England Lionesses Euro 2025: 3 Winners and 2 Losers from the 7-0 Jamaica Rout

The **England Lionesses’ Euro 2025** preparations concluded in emphatic style, with a dominant 7-0 thrashing of Jamaica serving as the final send-off before the team heads to Switzerland. While a scoreline of this magnitude against a team ranked 35 places lower might seem like a simple confidence-booster, the match was a crucial final audition for several players. For manager Sarina Wiegman, this was the last opportunity to assess her options and settle the fierce positional battles that have defined the squad’s build-up. With the monumental group-stage opener against France looming, every performance was under the microscope.

The result provided clarity in some areas and reinforced the tough decisions that lie ahead. While some players cemented their places in the starting XI, others may have seen their chances diminish, highlighting the incredible depth at Wiegman’s disposal. As the dust settles on this final friendly, we break down the key winners and losers who have emerged just before the title defence begins.

## Wiegman’s Key Decisions for the England Lionesses Euro 2025 Squad

For months, the core of Sarina Wiegman’s team has felt secure. The spine, featuring captain Leah Williamson and Alex Greenwood at the back, Keira Walsh anchoring the midfield, and Alessia Russo leading the line, provides a formidable foundation. However, the Jamaica match was all about the question marks hanging over other key positions. The competition for starting berths has been intense, particularly at left-back, in the creative No.10 role, and across the wide attacking areas.

This friendly was designed to be the ultimate litmus test. Could Jess Carter prove she is the solution to the long-standing left-back issue over Niamh Charles? Would Ella Toone’s guile and experience give her the edge over the exciting talents of Jess Park and Grace Clinton in midfield? And with a wealth of world-class wingers, who would make the most compelling case to start alongside Lauren Hemp? The answers provided in the 7-0 victory have likely finalized Wiegman’s thinking for the critical opening match of the **England Lionesses’ Euro 2025** campaign.

### Winner: Lauren James

The biggest sigh of relief for England fans came from witnessing the seamless return of Lauren James. After nearly three months on the sidelines, concerns over her match fitness were understandable. However, the Chelsea star instantly dispelled any doubts, looking sharp, dangerous, and hungry from the first whistle. While not getting on the scoresheet herself, her influence was undeniable. James’s unique ability to drift inside, take on defenders, and create space for others was on full display. Her vision and technical quality elevate England’s attack to another level, and her confident performance confirmed she is not just fit, but ready to be a difference-maker. The **Lauren James return** is arguably the single biggest boost Wiegman could have hoped for, transforming her from a question mark into an exclamation point in the starting lineup.

### Winner: Ella Toone

The battle for the No. 10 position has been one of the most intriguing subplots. In Ella Toone, England has a proven performer who was instrumental in the Euro 2022 triumph. Her performance against Jamaica was a powerful reminder of her class. She was sharp in her movement, intelligent with her passing, and capped her display with a well-taken goal. In a game where England needed to break down a deep-lying defence, Toone’s ability to find pockets of space and link up with Russo and the wingers was crucial. While Grace Clinton and Jess Park represent the future, Toone’s display was a statement of intent for the present, likely securing her the starting role for the high-pressure environment of the tournament opener.

### Winner: Jess Carter

The left-back position has been a persistent puzzle for Wiegman. Against Jamaica, Jess Carter delivered a performance that offered a definitive solution. Defensively sound and composed, she provided the stability required in the backline. More importantly, she demonstrated a growing confidence in her attacking contributions, overlapping effectively and delivering quality into the box. Her disciplined and well-rounded display puts her firmly ahead of Niamh Charles in the pecking order. Against a potent French attack, having a reliable and defensively-minded player like Carter will be invaluable, and she has almost certainly played her way into the starting XI. For all the latest on the squad, you can visit the official England Lionesses page.

### Loser: Chloe Kelly

It feels harsh to label a player of Chloe Kelly’s calibre—the hero of Wembley in 2022—a “loser,” but such is the brutal competition for places. With Lauren James returning in style and Lauren Hemp a guaranteed starter on the other flank, the opportunities for a starting spot on the wing have narrowed significantly. Beth Mead also offers a potent goal threat and experience. Kelly remains a world-class player and an incredible asset, but her role for the **England Lionesses’ Euro 2025** tournament may have shifted from starter to “super-sub.” Her pace and directness will be a terrifying weapon for Wiegman to unleash against tired defences in the final 30 minutes of games, but her path to the starting XI now looks incredibly challenging.

### Loser: The Fringe Contenders

With the likes of James, Toone, and Carter solidifying their starting credentials, the door has unfortunately closed for several other talented players hoping to make a late push. The impressive form of the starters means that players like Niamh Charles, Jess Park, and Aggie Beever-Jones are now likely resigned to impact roles from the bench, if that. While this depth is a fantastic problem for Wiegman to have, it’s a tough reality for those on the fringes who have performed well for their clubs. Their challenge now is to stay sharp and be ready to seize any opportunity that comes their way, as their chances to impress ahead of the tournament have now run out. The squad looks settled, and Wiegman’s focus now turns entirely to the challenge posed by France. Stay tuned for more news as the tournament approaches.