With a month to go until the Women's Euros in Switzerland, the England manager has announced her 23-player squad.
The last international break show announced a 26-player squad, but since then, Fran Kirby has been confirmed not to be in the travelling squad and has subsequently retired from international football.Mary Earps retired immediately from the Lioness, with rumours that she is no longer Sarina Wiegman's number one goalkeeper, which is now Hannah Hampton.
Millie Bright has ruled herself out of contention for the squad due to burnout after a long season with Chelsea. This was her first full playing season as captain, as last year, she was sidelined with injury.
This means the three possible players Sarina needed to cut have been cut, but Lotte Wubben-Moy came in for Millie Bright in the most recent camp, though the manager does not prefer her.
Also, there is a hope that Lauren James could be back or nearly close to being back with a chance to play later in the competition if England makes it that far.
The goalkeeper situation is dire the two reserve keeper Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating have no minutes for England with only one game before the euros a friendly against Jamaica for that to occur as a backup for Hampton if the worst happens and she cannot play.
Ellie Roebuck who has only played twice this season for Barcelona and not in fitness is the only other option as she has played in goal for country but not for a few years.
Just over a week ago you could have said England had one of the most experience and best squads on par with Spain their current rivals and arch nemesis however with three players with 218 caps for country no longer available with the vice captains and captain at the World Cup in 2023 no longer an option there’s much speculation and concern that England will not make it very far in this competition.
While we move on to more exciting news Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway are back though there minutes are currently being managed it is looking very likely they will be on the plane to the Euros next month which will be a massive boost for the side who has dearly missed their creativity and play over the last few camps. However the team need to manage their minutes to reduce any re-injury and so are unlikely to play a full 90 minutes.
Opinions in coming, Lauren James should be in the squad there time for her fitness to improve and she will do anything to be in that plane.
Mary Earps retirement was suspect at least, I do believe even if she was no longer number one it would have been helpful for the changing of the guard if Hannah Hampton had the wisdom and guidance of the Euros winning goalkeeper. She would have had a great presence in the dressing room and helped the younger generation in their growth in the game at a major tournament.
Fran Kirby the “mini messi” of the lioness decided to move forward in her retirement which was originally going to be after the Euros but she was made aware she would not be in the squad. Another long servant for the country has left. It is a sad reality that with new players coming in, older ones have to leave to make space. This is the reality of football though it's hard.
Millie Bright has decided to step away this summer for international duty to recover from burnout and the stresses of football and social media. She has had a complex, lengthy and intense season for the club. She has always openly spoken about her ongoing battle and challenges with mental health. Chelsea and England have openly said they are fully behind her decision and are with her throughout her journey to return to 100%. Rachel Daly, her bestie, said: “Couldn’t be more proud of you through EVERYTHING, my girl xx.” Others sent their love and praised her honesty and decision to be open about her struggles.
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