While much of the spotlight ahead of Euro 2025 was on the Lionesses’ seven tournament debutants, several of England’s most seasoned players are among those delivering standout performances. It’s these footballers who are leading their younger teammates whilst scoring goals, earning player of the match trophies and reaching milestones.
As the Lionesses prepare for their semi-final showdown, get to know Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, and Keira Walsh, three of the most seasoned players in the England squad.
Lucy Bronze
On Thursday, it was England’s oldest, and most experienced player who scored the penalty that sent the Lionesses through to the 2025 Euro semi-final. That player is, of course, Lucy Bronze.
In this quarter-final match, Bronze sported the captain’s armband after Williamson exited the pitch. With this armband on her wrist, she was seen bandaging her own leg – a moment captured on video that has since gone viral across social media.
Bronze is the only non-retired Lioness to be in the top ten list of England women’s record appearances. The defender sits at number five after earning over 135 caps and having played at 7 major tournaments.
So far, Bronze has started all four of the Lionesses’ matches and has played a total of 371 minutes. She has been a rock at right-back throughout the early stages of the tournament. As Hannah Hampton said during the ‘That Lionesses Podcast’:
“I don’t think there’s gonna be another Lucy Bronze.”
Alex Greenwood
Alex Greenwood made her 100th appearance for England during the side’s opening match against France. Despite their loss, the team were keen to celebrate Greenwood’s exceptional achievement. In the training session after this game, the defender’s partner appeared to gift her a golden cap to mark the occasion.
Greenwood has been playing for the Lionesses since 2014 and, like Bronze, has started every match of the 2025 Euros so far. At this summer’s tournament, Greenwood stands as one of England’s most seasoned players. This is a stark contrast to the 2015 World Cup where she was the youngest player in the England squad.
Now, as a more experienced baller, Greenwood is known for her leadership and set-piece knowledge. She often steps up to take corners and free kicks and can be seen organising the back line.
Keira Walsh
Many have labelled Keira Walsh as England’s anchor in midfield. Her crucial role is highlighted by the fact that she captained England in 2018 with only seven senior caps to her name.
Despite being a key figure in the Lionesses’ starting eleven, Keira Walsh often operates under the radar. Her intelligent positioning and crucial interceptions can be easy to miss during a match. But watch her closely, and the game comes into focus — her vision cuts through defences, and her pinpoint passing sets the tempo, quietly dictating the flow of play.
After England’s group stage match against Wales, Walsh was named Player of the Match. When asked about Walsh gaining the accolade, her fellow midfielder, Ella Toone said:
“Keira should be player of the match every game to be honest”.
This recognition from her teammate says it all.
As the Lionesses chase Euro 2025 glory, it’s the calm authority and relentless quality of players like Bronze, Greenwood, and Walsh that continue to shape England’s path, guiding the next generation while making history of their own.
