FORMER England forward Toni Duggan insists the Lionesses have to deal with the pressure that comes with being “under the spotlight” following success in recent years.

Preparations for Euro 2025 in Switzerland are already underway for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who are halfway through a series of four friendly matches — following a loss and victory to Germany and South Africa respectively, England face the United States and Switzerland at the end of the month.

Many expected the 2023 World Cup finalists to stroll past South Africa just days after their 4-3 defeat to Germany at Wembley but their 2-1 victory proved harder than first thought.

Reigning European champions England will be looking to defend their crown next summer and Duggan, who scored 22 times for England in 79 caps, thinks they are always under pressure.

She told the PA news agency: “It’s too early to say [whether they can win the 2025 Euros] because the standard has raised everywhere else.

“We’re used to the Lionesses being successful now, they are constantly under the spotlight.

“Any slip-up or when they’re not at 100 per cent, people will be asking questions. We’ve wanted the game to go in this direction so you have to take the pros and cons.

“People will criticise but also praise when you’re playing well. That’s just the beauty of football, people having opinions, but you have to get used to it.”