of Leah Williamson is more than just a player coming back from injury; it’s the return of a leader and a symbol of England’s triumphant past as they look to forge their future. This squad has the perfect mix of experience, youth, and world-class talent to navigate a difficult qualifying group. The journey back to the top of European football starts now at Wembley.
What are your predictions for the Sweden match? Who are you most excited to see play? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below, and don’t forget to share this analysis with fellow fans!
