Emma Hayes backs England’s ‘great potential’ ahead of Euro 2025
Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has tipped England as one of the top contenders for Euro 2025, calling the Lionesses a team with “great potential” despite recent turbulence.
Now in charge of the US Women’s National Team, Hayes told ESPN’s Futbol W show she’ll be watching this summer’s tournament closely - not just as a rival watch for the 2027 World Cup, but as someone who still keeps a close eye on her native country.
"I know that England have an extremely competitive group. Maybe [they] lack that experience from the players that are not there, but they take huge experience in other areas, and [have] great potential."
A squad in transition
Hayes’ praise comes as Sarina Wiegman reshapes her squad just weeks out from England’s Euros title defence.
In the space of a few weeks, Mary Earps stunned fans by retiring from international football, Fran Kirby made the same call after learning she wouldn’t be selected, and Millie Bright opted out to prioritise her mental and physical health by withdrawing from the squad ahead of selection.
But Wiegman isn’t concerned by the outside noise. “My experience before [a tournament] is that there is always noise,” she told reporters earlier this month.”
“We expect noise until we go into the tournament. The difference between 2015 and 2017 to now is that the visibility of the women's game has increased so it seems like there is more noise.”
READ MORE: Women’s Euro 2025: Seven players to watch at the tournament
Tough group, tougher expectations
England will face France, the Netherlands, and Wales in a group that Hayes described as “extremely competitive.”
While some invaluable experience has been lost, the USWNT coach believes there’s enough quality in the ranks to mount a serious challenge.
“Coaches always have selection dilemmas,” Hayes added. “Sarina has made decisions to go with the players she had, which I always respect the decision of coaches.”
Keeping tabs on future rivals
As Hayes builds toward the 2027 World Cup with the US, Euro 2025 serves as a rare opportunity to analyse potential rivals.
With the European Nations League restricting international friendlies, she said it’s becoming increasingly difficult to organise matches against top UEFA nations.
"It's really, really difficult for us to face teams like England and Spain with the Nations League. It's really hard to calendarise these games, so I need to see them firsthand to be prepared for that,” Hayes explained.
The USWNT boss also singled out Spain, Germany, and France as major threats heading into the summer, calling Spain “one of the best teams in the world.”
But even with new faces in the England squad coupled with the absence of veterans, and doubters circling, Hayes clearly still believes the Lionesses are in the conversation.
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