England has received a major boost ahead of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro tournament. Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood have all returned to the national squad after recovering from knee injuries. The trio is set to play in the final Women’s Nations League games before the Euro squad is finalized.
England will face Portugal on 30 May and Spain on 2 June. These games are crucial as they come just weeks before the tournament in Switzerland. Head coach Sarina Wiegman had to manage without several key players in earlier matches. Their return brings hope and strength to the squad.
Key Players Recover Just in Time
All three players had undergone knee surgery and had not played for England in 2024. Their return signals good news for fans and coaches alike. Lauren Hemp, 24, plays as a forward for Manchester City. She last played for England in October during a friendly win against South Africa.
Despite missing five months due to injury, Hemp still ended the Women’s Super League (WSL) season with the highest number of assists (eight). She returned to action in April and helped City finish their league campaign strongly.
Greenwood Brings Experience to the Back Line
Alex Greenwood, 31, is Manchester City’s captain and a key defender. She missed England’s last four games but previously played in the 0-0 draw with the United States and appeared as a substitute in a close loss to Germany.
Greenwood was part of England’s Euro 2022-winning team and brings valuable experience. She also returned to play in City’s final league games this season.
Stanway Still Recovering but Joins Camp
Georgia Stanway, 26, plays midfield for Bayern Munich. She has not yet returned to her club team, but Wiegman still called her up. The coach hopes to give Stanway more time to train and rebuild her fitness before final decisions are made for the Euros.
Stanway celebrated winning the Frauen-Bundesliga title with Bayern but is still on the path to full recovery. Her inclusion shows that the England staff believes in her importance.
James Still Out Due to Injury
Chelsea’s Lauren James has not been called up. She is still recovering from a hamstring injury that kept her out of the final part of the WSL season. Her absence is a concern, as she has been a key attacker for England.
New and Returning Faces Join the Squad
Wiegman has made a few new additions to the squad. Tottenham Hotspur defender Ella Morris has been promoted from the Under-23s for the first time. Aston Villa’s Missy Bo Kearns also returns to the squad.
Michelle Agyemang keeps her place after a strong debut in April. The striker scored just 41 seconds into her first match, even though England lost 3-2 to Belgium. Agyemang was on loan at Brighton from Arsenal this season.
Some players did not make the list this time. Lucy Parker (Aston Villa), Millie Turner (Manchester United), and Maisie Symonds (Brighton) are not included.
England Prepares to Defend Their Title
England won the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2022. The team will begin their title defense on 5 July against France. With only seven weeks left, the coaching staff must carefully assess fitness and form before confirming the final squad.
Wiegman has expressed concern about the lack of match fitness for players like Hemp, Stanway and Greenwood. However, their experience and skill could be vital in the upcoming tournament.
Full England Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Mary Earps (Paris Saint-Germain)
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Khiara Keating (Manchester City)
Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defenders:
Millie Bright (Chelsea)
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
Jess Carter (Gotham FC)
Niamh Charles (Chelsea)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
Maya le Tissier (Manchester United)
Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit)
Ella Morris (Tottenham)
Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders:
Grace Clinton (Manchester United)
Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa)
Fran Kirby (Brighton)
Jess Park (Manchester City)
Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich)
Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards:
Michelle Agyemang (Brighton, on loan from Arsenal)
Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea)
Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, on loan from Manchester City)
Beth Mead (Arsenal)
Nikita Parris (Brighton)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
What’s Next?
England fans will be watching the upcoming Nations League matches closely. These games will not only test the returning players but also help finalize the Euro 2025 squad. If Hemp, Stanway, and Greenwood can stay fit, they are likely to be key players for England’s campaign in Switzerland.
