Is 2025 the year for women’s sport?

2025 is set to be a defining moment for women’s sport in England, with three major tournaments showcasing the nation’s talent on the international stage. Whether this year sees iconic wins or heartbreaking defeats; the Lionesses, the Red Roses and the Women’s Cricket team are set to represent their country and inspire women and girls everywhere.

England’s historical UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 win, the country’s first senior major competition win since 1966, marked a turning point for women’s sport. Three years later, the Lionesses return to defend their title at the 2025 Euros in Switzerland this July. Both England and Wales have been drawn into the same group, with Wales making their international tournament debut after a playoff win against the Republic of Ireland.

Wiegman’s Lionesses have reached consecutive finals in major competitions and are aiming for back-to-back Euros triumphs

Since the 2022 win, there have been significant changes to Sarina Wiegman’s squad. Both Jill Scott and Ellen White have retired, and Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly announced her retirement from international football last year. Injuries remain a concern too, with key players Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood both recovering from knee surgeries they underwent at the end of last year. Yet, these absences have paved the way for rising stars like Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, and Jess Park to make their mark. Additionally, England captain Leah Williamson and the 2022 Euros star player, Beth Mead, have returned from ACL injuries which prevented them from competing at the 2023 World Cup. They are hoping to be match fit for the summer.

Wiegman’s Lionesses have reached consecutive finals in major competitions and are aiming for back-to-back Euros triumphs. Beyond silverware, the legacy of their historical 2022 win continues to resonate: more than 120,000 girls across the country have taken up football in schools. In 2025, the Lionesses will not only hope to bring the trophy home, but they’ll also want to inspire more girls to get involved with sport.

Meanwhile, England’s Women’s Rugby team, the Red Roses, are looking to right a wrong at the 2025 Rugby World Cup this August. After losing the final in 2022 to New Zealand, their only loss in the last 51 games, the team will be seeking redemption. Now, they are under the leadership of former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, the team is hungry for what would be their seventh victory.

This is the second major women’s sporting tournament being held in England in the last 3 years; as the Lionesses did in 2022, the Red Roses will be hoping to win on home soil at the final which is to be hosted at the historic Twickenham.

Another team looking for retribution for a lost final is the England Women’s Cricket team. Australia dashed England’s hope of back-to-back victories in 2022. This year, the team heads to India for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in the autumn. Matches are played as One Day Internationals (ODIs) over 50 overs per team. Qualification for the competition is through the Championship. Australia, India, South Africa and Sri Lanka have already secured their spot; leaving teams such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies still battling for qualification.

The year ahead offers a golden opportunity for England’s women’s teams to cement their legacies. Whether it’s the Lionesses defending their European title, or the Red Roses seeking redemption on home turf, the stakes have never been higher. Beyond the competitions, this year will undoubtedly inspire young girls across the country to become the next generation of sporting heroes.