On a cool summer night in Switzerland, the stage was set for a grand entrance. UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 kicked off with anticipation, and all eyes were on the defending champions — England’s Lionesses. It was supposed to be a triumphant evening. A fresh tournament, a new chance to reignite the legacy forged in 2022, and an opportunity to silence critics who had questioned their recent dip in form.
But instead of celebration, the night ended in disappointment. A lackluster 2-1 defeat to Sweden in the opening match has sent shockwaves through the England camp and ignited debate across the footballing world. For a team boasting depth, experience, and talent, the performance raised more questions than answers. It wasn’t just the result — it was the manner in which it happened: hesitant, disjointed, and alarmingly passive in key moments.
This opening night stumble has cast a long shadow over the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 campaign. As they regroup for the next challenge, tough questions loom over the squad, the tactics, and the leadership at the helm.
A Promising Start Unravels
England started brightly, dominating possession and moving the ball with pace in the opening 15 minutes. Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh controlled the midfield tempo, while Lauren James looked menacing every time she received the ball in space. A couple of half-chances went begging — Ella Toone fired just wide, and Chloe Kelly’s cross narrowly missed Alessia Russo’s head.
Then came the sucker punch.
A defensive lapse saw Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfö ghost between Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright to head home the opener from close range in the 26th minute. The goal silenced the pro-England crowd in Zürich, and more importantly, seemed to sap the confidence out of the Lionesses.
While they equalized through a powerful header by Russo just before the break, the second half was a mirror of frustration. Passes went astray. The press became disorganized. And when Sweden regained the lead in the 73rd minute through a clever finish by Stina Blackstenius, England looked shell-shocked.
They never recovered.
Tactical Inflexibility or Player Underperformance
Head coach Sarina Wiegman — praised for her tactical acumen in 2022 and her calm leadership — now finds herself under renewed scrutiny. Her loyalty to a core group of players has been commendable, but also problematic. Critics argue that she’s stuck with a system that opposing teams have begun to figure out.
The 4-2-3-1 formation, while effective during the Lionesses’ dominant run in 2022, has looked increasingly one-dimensional. Against Sweden, there was a glaring lack of creativity through the center. Too often, the play was funneled to the wings, where crosses were easily dealt with by the tall and organized Swedish backline.
Moreover, the midfield double pivot of Walsh and Stanway — once the heartbeat of this team — appeared overwhelmed and disconnected. Questions are now being asked: is it time to introduce new blood or adapt the formation to maximize fluidity?
Even more pressing is the role of Alessia Russo as the lone striker. While her hold-up play remains strong, she found herself isolated for long stretches. Without support from the attacking midfielders, she was feeding on scraps.
Defensive Frailties Resurface
Perhaps the most alarming takeaway from the loss was the vulnerability at the back. Long considered one of the strongest defensive units in women’s football, England’s backline looked out of sync.
Millie Bright, returning from a lengthy injury layoff, lacked her usual sharpness. Her partnership with Alex Greenwood didn’t inspire the same confidence seen in past tournaments. Lucy Bronze, though tireless in her attacking runs, was caught out of position on several occasions.
Communication breakdowns, particularly on set pieces and during transitions, left the team exposed — something Sweden exploited clinically.
It’s a stark contrast from the Euro 2022 campaign, where the Lionesses conceded just two goals in six matches. With games against Denmark and Belgium still to come in the group stage, tightening the defense must become a top priority.
Squad Depth A Double-Edged Sword
In theory, England has one of the deepest squads in international football. Talents like Lauren Hemp, Katie Zelem, Niamh Charles, and Jess Park offer Wiegman options off the bench. But against Sweden, the substitutions felt reactive rather than proactive.
Bringing on Beth England in the 85th minute, for instance, felt too late to make an impact. The failure to introduce someone like Zelem earlier — a player known for her distribution and tempo-setting — left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
The current squad might be talented, but there’s growing concern over the lack of boldness in utilizing it fully. Wiegman, typically conservative with her rotations, may need to reevaluate her approach if the Lionesses are to get back on track.
The Pressure of Expectations
In 2022, England captivated the nation with a fairytale run to their first-ever major women’s title. That victory raised the bar permanently. With success came pressure, and with pressure came expectation.
The team is no longer the underdog — they’re the hunted. And that shift has subtly changed the narrative around every match they play. No longer is a draw considered acceptable. Every misstep is magnified. Every loss is dissected.
This Euro 2025 opener was no different. Within minutes of the final whistle, hashtags like #LionessesOutclassed and #WiegmanTactics trended across social media. Former players and pundits weighed in, offering both sympathy and criticism.
“This team is still elite, but the hunger and energy we saw in 2022 is missing,” said former England midfielder Fara Williams on BBC Sport. “They need to look inward and rediscover their identity — quickly.”
Where Do the Lionesses Go From Here
The path forward is clear: regroup, reassess, and respond.
With Denmark up next, the Lionesses face a must-win match. Another slip-up could push them dangerously close to group-stage elimination — an unthinkable outcome for a team of their pedigree.
Here’s what needs to change:
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✅ Reignite the Midfield Engine
Wiegman may need to consider introducing a creative midfielder — someone like Katie Zelem or Jordan Nobbs — to break lines and offer more attacking thrust.
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✅ Embrace Tactical Flexibility
A switch to a 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 might offer better balance, particularly if the current shape continues to falter against pressing teams.
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✅ Restore Defensive Confidence
Whether through personnel changes or simply better coordination, the defense must shore up quickly. Dropping points due to sloppy marking cannot be repeated.
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✅ Empower the Bench
The bench is not just for injury cover — it’s a source of tactical shifts. Players like Jess Park and Ebony Salmon can offer something different, especially against tired legs.
Wiegman’s Leadership in the Spotlight
There’s no doubt that Sarina Wiegman remains a respected figure. Her achievements, from the Netherlands to England, are unmatched. But international football is unforgiving. One tournament can define a legacy.
Wiegman must now prove that she can evolve — tactically and emotionally — with the demands of a new generation and a changed landscape.
“We’ve had setbacks before, and we’ve responded,” Wiegman said in her post-match press conference. “This team is full of leaders. We will learn, adapt, and come back stronger.”
That statement now becomes a promise. The Lionesses’ response in the next match will either validate or challenge that assurance.
The Bigger Picture Women’s Football in Transition
Beyond the match, England’s stumble also highlights a larger theme: the evolving competitiveness of women’s international football.
Teams like Sweden, Denmark, and Spain are no longer mere challengers — they are equals, if not favorites. Investment, youth development, and coaching standards have risen across Europe.
Gone are the days when England or Germany could rely on history or individual brilliance alone. Now, adaptability, resilience, and depth are non-negotiable.
If Euro 2025 has shown anything already, it’s that no game is a formality — and every team is vulnerable.
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