Sarina Wiegman has named her 25-player squad for the opening two games in their qualifying group for the FIFA World Cup 2027. She chose a larger squad so they could bring a range of players at different fitness levels.
This will mark the first games of the year, a year which is pivotal for qualification to Brazil. “These are two very important fixtures,” Wiegman said. “We want to start our campaign off in the best possible way.” With a new year comes new objectives, Wigeman says. “We will need to be at a top level as we face two different challenges.”
Unfortunately, key players are absent due to injuries, including the likes of Nimah Charles, Ella Toone, and Beth Mead. “Of course you want them in the team,” Wiegman said. “That’s part of our football life, too. You just have to move on.” On squad fitness and congestion, she added: “There’s a little bit of a puzzle at the moment, but I’m confident that we’ll get a good team on the pitch. I don’t think you can point to a single factor. I think it’s the total picture.”
London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson earns her first senior call-up, while Hannah Hampton, Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood return after being absent from the November squad. At the same time, Lauren James and Leah Williamson return for the first time since the Euros final.
England will fly to Turkey to face Ukraine on the 3rd March due to the ongoing conflict in the country. They cannot play a home fixture ther. When speaking on those circumstances, the manager said, “It’s very sad and heartbreaking what Ukraine is experiencing. Hopefully football brings a bit together.” It has been more than 10 years since the two sides last met when goals from Eni Aluko and Casey Stoney sealed a 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier in Lviv in June 2014.
They will then face Iceland at home at the City Grounds in Nottingham. The first time the stadium has hosted a lioness game in 32 years. Which has only a few tickets left. The last meeting between the two teams was in 2009 in Colchester, where Iceland won 2-0.
The manager reflected: “ This is new opposition for this England team, so that’s exciting too. I am looking forward to being back with the squad and getting back to work.”
“As always, we’re grateful to the fans for their support. A big crowd in Nottingham in a historic stadium will be really special, but we can’t look too far ahead, and our full focus first will be on our opening fixture.”
Explaining the decision to play two matches in the international window, Sarina Wiegman said: “With the congested agenda and the amount of games the players play, we felt it was best to play two.”
Goalkeepers
Hannah Hampton of Chelsea returns to the England squad after injury, following a run of strong club performances. She is comfortable playing out from the back and decisive in one-v-one situations, which suits England’s possession-based approach. Sarina Wiegman said, “Hannah has worked very hard to come back. Her quality with the ball and her presence in goal are very important for us.”
Anna Moorhouse of Orlando Pride has been rewarded for her consistent form in the NWSL. She is commanding in the penalty area and vocal in her organisation, adding competition and experience to the goalkeeping group. Wiegman said, “Anna has shown consistency and leadership at the club level. It’s good to see her pushing.”
Ellie Roebuck of Aston Villa has returned to regular football and is regaining rhythm. She offers tournament experience and composure under pressure. Wiegman said, “It’s really good to see her back, happy, and available.”
Khiara Keating was not selected for this squad. Explaining the decision, Wiegman said: “I have big concerns about her playing minutes over this last season.”
Defenders
Lucy Bronze of Chelsea brings elite experience and a winning mentality. She provides attacking drive from full-back and leadership in high-pressure fixtures.
Jess Carter of Gotham FC offers versatility across the back line. She is strong in duels and tactically adaptable, drawing on her experience in the NWSL.
Grace Fisk of Liverpool has been a consistent performer in the WSL. She is dominant in the air and physically reliable, providing defensive security.
Alex Greenwood of Manchester City offers left-footed balance and elite distribution. She plays a key role in build-up play and is a threat from set pieces.
Taylor Hinds of Arsenal is a dynamic and forward-thinking full-back. She adds width, pace and energy on the flank.
Maya Le Tissier of Manchester United is an emerging leader within the club. She is composed, in possession and tactically intelligent.
Esme Morgan of Washington Spirit is adaptable and positionally aware. Her move abroad has added variety to her defensive game.
Lotte Wubben-Moy of Arsenal is a physically commanding centre-back who continues to improve her distribution and is strong in defensive transitions.
Poppy Pattinson of London City Lionesses has received her first senior call-up after consistent performances at club level. She is an attacking left-back who delivers quality from wide areas. Wiegman said: “She’s a left full-back, very proactive. In possession, she really wants to play forward.”
Leah Williamson of Arsenal returns from injury and brings composure, leadership and the ability to dictate tempo from deep. Wiegman said, “She really wants to be back. She does have a little bit of a lack of minutes, but that’s also one of the reasons why we go with a bigger squad.” She added, “Leah’s leadership and understanding of our game are very important. It’s great to have her back.”
Midfielders
Laura Blindkilde Brown of Manchester City is energetic and progressive in possession. She offers pressing intensity and dynamism in midfield.
Grace Clinton of Manchester City is a direct and powerful midfielder. She provides verticality and makes late runs into the penalty area.
Lucia Kendall of Aston Villa is technically composed and intelligent between the lines. She has been included for her creativity and positional awareness.
Georgia Stanway of Bayern Munich is a high-intensity midfielder with strong defensive output and Champions League experience. She brings balance and a goal threat.
Keira Walsh of Chelsea is England’s metronome, controlling the tempo through her elite passing range and tactical discipline. Wiegman said, “Keira gives us calmness and control. She connects the team.”
Forwards
Aggie Beever-Jones of Chelsea has been rewarded for her strong domestic form. She is an aggressive presser and a confident finisher.
Freya Godfrey of London City Lionesses is an emerging attacking talent. She is direct, fearless, and effective across a wide range of areas.
Lauren Hemp of Manchester City is a relentless wide threat. She uses her pace, pressing and delivery to stretch defences.
Lauren James of Chelsea is a creative focal point who can unlock compact defences through individual quality.
Chloe Kelly of Arsenal brings a big-game mentality. She provides quality crossing and experience in decisive moments.
Jess Park of Manchester United is a versatile attacker who finds pockets of space and contributes goals and assists.
Alessia Russo of Arsenal is a complete centre-forward with intelligent movement, strong link-up play, and a consistent scoring record. Wiegman said, “Alessia continues to show her quality. She works incredibly hard for the team.”
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