Sarina Wiegman unveils her latest Lionesses Squad

@sarina.wiegman

Wiegman names the latest Lioness squad.

England women's national football team head coach Sabrina Wiegman has announced her first Lionesses squad of 2026, for their upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland, blending tournament-winning experience with fresh opportunity.

The selection sees the return of key senior players while several high-profile names miss out through injury. Speaking at her press conference, Wiegman emphasised that performance and squad balance remain central to her decision-making

"We always look at performances first, what players bring to the team, how they fit into our style of play, and where they are physically," she explained. "We have many good players in England, so sometimes these are difficult decisions.

The 25-player squad.

Goalkeepers

• Hannah Hampton

• Anna Moorhouse

• Ellie Rebuck

  
  

Defenders

• Lucy Bronze

• Jess Carter

• Alex Greenwood

• Taylor Hinds

• Maya Le Tissier

• Esme Morgan

• Lotte Wubben-Moy

• Poppy Pattinson

• Leah Williamson

Pattinson earns her first senior call-up marking a significant moment in her career and underlining Wiegman's willingness to reward domestic form. Williamson's return adds leadership and composure.

Midfielders

• Keira Walsh

• Georgia Stanway

• Grace Clinton

• Laura Blindkilde-Brown

• Lucia Kendall

While Walsh remains pivotal in dictating tempo in midfield.

Forwards

• Aggie Beever-Jones

• Freya Godfrey

• Lauren Hemp

• Lauren James

• Chloe Kelly

• Jess Park

• Alessia Russo

James is another major boost, offering creativity and attacking unpredictability in a wide and central role.

Notable Absentees

• Beth Mead (injury)

• Ella Toone (injury)

• Niamh Charles (injury)

• Missy Bo Kearns (injury)

Their absence opens opportunities for others, particularly in attacking and midfield areas. Wiegman addressed the competitive nature of selection:

"That doesn't mean the door is closed. It just means at this moment we've chosen something different. We want competition in every position."

Core Experience Remains Central.

The spine of the squad remains familiar. Senior figures such as Leah Williamson, Keira Walsh and Lauren James continue to form the backbone of Wiegman plans.

Williamson's leadership at the back provides defensive stability, while Walsh remains pivotal in controlling the tempo in midfield. Meanwhile, James offers creativity and unpredictable in the final third, something Wiegman highlighted as "very important when teams defended deep against us."

Wiegman also stressed the importance of continuity:

"We want conceptions on the pitch. Many of these players have built strong relationships over time, and that understanding helps us in big moments."

Opportunities for Emerging Talent

Alongside the experienced core, Wiegman has continued to integrate younger players and those pushing for greater international involvement.

"This period is about looking at players in different situations. We need depth, and this is a good opportunity to see how some players step up."

This reflects Wiegman’s long-term planning ahead of major tournaments, ensuring completion for places remains high across all positions.

Balance of Continuity and competition

The squad reflects Wiegman's consistent philosophy, maintaining the spine of a successful side while gradually integrating emerging talent.

Experienced leaders such as Bronze and Greenwood provide defensive stability, while the attacking depth, led by Russo, Hemp and James, ensures England retain the ability to break down compact oppositions. As England prepares for crucial qualifying fixtures, this selection signals both stability and evolution.

Wiegman concluded:

"Every camp is important. We want to improve every time we come together"

With completion intensifying and places never guaranteed, the latest Lionesses squad reinforces one clear messenger, standards remain high and opportunity must be earned.