The Lionesses get their Euro 2025 campaign underway against France on Saturday (05.07.25) and the coach is determined to put up a strong defence of the trophy despite being drawn in a tricky group that also includes the Netherlands and Wales.

Wiegman told Sky Sports News: "We're here and want one thing but there are more countries that want that.

"It's not as easy as it is said. We know we have to be at our best but we also know the game has changed so much. There are so many competitors that can do well at this tournament.

"We have a hard group starting on Saturday against France and that will be a tough game."

England's build-up to the tournament in Switzerland has been rocked by the retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby - as well as Millie Bright's decision to withdraw from the squad - but the manager believes that such changes to the team were inevitable.

She said: "It feels like a new challenge. We're going into a tournament and that's a new situation anyway but the team has been in transition over the last year or two.

"In our world, things can change quickly. You always have to deal with injuries so you have to be ready for the next step. It's about which player can step up. What we try to do is select the best players in the country."

Wiegman is confident that her new-look team will be able to get fans watching on at home excited.

The Dutch coach said: "I'm really excited, I think we have so much talent in this team. The connections are really good on and off the pitch.

"We're getting really prepared and you see hard work but you also see players coming together off the pitch. When they have time off they do nice things together, that can make a difference too.

"Time flies but it's nice the time is flying so we can get to Saturday soon."