WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Agyemang, James, and Clinton Headline England’s Next-Gen Euro 2025 Squad

Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player England squad for Euro 2025, with Lauren James included after injury and Arsenal’s Michelle Agyemang called up for her first senior tournament. All in all, seven players are set for their first Euros call-up, and 13 from the Euro 2022-winning side return (full squad list here).

The big story is who’s missing: Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired from international football, and Millie Bright has withdrawn to focus on her health, taking over 200 caps’ worth of experience with them. The goalkeeper situation is now a real talking point, with neither Khiara Keating nor Anna Moorhouse having a senior cap, much less tournament experience.

Wiegman called the absences “disappointing” but insists the squad is “a very well-balanced mix” and has time to settle before the Euros. This follows a Nations League campaign that ended last Tuesday with a 2-1 defeat to Spain, leaving England second in their group and missing out on the semi-finals. It’s a missed chance after dropped points against Portugal and Belgium, but captain Leah Williamson says it’s a lesson learned.

With the Euros now just weeks away, the Lionesses have time to regroup, but there’s no denying the challenge: new leaders will need to emerge, and England’s next generation will have to gel quickly if they’re to defend their crown.

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🚨ICYMI

Top Headlines

🏆 Arsenal will represent Europe in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup next January, earning their spot after beating Barcelona to lift the Champions League last month. The Gunners will face continental champions from the US, China, New Zealand and more. Read more

⚽ France, Germany, Spain and Sweden are through to the Nations League finals, after topping their groups in League A. England finished second to Spain and now head straight into World Cup qualifiers, missing out on the Nations League finals. The Republic of Ireland will face Belgium, and Northern Ireland will take on Iceland in promotion/relegation play-offs this autumn. Read more

🦁 Fran Kirby has retired from international football after learning she wouldn’t be in England’s Euro 2025 squad. It brings the curtain down on a Lionesses career that saw her win 77 caps and score 19 goals, and earn the nickname ‘Mini Messi’ for her impressive ball skills. Read more

📉 England has dropped to fourth in the latest Euro 2025 power rankings, overtaken by Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, with Norway fifth. The Lionesses, previously in the top two, have slipped after a disappointing Nations League, which ended in defeat to Spain. Read more

🏅 Lucy Bronze has been awarded the Freedom of Northumberland. She joins just three others in the past decade to receive the county’s top civic honour for her football achievements and as a trailblazer for women and girls in sport. Read more

🛟 Sheffield United will avoid relegation and stay in WSL 2 next season, despite finishing bottom in 2024/25, after Blackburn Rovers withdrew due to new league demands. Blackburn’s owners said they couldn’t meet stricter requirements for full-time contracts, staffing, and facilities, so the Blades, who were ready to go fully professional, get a late lifeline in the second tier for 2025/26. Read more

🇺🇸 The NWSL has set out new roster rules for 2026 expansion teams Boston Legacy FC and Denver. Both clubs get over $1 million in allocation money, can sign players outside the salary cap until mid-2025, and don’t have to meet minimum roster sizes this year. Plus, all NWSL teams can now loan players to each other, opening up more flexibility and development pathways across the league. Read more

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

→ Bright has made a brave decision, but are England doing enough to support their stars?

→ WSL players are paying up to £4,000 a year on boots and kit

👀 FAVE FINDS

SOOO (Style Of Our Own) has landed on Regent Street, serving up indie women’s sports brands, a three-a-side pitch, and over 200 events all summer. It’s the brainchild of IDA Sports’ Laura Youngson, backed by Mastercard and Westminster City Council. We can’t wait to visit (it’s open until 31 October) and already hope that the concept becomes a permanent fixture on the high street.

Ok, this one is the funniest fave find for a while. Finland’s manager accidentally picked 51-year-old Stina Ruuskanen for a Nations League match instead of 23-year-old Nanne Ruuskanen, meaning the younger Ruuskanen missed out and Stina, who last played nearly 30 years ago, was officially back in the squad. Stina took it in her stride: “Just yesterday I played a hobby league match… so my game feel is good.”

If you need me, I’m off to change my name to Keeera Walsh. Then… let’s see what happens. Wish me luck.

Finally, congratulations to Beth England on her marriage to partner Steph Williams. The two tied the knot over the weekend after getting engaged last year.

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Transfer Round-up

→ Robert Vilahamn has left his role as Tottenham Hotspur Women’s head coach after a mixed two seasons, which included a historic FA Cup final appearance in 2024 but a disappointing 11th-place finish in the 2024/25 WSL campaign. The club says it’s the right time for a change and will announce his replacement soon.

→ Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has signed a new three-year contract extension at Chelsea, keeping the Swedish winger at Kingsmeadow until 2028.

→ France striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto has swapped PSG for OL Lyonnes, signing a big-money deal with the European giants. The move sees one of the world’s top forwards join a fierce rival, shaking up the French league and setting the stage for some epic clashes next season.

→ Guro Bergsvand has joined Wolfsburg from Brighton, signing on until 2027. The Norwegian international captained Brighton last season and brings heaps of experience and leadership to the Bundesliga side, who are aiming for more domestic and European success.

RUMOUR HAS IT:

→ Reports suggest that Mia Fishel could be leaving Chelsea and crossing the pond to the NWSL.

→ Barcelona’s Ingrid Engen is close to signing for London City Lionesses. It would be their first big move following their promotion to the WSL.

→ It’s no secret Chloe Kelly wants a permanent move to Arsenal. The deal is being negotiated and is expected to be announced soon.

→ There could be a two-way transfer on the table. Ellie Carpenter is said to be leaving OL Lyonnes for Chelsea in a deal that would see Ashley Lawrence move in the opposite direction.

👟 KIT DROP

Spurs have gone classic with a twist for their new Nike home kit. The Lilywhite base is paired with navy shoulders and subtle grey along the sides, and centred logos for a modern feel. It’s available now, and honestly, it’s one of their cleanest looks in years.

Nike’s Phantom 6 boots are ready to make their mark. Launched this week, these are built for attacking players who want to stand out – think Alexia Putellas. The new Gripknit upper and upgraded Cyclone plate promise more control and a comfier fit, and they come in High and Low versions for anyone who likes a bit of extra ankle support (or not). Browse styles here

Real Madrid’s new adidas strip for 2025/26 is all about blending old and new. The jersey nods to the Bernabéu’s heritage with yellow trim and a rounded collar, while the fabric uses the latest tech to keep players cool. It’s a sharp look for the most decorated club in the world. Available now

🩼 ACL + INJURY UPDATES

Heartbreak for Mayzee Davies as a serious knee injury rules her out of Wales’ first-ever women’s Euros. The 18-year-old Manchester City defender ruptured her ACL just four minutes into Wales’ Nations League match against Denmark last week, forcing her to miss this summer’s tournament and start a long road to recovery at City’s academy. It’s another worrying example of the ACL crisis in women’s football, with another young talent sidelined at a crucial moment in her career.

We’re wishing Mayzee all the best as she begins rehab and hopefully has a speedy recovery.

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

Upcoming Events

Slaying The Field - From Baller FC
A 12-hour spectacular festival to celebrate Pride and England and Wales launching their Euro 2025 campaigns. Catch some of Baller’s favourite promoters and football collectives, queer short footy films, awesome food, oh, and arm wrestling. After nightfall, the brewhall will be taken over by DJs.
Sat 5 Jul 2025 13:00 - 01:00, Signature Brew, Blackhorse Rd, E17 5QJ
Tickets available now

Emma: One Last Dance – 33rd Raindance Film Festival (2025)
The documentary tells the story of Emma Hayes, the most successful manager in WSL history, charting the impact she has had on the growth of women’s game, and following her last six months at Chelsea Football Club as she attempts to lead her team to victory one last time.
June 21, 2025, 18:45 - 20:45 BST
Vue Piccadilly, London, SW1Y 4LR
Tickets available now

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📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (BST)

UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship Group Stage
Sunday 15 June
England U19 vs Netherlands U19 (16:00, BBC iPlayer, UEFA TV)

Wednesday 18 June
Portugal U19 vs England U19 (16:00, BBC iPlayer, UEFA TV)

📂 JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

More Women Working in Football

• Fancy working in the NWSL? Gotham has several open vacancies

• If you’re a freelancer, Arsenal is hiring for their Content and Media roster. They’re looking for Content creators, editors, videographers, production managers and more. Check out all the roles here.

More women watching, playing and working in football