The English top-flight resumes this weekend and there are a number of national-team stars aiming to impress Sarina Wiegman over the coming months
In less than six months, England will begin their first defence of a major tournament title on the women's side, when they head to the 2025 European Championships as the reigning champions after beating Germany in dramatic circumstances at Wembley back in 2022, with Chloe Kelly's extra-time strike securing the Lionesses' maiden major trophy.
Incidentally, as the Women's Super League returns this weekend, Kelly is one of several England stars who need to have big second halves of the season in order to punch their ticket to Switzerland in July, with competition fierce for spots in both the starting XI and the squad as a whole.
So, who will Sarina Wiegman likely be keeping a close eye on over the next few months as she ponders her final 23-player list? GOAL takes a look at eight Lionesses who need to shine…
Getty Images SportHannah Hampton
The fight to be England No.1 is the most talked about individual battle in the team, with Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton going into the New Year neck-and-neck in that race. It has ebbed and flowed for both over the last few months, with each having a perceived lead on the other at various points. Right now, it's arguably Earps in the driving seat, after a strong final camp of 2024 in which her saves helped the Lionesses avoid defeat to the United States at Wembley.
A few days after that draw, Hampton was in between the sticks for the win over Switzerland, but she failed to convince in the same manner as her team-mate. With some shaky moments coming in the defeat to Germany in the camp prior, it all culminates in a feeling that Earps is just ahead at the moment.
But there's plenty of time for that to change. England will have three more camps before the Euros and both players have five months of club action to show Wiegman what they can do, too. While also looking to help Chelsea retain their WSL title, Hampton will also have opportunities in the Champions League that Earps doesn't, and she'll be keen to take them.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLauren James
While the rest of the names on this list need to impress in order to secure a place in the England XI, or squad, Lauren James' situation is a little different. If she's fit, she is all-but-guaranteed to start for the Lionesses. It's not being fit that has been frustrating for her lately.
Injuries hampered the winger throughout 2024. Indeed, she struggled with them through the final stages of the 2023-24 season, missed England's June camp because of a foot problem and has just now come back from three months out, starting for Chelsea in the FA Cup last week having been absent since mid-October.
The second half of this season, then, is all about getting back up to speed, getting back into form and, crucially, avoiding any other setbacks. It's important for Chelsea's fortunes and also for England's.
GettyBeth Mead
After a rather promising first full season back following her ACL injury last term, things have unfortunately been a little trickier for Beth Mead this time around. With just four goals in all competitions so far, and no assists, she is one player that Wiegman would love to see find some more dangerous and consistent form before the Euros, in order to bolster the potency of the England attack.
Some wingers would be pleased with that goal return, but that it is seen as below-par for Mead is an indication of her ability and the standard she has set over the years. As the old saying goes, form is temporary, class is permanent, and the 29-year-old will be keen to remind everyone just what she is capable of in the second half of this season – particularly Wiegman, as she looks to cement a place in her starting XI.
Getty ImagesChloe Kelly
Worries about Mead's form are only intensified because of the lack of playing time for another England winger, in Kelly. With Lauren Hemp currently sidelined after knee surgery and James herself only just back, the Lionesses' wide areas are suddenly not looking as well-stocked and strong as usual.
Kelly's situation has admittedly caused concern for Wiegman, with her struggling massively for game time at Manchester City. That lack of minutes comes while her contract is set to expire this summer, making a January move a little trickier. Instead, it looks like the 27-year-old will have to make the best of things with the Cityzens in the second half of this season and take advantage of whatever opportunities she can get in order to be included in that England squad.
City boss Gareth Taylor said last week that Kelly looked "sharp" and "fresh" in the team's winter training camp, while brushing off talk of a January move for her. Is that a sign that more minutes could be coming her way? Only time will tell.