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      England Lionesses announce squad for Euro 2025 after Sarina Wiegman was rocked by THREE withdrawals days before

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      ENGLAND manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad for Euro 2025 as the Lionesses prepare to defend their title.Three years on from their first-ever European Championship triumph, the Lionesses head to Switzerland next month as one of the favourites.Sarina Wiegman has named her squad for Euro 2025Credit: GettyThe Lionesses are looking to defend their European titleCredit: GettyBut they will be missing three key players who contributed to that incredible Wembley success.Millie Bright, who captained the squad at the 2023 World Cup, made herself unavailable for selection earlier this week due to burnout.Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football on Tuesday after learning that she would not be travelling to Switzerland.And goalkeeper Mary Earps hung up her gloves last month in a huge shock to both Wiegman and her team-mates.READ MORE ON THE LIONESSESDespite the absences, England approach the European Championship next month with a strong squad.Leah Williamson will captain the Lionesses for the second time at a major tournament.She will be joined by defenders Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles and Lotte Wubben-Moy.Following the departure of Earps last month, Hannah Hampton will be England’s No1 this summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKhiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse will be on hand in case the Chelsea ace gets injured.Georgia Stanway returned to the England squad last week following a five-month period on the sidelines with a knee injury.England Lionesses star hints at future career change as she shows off talent as a tattoo artist Leah Williamson is set to captain the squad againCredit: GettyShe is among the list of midfielders included, alongside Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Jess Park.And in attack, Wiegman has picked Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly and 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang.Despite being sidelined with a hamstring injury, Lauren James has also earned a call-up for the tournament.Out of the 23-player squad, 13 were part of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022-winning squad at Wembley.Meanwhile, seven players will be appearing at their first major tournament.Sophie Baggaley, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Missy Bo Kearns and Lucy Parker are all on the standby list.Discussing her selection, Wiegman said: “I know this is an exciting day, for the players and also for our fans and it underlines that the tournament is coming soon.”Telling the players they have made the squad is always a great moment. They will all give everything to help us make the country proud.”This group is a very well-balanced mix of players with multiple tournaments on their CVs and also those that will make their tournament debuts. I am excited to see what we are capable of this summer.Read More on The Sun”At the same time, I do feel for those that have just missed out. I can only name 23 but there are more players who have been so important to us on our journey to Switzerland. We would not be here without them.”As we look forward, we still have a month to go until we play the first game. After some important rest, we will all be working really hard to make sure we are ready to go on 5 July.”England squad for Euro 2025 in fullGoalkeepers:Hannah HamptonKhiara KeatingAnna MoorhouseDefenders:Lucy BronzeLotte Wubben-MoyJess CarterNiamh CharlesMaya Le TissierEsme MorganAlex GreenwoodLeah WilliamsonMidfielders:Grace ClintonJess ParkElla TooneGeorgia StanwayKeira WalshForwards:Lauren HempBeth MeadLauren JamesChloe KellyAggie Beever-JonesMichelle AgyemangAlessia Russo More

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      The absence of Earps, Kirby and Bright leaves a void – who are the England aces who can fill it?

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      IN a month’s time England begin their the defence of their European Championship crown in Switzerland. Build-up to this year’s Euros has not been plain sailing in terms of some results on the pitch and shock announcements off it. England will compete in the Euros without vice captain Millie Bright following her withdrawal from selection before the tournamentCredit: GettyFran Kirby called time on her England playing career after being informed she would not be included in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s EurosCredit: GettyMary Earps announced her international retirement five weeks before the start of the tournament in SwitzerlandCredit: APToday Sarina Wiegman will name the players included in her 23-strong England group who will battle for Euros glory. Three who will not be on her list are Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright. The trio were among the standout performers during England’s triumphant Euros charge three years ago. Five weeks before the start of this year’s contest Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football. Read More Football Stories Then came Fran Kirby, 31, hanging up her England boots after being informed that she would not be part of the squad for next month’s contest. And yesterday vice captain Bright withdrew herself from selection after bravely explaining her need to do so for her “health and future in the game”.  The Chelsea captain’s announcement followed a season in which she skippered her club to a domestic trophy treble, On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with former England ace Rachel Daly, Bright explained her decision was not taken lightly. Most read in FootballYesterday she said: “It was something that I’d spoken about with friends, family, the people around me, and I gave it a lot of thought. “But ultimately, I thought this was the best decision for the team, but also for myself and using this summer to zone into mentally, physically, getting myself back in tip-top condition.””It’s obviously hard, but I’m going to be the girls’ number one supporter and I know they’re going to go on and smash it.”Bright, Earps and Kirby have played a huge part in England’s recent success with all playing in every single game of their last Euros campaign. With all three unavailable for England, here is a look at who will fill the void at this year’s Euros. Hannah Hampton will be England’s first choice goalkeeper at this year’s Euros, her first major international tournamentCredit: GettyGoalkeeper options England’s shot stopper starter question has been answered with Hannah Hampton in place as their No1 for the Euros.The Chelsea player won her battle for a starting spot with Earps after emerging as a first team regular under Wiegman. This year Hampton has started in five of their last six Nations League games following Earps’ last start (final international appearance) on February 21. While England’s away form in the contest has been mixed, including a 2-1 loss to world champions Spain this week, Hampton kept clean sheets on three of those occasions. This includes their 1-0 win against the World Cup winners who are among their main rivals at this year’s Euros. While Hampton is set to be England’s starter in goal, it is not entirely clear who will be the next automatic choice after her.England have options in Anna Moorhouse and Man City’s Khiara Keating although both are yet to make their senior international debuts.  Last October Moorhouse won the National Women’s Soccer League shield with top-flight American club Orlando Pride A month later the former West Ham goalkeeper set a new record for the most clean sheets in a NWSL season with 13 in 26 games. A friendly clash with Jamaica as England’s final game before their Euros opener against France could be an opportunity to see Moorhouse or Keating tested. Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are yet to make their senior international debutsCredit: AlamyPlaymaker and forward options Should Lauren James win her race back to fitness from a hamstring problem, she and Jess Park are likely to be England’s primary attacking midfielders as well as Ella Toone. All three have been deployed in the number 10 role under Wiegman although Toone and James have faced battles with injury in recent months. England also have Beth Mead’s creative capabilities from the wing. This week Wiegman revealed James was progressing well with her recovery from a hamstring issue. It is hoped the forward, who shone for England at the 2023 World Cup, will be fit enough to compete at the Euros. Lauren James hopes to win her race to back to fitness ahead of the Euros with England facing France in their Group D openerCredit: AlamyCentral defenceWith Bright’s withdrawal Alex Greenwood is likely to be deployed alongside Williamson in central defence. The Man City skipper’s vision and versatility have made her one of England’s most dependable figures in their backline.Her set-piece delivery skills will be a useful asset for the team. With 98 caps she is also one of England’s most experienced players on the pitch and a calming presence on the pitch. Read More on The SunAlex Greenwood is likely partner Lioness captain Leah Williamson in the centre of England’s defenceCredit: GettyAside from Greenwood, England also have the option of Jess Carter. The ex-Chelsea defender, who won the Concacaf Champions Cup with Gotham FC , is more than capable of operating centrally or as a full-back. More

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      Millie Bright WITHDRAWS from Euro 2025 squad with emotional statement after England Lionesses rocked by two retirements

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      ENGLAND defender Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for Euro 2025.The 31-year-old withdrew from the squad prior to last week’s Nations League clash with Portugal due to burnout.Millie Bright has withdrawn from the England squad prior to Euro 2025Credit: PAThe defender captained England at the 2023 World CupCredit: GettyShe recently opened up about being physically and mentally fatigued after leading Chelsea to a domestic treble.And the defender feels that she will not be ready for the European Championship next month.In an emotional statement published on her social media, Bright wrote: “This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but after careful thought and discussions with my team, I have decided to withdraw from selection for the England squad ahead of Euro 2025.”Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour. My pride and ego tells me to go but I think the team and the fans deserve more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Right now I’m not able to give 100% mentally or physically.”As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my team-mates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and most importantly the team.”It wouldn’t be fair for me to take the place and opportunity away from another player who is ready and able to give everything for the badge and country.”I’ll be supporting the team with everything I’ve got, and hoping this incredible group of players will do the nation proud.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Thank you to my team-mates, coaches, and, most importantly, the fans for your unwavering support, it means the world to me.”Bright’s withdrawal comes just one day after England icon Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football.Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowFran Kirby announced her retirement on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe midfielder published a statement on social media just hours after being left out of the England squad for Tuesday’s Nations League match against Spain.She wrote: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.”Kirby also revealed that she had initially planned to retire after Euro 2025 but instead called it quits this week after being told by Sarina Wiegman that she would not be in the 23-player squad.The Lionesses will also be without Mary Earps for the upcoming international tournament.The goalkeeper announced her international retirement last week.Earps, who was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 after winning the World Cup Golden Glove, was expected to battle Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in Switzerland.Read More on The SunBut her decision to retire just weeks before Euro 2025 left Wiegman “disappointed” after what is said to have been an awkward meeting.The Lionesses kick off their Euro 2025 campaign on July 5 against France.Mary Earps retired from international football last weekCredit: AFP More

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      Lionesses star Fran Kirby follows Mary Earps in retiring from England just weeks before Euro 2025

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      LIONESSES Euros hero Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football ahead of this summer’s European Championships. Kirby, 31, has decided to end her international career after being informed that she wouldn’t be part of Sarina Weigman’s squad for the Euros.Fran Kirby has retired from International footballCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe European champion – who was a crucial part of the Lionesses Euro 2022 success – announced her decision on Instagram. A statement read: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. “I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.”It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories.”She added: “Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be a part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.”Thank you to you all, for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know, wearing that badge was the greatest honour.”To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can.”Most read in FootballKirby made her final England appearance as a substitute in Friday’s Nations League clash with PortugalCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKirby, who plays her club football for Brighton, had been selected for England’s Uefa Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain.However, after finding out she wouldn’t be kept on for the Euros starting next month, Kirby told her England team-mates of the decision after Tuesday’s clash against Spain.Speaking to the BBC following her announcement, Kirby revealed that she was planning on hanging up her boots after the Euros.She said: “It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament.”The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina I’m not going to make the squad.”It was like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying.”Fran Kirby’s full retirement statementRead Kirby’s announcement in full…After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.I’ve played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have irreplaceable memories.My journey has been full of ups and downs, setbacks and achievements. Enough has been said and written about those, but regardless of whatever was thrown at me, I want you all to know that every time I put on that England badge I gave it 100%.Every single call-up, I accepted my role and did whatever was needed for the team. I wanted England to win. I’ve always been there to help England win.My mum had a dream of me representing my country and I’m so proud I was able to do that and play in front of you all.I will never, ever forget the noise when my name is read out at a stadium. I was first selected when I was playing in WSL 2, I played a part in the game-changing World Cup, winning bronze in 2015, creating memories of a lifetime.Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.Thank you to all of you for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know that wearing that badge was the greatest honour.To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can. Forever a Lioness, Fran.While also revealing that the decision has been influenced by her trying to protect her body.She added: “Everyone knows the injuries that I’ve had and I’ve been protecting my body.”This is part of that. But I feel like I’ve got so much to give in football. I’m already looking forward to the domestic season.”Kirby was part of England’s Euro 2022 winning side and leaves the national set up having represented the Lionesses 77 times.The two-time PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year winner isn’t the first England superstar to retire from international duty before next months tournament.EARPS’ SHOCK DECISIONGoalkeeper Mary Earps shocked the nation – and her manager – when she announced her international retirement last week.Earps reportedly decided to leave the national team after being informed she would be playing backup to Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton going forward.Mary Earps also announced her retirement from international duty last weekCredit: GettyShe said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”Head coach Wiegman was left frustrated at the surprise announcement.She said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team.”That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us.”There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”Earps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago.Read More on The SunIn Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history,Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Sarina Wiegman said she was ‘disappointed and sad’ to learn of Earps’ decisionCredit: Alamy More

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      Lauren Hemp insists England ‘have respect’ for Spain but will be ready for tough pre-Euros test against world champions

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      LAUREN HEMP reckons England are ready to go toe-to-toe with Spain after their six-goal Nations League pummelling of Portugal. Following her international comeback yesterday evening the fit-again forward admitted she missed playing in front of Lionesses fans.Lauren Hemp says England are feeling confident ahead of their clash with Spain on June 3Credit: AlamyHemp and her team-mates are second in their Nations League group behind Spain following their rivals’ 5-1 defeat of BelgiumCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain in June will be their last competitive match ahead of the July 2 start of this year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBefore her side’s pivotal pre-Euros duel with Spain the Lioness, 24, made a successful return to England action for the first time since last October. Their 6-0 humbling of Portugal involved four different players scoring for the reigning European champions. They include Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones who registered her first international hat-trickDefeat of their Nations League group A3 rivals would put England in the contest’s finals.Read More Football Stories It would also fire a warning to their foes’ at this year’s Euros, with World Cup winners Spain likely to be one of the biggest threats. Before their Tuesday duel in Barcelona, Hemp said: “The confidence (in the squad) is high. “We’ve got a lot of respect for Spain and we’ve had so many great games against them. “We’re going to make sure we’re ready and rested for that game and we’ll make sure we start that match as we did this one (against Portugal).”Most read in FootballHemp’s England shift at Wembley last night was her first in seven months and follows her recovery from a knee injury. Her last Lioness game before then was a 2-1 friendly defeat of South Africa last October.A match that was followed by Hemp undergoing a knee op a month later that would leave her sidelined until her Man City return in April.In front of a 48,531-strong crowd, it looked as if she had never been away as she, Beever-Jones and Beth Mead terrorised Portugal’s woeful defence. Hemp added: “It’s been a long journey and there have been times when I’ve thought, ‘when am I actually getting back on the pitch’ after having a few setbacks. “But it’s great to be back in an England shirt and doing what I love doing. Hopefully there is still more to come.””It’s been a long seven months but coming back felt great. “The fans are great and they’re always great and I’ve missed that as well with not being in the mix for a little while (due to injury).”Defeat of Spain would see England register their second victory over the World Cup winners in the Nations League this year. The last duel between the sides resulted in 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s players at Wembley in February. On whether victory would serve as a warning to the Lionesses Euros’ rivals, Hemp said: “There’s still a little while to go. “It’s important that we still put in the performances leading up to the Euros. “But at the moment we feel we’re in a great place.”With Beever-Jones notching her first senior England hat-trick and Mead and Chloe Kelly scoring, Sarina Wiegman feels she has a Euros selection headache with her forwards. On June 5 the England boss, 55, will announce who has made it into her 23-player squad for the tournament that starts on July 2 in Switzerland.Wiegman has backed Lauren James to battle her way into contention with the Chelsea forward’s recovery from a hamstring injury progressing. She said: “We have so many options up front in the England squad right now. Sarina Wiegman believes deciding which England forwards to take to this year’s Euros will be a tough decision to makeCredit: Getty”What we also hope for is LJ (Lauren James) coming back too. She’s still in rehab and doing good. Read More on The Sun”I hope every striker will be fit including those who we have now in the squad with LJ added to that. “Then it’s going to be really hard for me to make decisions for the Euros squad.” More

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      Why has Mary Earps retired from the England national team?

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      MARY EARPS shocked the footballing world after announcing her retirement from the England national team.Lionesses legend Earps, 32, was the goalkeeper for England’s Euro triumph in 2022 and the World Cup final in 2023, in which she pulled off a stunning penalty save.Mary Earps was England’s Euro-winning goalkeeper in 2022Credit: PAAnd Earps saved a penalty in the World Cup final a year afterCredit: AFPThe former Manchester United ace was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper, and also BBC Sport Personality of the Year in 2023.But just five weeks before the start of the 2025 Euros, 53-cap star Marps announced her retirement with immediate effect.Why has Mary Earps retired from international football?Mary Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in boss Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland.Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium.And according to The Telegraph, Earps quit in a meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton.Earps said in her announcement: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.Most read in Football”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”While in a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.England stars celebrate historic Euro 2022 victory in dressing room after beating Germany 2-1“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision.”There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character.”And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”Sarina Wiegman was questioned about Earps’ retirementCredit: GettyThe announcement sparked a furious response from Lionesses coach Wiegman.The Dutch coach said: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.”Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.Read More on The Sun“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer.”But for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.” More

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      England and Arsenal ace Michelle Agyemang insists ‘there is more to come from her’ with the Lionesses ahead of the Euros

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      SURREAL is how Michelle Agyemang described her emergence as a senior England international this year. Last month the versatile Arsenal striker, 19, showed why Gunners and England legend Kelly Smith sees her as one of the club’s “fearless” rising stars. Michelle Agyemang could be set to make her second senior England appearance when the Lionesses face Portugal in the Women’s Nations League this eveningCredit: GettyLast month Agyemang scored 41 seconds into her senior England debut when the team played Belgium in the contestCredit: ReutersAgyemang’s international rise has been rapid with the striker playing for England’s Under-19s and Under-23s within the past 11 monthsCredit: GettySix days ago the Arsenal starlet was in Lisbon watching her club pals defeat Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League finalsCredit: GettyLess than a minute into her senior debut, the England ace let fly with a stunning volley that found its targets in a Nations League duel with Belgium.While the Lionesses fell to a 3-2 away loss in that game on April 4 Agyemang’s 16-minute cameo underlined why her rise through England’s ranks has been rapid. After scoring a hat-trick in a 10-0 demolition of Lithuania in the Women’s Under-19 Championship last July, the striker moved up to England’s Under-23s two months later. And just two months after scoring a brace against Germany in a friendly for the side, she received first call-up into Sarina Wiegman’s England squad.Read More Football StoriesOf her emergence as a senior international player, Agyemang said: “I’m a person of few words, so I’m struggling already.”I think it’s ‘surreal’, like, just the manner in which it happened. “There are so many more things to come and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity.”Agyemang’s appearance in England’s last Nations League outing came at a time of the team contending with injuries to Alessia Russo and Lauren James. Most read in FootballForward Lauren Hemp, now back in the squad after her comeback from injury, was also yet to return to match action for her club Manchester City. With the trio out, Wiegman opted to bring in Agyemang who impressed during her loan spell at Brighton from Arsenal last season, as well for the young Lionesses. Reflecting on her first call-up and being in England’s squad this month, she added: “When I got the phone-call [from Sarina when I was] just literally coming out of the shower, “It was unexpected, but I’m really grateful that she’s put the trust in me to come in and show what I can do for a longer period of time.”It was amazing to get that call and to be here again.”My family has been so supportive. When I was telling them my mum was screaming, my dad was shouting as well and then my friends as well.”Playing across three different age groups for England within 11 months does not phase Agyemang. The player who grew up in Southend, Essex and whose club journey with Arsenal began in their academy at six, is determined to deliver no matter which Lionesses side she plays for. Agyemang said: “Wherever I am (in whichever England team) it’s about just going out there, helping the team prepare and winning the trophy.”We still have the Under- 19’s Euros coming up (in June) as well as the senior Euros “It’s been interesting going through the different age groups, meeting different players and coaches. “But I think the England pathway is so similar across the board so it’s really easy to settle in no matter where I am.”Against Portugal at 7:45pm tonight Agyemang hopes to get another chance to make her mark and help England return to winning ways in the Nations League. Should Spain lose to Belgium, a defeat of their opponents at Wembley would see Wiegman’s side return to the top of their group. Agyemang’s last experience of being near Wembley’s pitch was during England’s 4-0 defeat of Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier in October 2021.She said: “I was 15 and was a ball girl. They had a few of the girls from (England’s) pathway there. Beth Mead scored (a hat-trick).”Tonight’s game will provide a chance for Agyemang to continue to impress with the striker targeting a place in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s Euros. In Switzerland on July 5 the Lionesses will begin their push to win the tournament for a second time with a group stage clash with France.Sarina Wiegman’s side are targeting back-to-back wins against Portugal and Spain in their last two Nations League outings before the EurosCredit: GettyAnd Agyemang hopes to be among the players included in Wiegman’s 26-strong group.Read More on The SunThe Arsenal starlet added: “I like to take things one at a time. “Coming here (to England’s camp), showing what I can do in order to maybe get on that plane is my first thought right now.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman ‘sad and disappointed’ by Mary Earps England retirement while Leah Williamson says keeper will be missed

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being “disappointed and sad” by Mary Earps calling time on her England career. And Leah Williamson revealed she was devastated, describing the former Lioness’s retirement as a huge loss for the team.England skipper Leah Williamson and head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed their sadness concerning Mary Earps’ international retirementCredit: PAWiegman is disappointed that Earps had called time on her England career and says she still wished the former Lionesses goalkeeper was part of her teamCredit: ReutersWilliamson, who together with Earps helped England win the 2022 Euros, described the goalkeeper as her “best friend in football”Credit: AlamyYesterday Wiegman and her captain publicly shared their thoughts in their first press conference in the wake of Earps’ bombshell announcement. Four days ago (May 26) the FA stated the Euros-winning shot stopper had decided to end run as an England player. And the Paris Saint-Germain ace, 32, also shared her career update via her Instagram account. Earps standing down from international duty five weeks before this year’s Euros, means the tournament’s reigning champions will defend their title without their most experienced goalkeeper.Read More Football StoriesHead coach Wiegman is due announce which players have made it into her squad for this year’s Euros in Switzerland on June 5. The Lioness boss, who still wants Earps as part of her squad, said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team. “That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us. “There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”Most read in FootballEarps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago. In Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history, Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. During the contest’s final Earps produced a dramatic penalty save against Spain keeping out Jenni Hermoso’s spot-kick before her team fell to a 1-0 loss. However since last October the former Man United player has faced a battle to start with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton. The Blues stopper started in five of England’s last eight international games. Williamson, 26, who skippered the team during the 2022 Euros, said: “I’m devastated (by her England retirement) because I love her and love being her teammate.”Mary is one of my closest friends in football. “We have an extra pair of shoes to fill and also in a number of different areas. “I’m sure the team will be ready for all those eventualities.”Earlier this week The Athletic reported that Sarina Wiegman had told Earps that she would not be her No1 keeper for this year’s Euros. And The Guardian reports Earps, had in April, informed the England boss that she was thinking of retiring. However Wiegman remained tight-lipped on the exact details of her conversation with Earps. The Lioness chief said: “I am in conversations with players all the time. “I don’t give any information about these private conversations we have.  “Hannah Hampton is now the number one. “Before that she was a little bit ahead but at moments you can’t look too far forward because you don’t know what things will happen. “Things in football can change very quickly.”England, who face Portugal at Wembley tomorrow and Spain away in the Nations League next Tuesday, have been hit by fitness issues. Aside from Ella Morris, 22, rupturing a knee ligament, Alessia Russo, 26, and Ella Toone, 25, will both miss tomorrow’s 7:45pm clash due to calf concerns.  And vice-captain Millie Bright, 31, withdrew from England’s camp earlier this week with Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy called up in her absence. On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with ex-Lioness team-mate Rachel Daly, the 88-capped centre-back explained she was at her limit “physically and mentally”. This term the Chelsea skipper led the Blues on a treble-winning trophy charge, lifting the FA and Women’s League Cups and claiming an eighth WSL title. Of her withdrawal from this month’s England camp Bright said: “That is a really hard decision. “But I think you know better than anyone as well – sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself.”You need to value yourself and your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you.”England will face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League without the services of Millie Bright with the Lioness vice-keeper withdrawing from their May campCredit: GettyBright’s England team-mate Williamson added: “That decision for Millie herself to say, ‘I need to take a break’ and to speak out about mental health is a brave thing to do.Read More on The Sun”She’s leading by example and I’ve personally given Millie a bit of space. “Naturally any support that she needs and anything that she needs from the team, we’ll be there to give it to her.” More