Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses face Spain in the European Championships final, as three Manchester United players could feature in a repeat of the World Cup final two years ago
Manchester United’s women’s team secured a third-place finish in the WSL last season, attracting the attention of England manager Sarina Wiegman ahead of the Lionesses’ 2025 European Championship campaign.
Maya Le Tissier, Grace Clinton, and Ella Toone are the chosen few to represent the country on an international stage, as England look to retain the European Championships after their win in 2022.
The Lionesses narrowly edged out Italy in a thrilling semi-final on Tuesday, as saviour Chloe Kelly followed up an initially saved penalty to go ahead for the first time in the tie in the 119th minute.
Toone started and finished the full 120 minutes, while Clinton replaced Chelsea’s Keira Walsh in extra time: an important impact on the game by United’s proud pair.
Toone Stars in a Superb Team Performance
Becoming an England starter is not an easy feat, but Manchester-born Toone is making it look like child’s play after scoring eight goals and registering four assists for United last season.
“We are England, we fight till the very end,” the 25-year-old said in a post-match interview after the game on Tuesday, after her stellar performance saw England through to the final.
She epitomises her Manchester roots throughout her playing career, starting at Manchester City before making a controversial move to an emerging United women’s side as the club was reformed under Casey Stoney’s management.
Now playing the best football of her career, the Tyldesley-born girl has the chance to add another European Championship to her accolades, after a devastating loss to Spain in the World Cup final in 2023. Toone will be hoping for redemption.
Clinton set to impact off the bench
On her debut season for the Reds, Clinton played a crucial part in securing European qualification as United finished the season in third, subsequently earning her a place in the 2025 England set-up.
Wiegman has opted to use her as an impact sub, as the experienced pair of Walsh and Stanway currently hold a place in the starting eleven as England’s midfield duo, but her effect on the game is not to be underestimated.
Read More: Nine Manchester United Women players to look out for at EURO 2025, including “impressive” young star
Despite not playing yet this Euros, Le Tissier follows suit, playing 22 times as a centre back for the Reds alongside Millie Turner in the heart of defence.
Though it’s disappointing not to see her feature yet this tournament, captain Williamson and rotated Jess Carter and Esme Morgan have hardly put a foot wrong yet, leaving Le Tissier with no chances so far.
Former right back Ona Battle could also feature on Sunday evening, playing on the right-hand side of the Spanish defence after impressing for Barcelona this season.
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