Sarina Wiegman announced her 25-player England squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine next month. 

The latest squad announcement has given fans plenty to be excited about, with three key players returning from injury alongside several emerging talents continuing to impress ahead of a crucial international window.

Head coach, Wiegman has welcomed back some of England’s biggest names, offering a major boost as the Lionesses continue preparations for the next stage of their international campaign.

England is not just white: it is a spectrum of races and identities

With the growth of women's football and even in its early stages, a major positive of the game has been the space that it creates for minority groups, particularly for women and the intersection that has with the LGBTQIA+ community.

There is no doubt that the creation of such spaces and events should be celebrated… However, an issue that lies in the game and extends to the media and events that surround it, is race. It is something that has been witnessed on multiple occasions.

As the women’s game grows, these issues should arguably become more apparent and as a result resolutions are put in place, or at least that should be the case, but it most certainly is not.

The talent goes beyond those starting on the pitch 

Following the Lionesses victory in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, it was clear that every single player was key to their success. Although only eleven are on the pitch at once, all twenty-three play a part in lifting the EURO trophy.

Looking back on 2022, players including Alessia Russo and Ella Toone were used as impact substitutes; they changed the game in the second half. Now, they are regular starters in a squad of European Champions.

Now that the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is over, the Lionesses are trailblazers in women’s football.

Memories of the summer of 2022 are back, as the nation once again witnesses a European trophy lift. Becoming European Champions for the first time impacted the nation, but becoming European Champions for the second time has created an even stronger legacy.

How much have Sarina Wiegman’s England side impacted the future of women’s football? And how did they repeat history once again this summer?

It will be a game of luck, with both teams statistically capable of beating each other. It will be a game of who can score first and who can clear their defensive lines. It will be a game of who takes their chances and who is brave enough. Overall, it will be an interesting game with pure emotions playing a huge factor. 

One year and year months later, there is a repeat of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final. The world-class Spain against England. The Lionesses are in their third consecutive major tournament final under head coach, Sarina Wiegman, despite their recent performances in the last few years. 

Is abuse in the women’s game increasing?

Despite the rising popularity and visibility of women’s football in recent years, the game has unfortunately brought with it a surge in negative and sometimes abusive commentary, both online and offline.

England defender, Lucy Bronze expressed abuse is on the rise after teammate Jess Carter was racially targeted during this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO. There is no room for any kind of hate in sports. But it still occurs. These actions will not be tolerated.

In Sarina We Trust…Or Do We?

The Lionesses kickstarted their UEFA Women’s European Championship as Champions of the last, forcing them to defend their title in this year’s tournament. Sarina Wiegman’s England are looking to continue this winning legacy and go all the way.