England's Lionesses, the reigning European champions, face a formidable challenge as they prepare to defend their title at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. The team boasts a wealth of game-changing talent, but according to Emma Hayes, they must evolve their approach to secure another victory.

Hayes, the former Chelsea boss and current USWNT manager, has closely observed the Lionesses and the landscape of women's football in Europe. She notes the significant progress made across the continent, with over 3,000 full-time players now competing, which will lead to a fiercely contested tournament. Hayes anticipates that Euro 2025 will showcase the highest quality of women's football ever seen.

While acknowledging England's strengths, Hayes also points out potential vulnerabilities. The turnover in the squad, due to injuries like Millie Bright's and the international retirement of Mary Earps, could hinder their title defense. However, she still recognizes the experience and quality within Sarina Wiegman's starting XI.

Hayes identifies Spain and Germany as major contenders alongside England. She praises Spain's style and methodology, suggesting that their dominance could be disrupted by employing tactics similar to those Arsenal used against Barcelona in the Champions League final. She was also impressed by Germany's young stars at the Olympics, such as Jule Brand, Lea Schuller, and Klara Buhl, but questions their overall depth.

England has been actively preparing for Euro 2025 with a series of friendly matches. They faced the USA in November 2024, playing to a goalless draw at Wembley. They are also scheduled to play Germany, a rematch of the Euro 2022 final, and other teams like South Africa and Switzerland. These matches provide valuable opportunities for Wiegman to experiment with different tactics and player combinations.

Sarina Wiegman acknowledged the need for improvement after the match against the USA. She emphasized the intensity of the game and the importance of learning from the experience. The Lionesses will need to refine their attacking strategies and improve their pressing game to compete against the top teams in Europe.

To win Euro 2025, England must find a way to overcome the challenges posed by their rivals and adapt to the evolving landscape of women's football. While their game-changing players are undoubtedly crucial, a cohesive team strategy and tactical flexibility will be essential for securing another European title.