England were once a team always within touching distance of silverware but never quite able to get over the line.
Think back to their remarkable World Cup run in 2019, where they reached the semi-finals only to fall painfully short against the United States. That changed when Sarina Wiegman took charge in September 2021, less than a year before the rescheduled European Championship.
It was in that tournament that the Lionesses truly established themselves among the world elite, storming to glory on home soil. They edged past Spain in the quarter-finals, dismantled Sweden 4-0 in the semis, and then clinched a historic extra-time victory over Germany in the final.
That team, now immortalised, carried their momentum forward, extending their unbeaten run to 30 games before a shock defeat to Australia in a pre-World Cup friendly in 2023. Despite some signs of vulnerability, England made it all the way to the World Cup final and came within touching distance of lifting footballs biggest prize.
But it was Spain who had the final say, winning 1-0 in Sydney and firmly announcing themselves as the new dominant force in Europe. Since that moment, the power dynamic has shifted.
Spain went on to win the inaugural UEFA Nations League last year, while Barcelona's dominance at club level has only reinforced the country's overall status at the top. England, on the other hand, have struggled to maintain their edge.
Wiegman's side failed to progress from their Nations League group stage, missing out on Olympic qualification as a result. Their Euro 2025 qualification campaign was far from smooth, finishing second behind France enough to book their place in Switzerland next summer, but hardly the dominant statement they would have wanted to make as reigning champions.
The truth is, England have looked vulnerable since the World Cup. Perhaps their dip in form began even earlier, masked by that surprisingly deep run in Australia.
The recent 4-3 defeat to Germany at Wembley in October was a glaring example of their struggles. Defensive frailties saw them fall 3-0 behind inside 30 minutes, and although Georgia Stanway's quickfire brace restored some hope, England never truly looked like winning the game.
A 0-0 draw followed with the United States in Novemberand showed defensive improvements, but it was Emma Hayes' Olympic champions that looked more capable of edging a result. To make matters more complicated, Wiegman has major selection dilemmas to solve ahead of the Euros.
The goalkeeping situation remains uncertain, with Mary Earps not the same force she was. Alex Greenwood's recovery timeline from long-term injury leaves a question mark in central defence. In midfield, Georgia Stanway is also a huge doubt for the tournament after undergoing surgery on a lateral collateral ligament injury, leaving a major hole in the engine room.
The attack also looks less formidable than it once did too. Ellen White retired after the last Euros, Beth Mead is still working her way back to peak form after her ACL injury, having also suffered huge personal trauma since 2022, and England lack depth in the number nine role.
Alessia Russo remains the focal point, but beyond her, options are limited. Rachel Daly has retired from international football, Bethany England has never quite nailed down a place, and Wiegman appears hesitant to trust young talent like Chelseas Aggie Beever-Jones on the biggest stage. The reliance on emerging stars like Grace Clinton and Jess Park to make an impact much like Russo and Ella Toone did in 2022 is a gamble rather than a certainty.
Meanwhile, Spain's own inconsistency at the Olympics last summer and unconvincing results in recent international breaks suggest they are not untouchable either. This summer's Euros could be the most competitive yet, with Germany, France, the Netherlands and Sweden all eyeing the crown.
But the fact remains England are no longer the team to fear. The gap that was briefly there has closed, and the aura of invincibility they once had under Wiegman has faded.
That is why the upcoming Nations League fixtures are so crucial. With Portugal and Spain on the immediate horizon this month, England have the perfect opportunity to remind their rivals why they were once seen as the dominant force.
Strong results could be the boost they need ahead of the Euros, turning doubt into belief. Otherwise, they risk heading into the summer as just another contender rather than the team to beat.
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