Sarina Wiegman has unveiled her 25-player England squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with the welcome returns of Leah Williamson and Lauren James providing a timely lift.
Both players are back in contention following spells on the sidelines and are set to feature against Ukraine and Iceland.
Notably, neither has represented the Lionesses since Euro 2025, so their inclusion signals a positive step forward as England shift gears toward qualification mode.
Elsewhere, momentum continues to build with the returns of goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and defenders Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood, all absent from November’s experimental selection.
Their experience adds balance to a squad blending recovery, rotation and readiness.
Meanwhile, a new chapter opens for Poppy Pattinson, as the London City Lionesses defender earns her first senior call-up.
It’s a deserved reward for consistent club form and underlines Wiegman’s willingness to widen the talent pool as the campaign gathers pace.
However, the build-up hasn’t been without its setbacks. Injuries have ruled out Arsenal trio Beth Mead, Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang, while Ella Toone, Niamh Charles and Missy Bo Kearns are also sidelined, thinning Wiegman’s options at a crucial stage.
In goal, Ellie Roebuck has been selected ahead of Khiara Keating. Wiegman cited “big concerns” over Keating’s lack of game time at Manchester City, confirming the young keeper will instead link up with the England U23s.
As the qualifiers approach, England’s squad tells a familiar story of resilience and renewal.
With key figures returning, fresh faces stepping up and challenges still to navigate, the Lionesses now look to turn selection into momentum on the pitch.
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