England face immediate scrutiny at the European Championships following a slow start to their title defence campaign.

The absence of three prominent heroes from the triumphant 2022 squad – a group instrumental in lifting the trophy just three years ago – casts a shadow over their initial Euros appearances, creating a palpable sense of pressure among the home supporters and the team management alike. While the focus is now firmly on the current squad's ability to deliver, the echoes of past glories inevitably contribute to both the expectations and the anxieties surrounding their performance. Fans who reveled in the stadiums during England's victory in the last major tournament have keen eyes as they follow the current campaign. The identification of missing key players like Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, and Chloe Kelly moments after games signals a stark contrast. These individuals were not just members of the winning team in Paris; they were central figures celebrated for their skill and determination during that glorious period. Their exclusion in the early stages of this defence feels particularly sharp for supporters who remain emotionally invested in the journey.

Recalling the triumph in 2022 is crucial to understanding the current narrative. Under manager Sarri, the Lionesses showcased a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity that captivated a nation. Players like Williamson, Mead, and Chloe Kelly were key components in that championship-winning puzzle, contributing vital goals, assists, and defensive contributions. Their victory marked a pinnacle moment for English football, bringing immense pride and joy to the nation. Three years later, as the Euro 2022 winners embark on their defence, the standard set remains extraordinarily high.

The initial lack of inclusion for Williamson, Mead, and Kelly suggests a strategic shift or a squad restructuring by the current England coaching staff. While the reasons are not elaborated here, whether due to form, tactical choices, competition balancing, or management decisions, their absence is notable. They were part of the Arsenal squad that also ended Barcelona's dominance in European club football, demonstrating versatility and high performance across different formats. Their inclusion seemed almost certain given their form and status.

Now, England look set to navigate the challenging group stage fixtures against Switzerland, Portugal, and Spain. The critical context is whether this youthful or reshuffled combination can replicate the momentum and result-oriented approach seen three years ago. The difficulty is compounded by the fact that these early fixtures are played on home soil, adding national expectation and television pressure. The team must respond effectively to prove that Euro 2022 was not an anomaly.

The feeling is one of 'pressure on'. Not just the on-field pressure to start winning matches but also the immense weight of expectation from a nation primed for success, and perhaps nervousness about a team sensing they were on the ascent but perhaps not quite at the same level shown three years prior. Can this version of the Lionesses blend the current squad's capabilities with the remembered brilliance of their predecessors? The answer begins unfolding on these opening European Championship stages. Every match holds the potential to either set the narrative or fall far short of the heroics they are expected to emulate. The pressure is very much now upon them.