Calls for Grace Clinton to Start for England at Euro 2025 Intensify

Grace Clinton has scored three goals in five appearances for England. The demand for Grace Clinton to secure a place in England’s starting lineup for Euro 2025 is set to grow further following her latest strong performance in the team’s win against Switzerland. The Manchester United midfielder scored once more, marking her third goal in five appearances, as the Lionesses achieved a 1-0 triumph at Bramall Lane. This match concludes a phase of tactical experimentation by coach Sarina Wiegman, who is preparing the squad to defend their European title in Switzerland next summer. Wiegman has explored various formations and rotated players, providing her with numerous considerations, and Clinton’s potential inclusion is likely a significant one. Wiegman commented on Clinton’s performance, stating, “In the first half especially, she felt very comfortable and players close to her felt very comfortable – that was really good to see.” Wiegman also expressed a desire for Clinton to develop further: “What I would like to see more from her is that she sees the overall picture, even when the pace of the game is faster than it was tonight.” She added, “You can tell she is on the way and is improving. Hopefully she keeps showing that and also [shows it] with her club.” Clinton registered her impact in Sheffield within eight minutes, scoring the decisive goal by reacting fastest after Millie Turner’s header struck the post and rebounded. This marked Clinton’s second start and second goal during this four-game friendly series, following her notable performance in a 2-1 victory against South Africa in October. The 21-year-old has experienced a swift ascent, having completed two successful loan periods at Bristol City and Tottenham, prior to rejoining United in the summer and establishing herself as a crucial player under manager Marc Skinner. Last month, former England striker Ellen White commented that Clinton “should” feature in the starting XI more frequently, but emphasized that the subsequent challenge involves her playing against elite opponents. Clinton was not included in the squad for the goalless draw against the USA on Saturday, nor for the defeat by Germany in October, both held at Wembley Stadium. White stated to BBC Radio 5 Live, “She needs to be put against top midfield players.” She further elaborated, “I’m not saying domestically she doesn’t play against top players, but internationally [she needs] to be in among it at Wembley.” White continued, “We saw a lot from her [against South Africa]. What I like is she has got a completely different profile to what we have seen in a midfielder for many years.” Describing Clinton’s attributes, White added, “She is strong, she is powerful, she can go box-to-box. She is technical, she holds the ball up, she does very simple passes, she does really good long passes.” White concluded by asserting, “She has a good profile that I think we are missing in the middle for England. She is really knocking on Sarina’s door to say ‘start me’.” Although Clinton has not yet been evaluated in the most significant matches, she has performed effectively under Wiegman. Former midfielder Karen Carney remarked that Clinton is “really starting to take hold” of her place within the squad. Additionally, former striker Ian Wright commented, “Grace Clinton is more than ready for this level. I would like to see her play more.” Wiegman has faced past criticism regarding her team selections, frequently favoring seasoned players and established starting lineups. However, for the win against Switzerland, she implemented 10 changes, granting senior debuts to Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown, alongside first starts for Millie Turner and Aggie Beever-Jones. During her post-match press conference, when questioned about individual performances, Wiegman sought to avoid highlighting specific players, instead choosing to commend Jess Park after being asked about Clinton’s showing. Wiegman further stated, “I think [Clinton’s] improving well.” She continued, “She had to do a couple of things too. She had a good game, she’s had more good games.” Wiegman identified the next phase for Clinton: “The next step is to get into the squad more often and get consistency. I was really happy with her. You can really see that she’s developing.” She concluded by adding, “But I also thought Jess Park made a difference today.” In November, Manchester United manager Skinner expressed confidence that Clinton would “put herself in the best possible position” for consistent England selection, yet he advised against accelerating her international progression. The squad faces significant competition for positions, with established starters Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway being central figures in Wiegman’s lineup. Additionally, Jess Park and the currently injured midfielder Ella Toone present robust options for the number 10 role. Mace, from Leicester, also appeared comfortable in a holding midfield position against Switzerland, further expanding Wiegman’s tactical choices. Skinner remarked in November, “You know what we’re like in England, we recognise talent, put it on a pedestal and then say, ‘off you go’, and we try shoot it down.” He elaborated on Clinton’s approach, stating, “[Clinton] plays the game with enjoyment and that’s my job, to keep Grace in that space. When she’s in that space, she will do all she can to be selected by England.” England’s opponents for the Euro 2025 group stage will be determined during the draw scheduled for 16 December in Switzerland. Prior to Euro 2025, the team is set to compete in another Women’s Nations League campaign, where they are drawn against world champions Spain, along with Belgium and Portugal. Former England captain Steph Houghton commented, “When you are in these competitions and playing every three or four days, physicality is a big thing.” She described Clinton’s attributes, stating, “What I see from Grace Clinton is that ability to get back, defend and be a presence in the box. Now, she is adding goals to her game.” Houghton emphasized the importance of future opportunities for Clinton: “She hasn’t had experience but over these next six months it is so crucial that Sarina gives her that opportunity to nail down that position.”