Ian Wright makes England Euro 2025 prediction after Nations League defeat to Spain

Ian Wright has highlighted the importance of savvy substitutions for England's prospects of bouncing back from their Nations League setback against Spain and successfully defending their European Championship title in Switzerland the following month.

Earlier in June, Sarina Wiegman's team were moments away from clinching a semi-final berth, up 1-0 against the world champions in Catalonia. Their lead was overturned when Claudia Pina stepped onto the pitch just shy of the 60-minute mark for Spain, netting two goals within a span of 10 minutes to thwart England and underscore the challenge they'll face in their bid to make amends for their 2023 World Cup final defeat.

With the defence of their Euro crown starting on July 5 versus France at Letzigrund, the Lionesses have been dealt blows with the withdrawal of Euro 2022 skipper Millie Bright from the roster, coupled with the retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby—a trio whose departures Wright fully supports.

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"It's sad to see Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Fran Kirby leave the squad at this stage," remarked Wright, who was reflecting on his role at an event in London celebrating the one-year anniversary of Barclays Free Park Tennis scheme, an initiative aimed at breaking down barriers for youth participation in grassroots sport through access to facilities and coaching.

"Obviously they've got their reasons and I'll back them whatever those reasons are because of the calibre of players they are and what they've brought to the women's game.

"But from a squad perspective, we're getting ready to play tournament football which we've been very successful in however we're playing."

England were outclassed by the reigning world champions despite Alessia Russo putting them ahead in the first half, reminiscent of Spain's dominant display in the World Cup final held in Sydney.

Spain controlled the game, dominating ball possession and restricting the Lionesses to a mere four attempts on target. It wasn't until Pina came off the bench in the second half that the world champions found their breakthrough.

"We weren't able to keep the ball and do well enough to fight off a Spanish side that are very ball-retentive and creative," admitted Wright. "That's going to tire you out at some stage.

"That's something they're going to have to deal with, especially the fact that Spain were able to bring on somebody like Claudia Pina who scored the winning goal.

"Substitutes are vitally important now. We do need Lauren James fit obviously, but then it's down to the team to know what they're doing. They do know how to play tournament football."

Wright also highlighted the significance of investing in grassroots sports for nurturing a new generation of Lionesses and talent in various other sports.

"When I was younger we didn't have anything like this (Free Park Tennis) what has been provided," he reflected. "I want to make sure that my voice is heard with anything to do with grassroots sport.

"This sort of initiative gives equipment, it give facilities whatever your ability. That is something that when I was younger was a pipe dream."