'I'm very happy here' - England boss Sarina Wiegman delighted with backing of FA ahead of Euro 2025 and promises Lionesses will 'do everything' to retain crown

The build-up to Euro 2025 has not been without challenges. A series of high-profile changes in the squad led to questions surrounding the team’s direction. Notably, goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby announced their retirements from international football. Additionally, defender Millie Bright opted out of the competition, citing the need to focus on her mental wellbeing.

Amid the turmoil, FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that the plan is for Wiegman to remain in charge through to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, offering much-needed clarity amid a period of transition for the national team. Upon receiving the full endorsement of the FA, Wiegman is relieved as she focuses completely on the upcoming continental tournament in Switzerland.

Speaking on the eve of England’s final warm-up match before the tournament, Wiegman said: "We have had conversations. I extended my contract until 2027 after the World Cup. We are going into a new tournament now. I feel very happy here. I am excited to go into a new tournament. Not looking too much ahead. I have always felt so much support from Mark and the board, and still feel that way. It's really nice that he confirms that."

England's title defence will be anything but straightforward. Placed in a challenging group, the Lionesses will take on the Netherlands, France, and Wales in the opening round of Euro 2025. Wiegman is fully aware of the level of competition her side will face but remains confident in her team’s ability to perform under pressure.

"We are just really excited to go into the tournament," she said. "We feel that we can do really well. And we are aware that our group is really, really tough. We have incredible teams in it. We are going to do everything to get out of the group stage and win the tournament again."

Before the competitive fixtures begin, England will wrap up their preparations with a friendly against Jamaica on Sunday. The match will serve as the final opportunity for Wiegman to assess her squad’s readiness and fine-tune tactics ahead of the group stage showdown. The tournament officially kicks off on July 2, with England playing their first group stage match against France three days later at Stadion Letzigrund.