Despite a disappointing draw against Portugal, Sarina Wiegman's side bounced back to beat Spain in a statement of intent ahead of the summer
England's opening camp of 2025 was certainly up and down. After a fast start in Portugal on Friday, the Lionesses faded in the second half and conceded a predictable equaliser in a game that left many questioning Sarina Wiegman's in-game management. Fast-forward five days, though, and the mood changed dramatically, after a 1-0 win over world champions Spain with what was arguably England's best performance since the 2023 Women's World Cup.
It felt like a timely reminder of what the Lionesses are capable of, with little over four months to go until their European Championship defence begins in Switzerland this summer. It also served as proof that, despite being many people's favourite to win that title, Spain are not unbeatable either, and this victory will give England huge belief should they meet again come this summer.
But that result also shouldn't gloss over what happened on Friday. Yes, the Lionesses are capable of these big highs, but it is unlikely that they will produce their best performances in every game at the Euros. They need to be able to win and win again when that top level isn't there, as it wasn't for the second half in Portugal. Doing that will surely be the focus over the next few months.
Moreover, it's easy to forget these games aren't friendlies. This was the start of England's Nations League campaign, too, and to get four points from these opening two games, which puts them second in the group, only behind Portugal because Francisco Neto's side got an away win this week as opposed to the Lionesses' home one, was positive in a competition that will also impact seeding for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from England's first camp of 2025…
Getty ImagesWINNER: Lauren James
It had been some 10 months since Lauren James had last played for England, but she certainly made her mark on her long-awaited return this past week. While the result in Portugal was not one the Lionesses will have been happy with, James showed some really nice glimpses, the kind of which she built upon at Wembley against Spain.
Throughout an intriguing first half, the Chelsea star continued to be the Lionesses' best attacking outlet and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, particularly in the second half when Cata Coll somehow scrambled her rasping effort off the line.
But it was James' defensive work, her relentless graft and desire to the very end, which surprised and impressed, with Wiegman herself noting as much. "I think the biggest step she takes is that in defence, she's working so hard and she's doing so well. That's a massive, massive improvement. I'm proud that she's doing that," the England boss said.
That has not always been a prominent feature in James' game, and for it to become one would be a huge asset to club and country.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Beth Mead
It's been a tough few weeks for Beth Mead, who has struggled with a calf strain that ultimately forced her to withdraw from this England camp shortly after the squad met up. In isolation, that is a blow for the Arsenal winger, but that's the case even more so given the competition that stands between her and a place in the Lionesses' starting XI at this summer's Euros.
When Lauren Hemp is back fit, unless there are setbacks or a significant drop in form, one would expect her to nail down the role on the left of England's attack. If James can then stay injury-free, which has been an issue for her this season, and continues to produce performances like those she has lately, it'd be a shock if there isn't a place for her in the XI, which could come in the No.10 role, but feels more likely to be on the right.
And that's before getting into the other options that are at Wiegman's disposal out wide and are placing greater emphasis on Mead to get back on the pitch and make a statement of her own.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Jess Park
Another of those names in the mix to start out wide for England this summer is Jess Park, after Wiegman opted to deploy her on the right for both of these games this past week. Usually a central midfielder for Manchester City, Park has long been tangled up in the battle to be the Lionesses' No.10, along with the likes of Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Fran Kirby, Laura Blindkilde Brown and, at times, James. But her versatility could well increase her chances of playing a more prominent role at the Euros.
While England have a lot of names that can fill the wide roles, the availability of those players has not been consistent or reliable in the last year. For Park to emerge as a valuable option is a boost to the numbers then, first and foremost, especially as quite a different option to the others. But with the delicate touches she takes, the confidence she plays with and how much she has impressed Wiegman over the last few months, she could well be more than that.
"What we tried to do in possession, we gave Jess the freedom to come inside to play also a bit like a 10. She's very agile, she's really quick and tight on the ball," Wiegman said after Park netted the winners against Spain. "She had to defend, too. Defensively, that's a little different when you play on the sides, and sometimes you go really deep, closer to Lucy Bronze. She can bring that too. It's really nice for the team when we can make different decisions with different players who can bring different things."
Getty ImagesLOSER: Jess Carter
When England last played at Wembley, in a goalless draw with the United States in November, Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood's fluid switching of the roles of centre-back and left-back grabbed the eye in particular, and potentially offered a solution to a lack of options in the latter position.
However, with the adaptable Niamh Charles returning, and thus assuming the left-back spot she has often occupied for England and Chelsea, and Greenwood ruled out for the foreseeable future after having knee surgery in December, Wiegman went for the more orthodox back four of Bronze, Leah Williamson, Millie Bright and Charles in both of these matches. Against Spain, that back four was immense, especially Bright, who seemed to be like a magnet to the ball when England were under pressure late on.
That's great for the Lionesses, but not so much for Carter's chances of getting a look-in. She was fantastic at the World Cup in 2023, albeit in a back three that has become somewhat redundant since. Now, the Euros-winning duo of Williamson and Bright seems to be the preferred partnership for Wiegman again as the tournament comes around again this summer.