Grace Clinton, a 22-year-old midfielder for Manchester United and the England national team, is poised to bring a fresh and "fearless" edge to the Lionesses at Euro 2025. Having emerged as a key player for Sarina Wiegman's squad over the last 18 months, Clinton is set to participate in her first major international tournament.
Born on March 31, 2003, in Liverpool, Clinton began her senior career at Everton before joining Manchester United. She gained valuable experience through loan spells at Bristol City, where she won the 2022–23 Championship title, and Tottenham Hotspur. Her performances have earned her accolades, including the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year in 2024 and a spot in the PFA WSL Team of the Year for the 2023–24 season. She was also named Bristol City Women's Young Player of the Year for the 2022–23 season.
Clinton's rise through the ranks has been rapid. She has represented England at the under-17, under-19, and under-23 levels. She received her first senior call-up in October 2023 and made her debut in February 2024, scoring within 19 minutes in a 7–2 victory over Austria. Her impressive start continued with another goal against Switzerland in December 2024. Clinton has earned critical acclaim, with some observers anointing her as a future England star. She has been awarded Legacy number 228 by The Football Association.
Clinton is a versatile player, capable of operating as an attacking midfielder in the number 10 role, as a box-to-box midfielder, or as a wide player. Goal.com notes her ability to find and exploit space, play on the half-turn, and unlock defenses with her creativity and vision. Former England captain Steph Houghton has praised Clinton's defensive capabilities and presence in the box. She is known for her strong tackling and defensive contributions.
Clinton's career has included significant loan spells that have shaped her into the player she is today. At Bristol City, she scored a 93rd-minute equalizer on her debut and contributed to the team's Championship-winning season. During her time at Tottenham Hotspur, she was a standout performer, scoring crucial goals and providing assists. Her form at Spurs led to her first England cap and recognition as the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Wiegman's decision to include Clinton in the Euro 2025 squad underscores the midfielder's importance to the team. Clinton's strengths align well with England's ambitions to defend their title. However, England faces a challenging group stage, drawn alongside the Netherlands, France, and Wales.
Clinton's journey from Everton's academy to Manchester United and the England national team demonstrates her dedication and talent. Despite initial concerns about her defensive work rate, she has developed into a well-rounded player with a strong impact on both ends of the pitch. Her ability to disrupt the game, win defensive duels, and recover balls in the opponent's half makes her a valuable asset.
As Euro 2025 approaches, Clinton is eager to make her mark on the international stage. Her "fearless" approach, versatility, and growing experience position her as a player to watch.
