Winning is addictive. Just ask Sarina Wiegman. After the Lionesses ground out that gritty penalty shootout win over Spain in Basel last summer to retain their European crown, you’d think they might take a breath. Nope. Not this group.
Honestly, if you haven’t been paying attention to the england womens soccer team lately, you’ve missed a total transformation. People still talk about the 2022 Euros at Wembley like it was the peak, but 2025 was arguably more impressive. They went into Switzerland as the hunted, not the hunters. They didn’t have Mary Earps (retired) or the legendary Fran Kirby. And yet, they did it again.
It’s easy to look at the trophy cabinet and think it’s all been smooth sailing. It hasn't. The road to the 2027 World Cup starts now, and the vibe in the camp is... well, it’s intense.
The Euro 2025 Hangover That Never Happened
Most teams slump after a big win. England didn't. They basically spent the end of 2025 dismantling teams like China (8-0) and grinding out wins against Ghana.
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Why does this keep happening?
It’s the "Wiegman Effect." Since she took over in September 2021, the Dutch coach has reached the final of every single major tournament she’s entered with England. Think about that for a second. That is a statistically absurd level of consistency. She was recently awarded an honorary DBE in the 2026 New Year Honours list, and frankly, it's well-earned.
But there’s a misconception that she just picks the same eleven stars and lets them play. That couldn't be further from the truth. The squad that won in 2025 had seven players who had never even been to a major tournament before. She’s constantly ruthlessly evolving the roster.
The New Guard: Michelle Agyemang and the Youth Explosion
If you want to know why the england womens soccer team is still dominant, look at Michelle Agyemang. The Arsenal forward was the breakout star of the Swiss Euros. At just 19, she was coming off the bench and scoring crucial goals, like the one against Italy in the semi-final.
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Then you have Aggie Beever-Jones. She just picked up the top goalscorer award for the national team in 2025. These aren't just "prospects" anymore; they are the engine room.
- Hannah Hampton has officially taken the No. 1 shirt. Stepping into Mary Earps’ shoes is a nightmare task, but she’s been special, especially with her feet.
- Grace Clinton and Jess Park are now the creative hub in midfield when Ella Toone needs a rest.
- Maya Le Tissier has finally cemented her place in a defense that has seen veterans like Millie Bright retire from the international stage.
What People Get Wrong About the Style of Play
There's this idea that England just bullies teams with physicality. Maybe five years ago. Now? It’s all about Keira Walsh.
If Walsh is marked out of a game, England struggles. We saw it in the early stages of the last Euros. But Wiegman adjusted, pushing Georgia Stanway higher and letting Alex Greenwood—who is arguably the best ball-playing center-back in the world—start the attacks from deep.
It’s a chess match.
The 1-1 draw in the final against Spain was a tactical masterclass in suffering. Spain had the ball, but England had the discipline. When it went to penalties, the ghosts of the 2023 World Cup final defeat were everywhere. But Chloe Kelly—who else?—smashed home the winner. She’s becoming the ultimate "big game" player for this country.
The Injury Crisis Nobody Talks About
While the results look great, the medical room at St. George’s Park has been a revolving door. Lucy Bronze, the absolute warrior of the team, played the entire 2025 tournament with a fractured tibia. That’s not a typo. She literally refused to come off the pitch.
Heading into early 2026, the injury list is still a bit of a headache:
- Lauren James has been nursing various knocks, limiting her "magic" minutes.
- Michelle Agyemang suffered a setback in late 2025 that the staff are being very careful with.
- Lotte Wubben-Moy and Hannah Hampton have both had minor scares recently.
The Road to 2027: What’s Next for the England Womens Soccer Team?
The honeymoon is over. The qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup are the priority now.
In March 2026, the Lionesses face a double-header against Ukraine and Iceland. Then, the big one. On April 14, 2026, Spain comes to Wembley. It’s a rematch of the Euro 2025 final and the 2023 World Cup final. Tickets for that are already like gold dust.
People ask if this team can finally win the World Cup. They’ve won the Euros (twice now), the Arnold Clark Cup, and the Finalissima. The big gold trophy is the only thing missing from the cabinet.
To get there, Wiegman has to figure out the post-Millie Bright era. Leah Williamson is the captain and the heart, but she needs a consistent partner. Whether that’s Jess Carter or a rising star like Katie Reid remains to be seen.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Midfield Rotation: Keep an eye on how Grace Clinton is used. If she starts playing deeper alongside Walsh, it signals a shift toward a more possession-heavy 4-3-3.
- Monitor the Full-Backs: With Lucy Bronze nearing the end of her international career, Niamh Charles and Anouk Denton are the ones to watch. Their ability to overlap is key to Lauren Hemp’s success on the wing.
- Follow the Qualifiers: Don't ignore the Iceland game in March. These are the matches where Wiegman usually bloods the next generation of talent.
The england womens soccer team isn't just a group of athletes anymore; they are a cultural juggernaut. But as any pro will tell you, the hardest part isn't getting to the top—it's staying there when everyone is trying to pull you down. March 2026 will tell us a lot about whether they have the hunger to do it all over again.
Start tracking the performance of the U-23 players who are being integrated into the senior camps this month. The depth of the squad during the April fixture against Spain will be the clearest indicator yet of their 2027 World Cup readiness.