Sarina Wiegman prepares England for Euros against Belgium

In early April 2025, England's women's football team, affectionately known as the Lionesses, will engage in a double-header against Belgium as part of the Nations League. On April 3, England hosted Belgium in Bristol, with a follow-up match scheduled in Leuven for April 8. Sarina Wiegman, England's manager, emphasizes that these games are crucial for shaping the squad ahead of the European Women's Championship, taking place in Switzerland later in July. Wiegman expressed her aim of assessing player performance and establishing connections within the team, making the matches both competitive and vital for the upcoming tournament. In February 2025, the Lionesses saw a mix of performances, drawing against Portugal and securing a victory over Spain, who had previously defeated them in the final of the 2023 Women's World Cup. These recent games have provided Wiegman with insights into her squad's strengths and weaknesses as she prepares for the challenges of the Euros. The focus on facing Belgium, a familiar opponent, is to fine-tune strategies and gather more competitive experience before the major championship. The move to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup in the UK has been confirmed as the only valid bid, further underscoring the increasing prominence of women's football in the country. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the UK's bid positively, alluding to the success of previous tournaments, particularly the Euros. Wiegman shared her optimism regarding this development and its potential to inspire growth and support for women's football in England. With important games on the horizon, the Lionesses are not only looking to secure victories against Belgium but also to evaluate their player lineup and build team chemistry. The upcoming matches will help Wiegman decide which players are in form and ready for the heightened competition expected at the Euros, putting both herself and her squad in a position to defend their title successfully.