'Ready to defend our title' - Sarina Wiegman declares England are 'prepared' for Euro 2025 ahead of massive opener against France

Wiegman has already carved out a storied chapter in English football history. She guided England to their first major international title at Euro 2022 and then to the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on global glory. Her achievements earned her a contract extension with the English FA, keeping her in charge until at least 2027, a signal of the trust placed in her by the national federation.

As the Lionesses wrapped up their final training session ahead of Saturday’s clash, Wiegman expressed her satisfaction with how things have come together in the lead-up to the tournament.

"The team looks really good, I think we are ready, we had our last session this morning and everyone came through well," she told reporters. "I think we had some good weeks where we trained, we could do some tactics and I think we are very well prepared. We are ready to defend our title. You see the bonding. We have worked really, really hard and I definitely think we are ready to go tomorrow."

Since taking the reins in 2021, Wiegman has grown fond not just of her players, but of England itself. She has embraced the country’s culture and its passionate footballing identity.

“I really like the culture [in England]. It’s such a massive sports culture in England," she said. "And in the Netherlands, it’s also a sport culture, but here, at every corner, the whole day on TV, for example, there’s sports, either football or rugby or cricket. And if that’s not there, then there’s something else, but there’s always sports and football is so in society.”

While Wiegman remains focused on the current campaign, she admitted she isn’t looking too far beyond her current contract, despite the speculation that she could one day return to club football or lead another national side.

“I’m now really focusing on this tournament,” she replied. “I don’t want to look any further [than her contract length]. You never know what happens in life. Things can change quickly and in your personal life, too. So I just feel that I just love to work with this team. I love to work in England with the FA and I hope that stays for a little bit longer.”

England’s Euro 2025 opener against France adds an intriguing subplot to the group stage, given the two sides' recent meetings in the qualifying rounds. Last summer, the two nations exchanged narrow 2-1 victories, with France winning in Newcastle, followed by an English triumph in Saint-Etienne four days later. The challenge doesn't end with France. England’s group also features the Netherlands and Wales, two nations capable of pulling off major upsets.