Wiegman names Lionesses squad for October friendlies as Millie Bright bows out and new faces step in

St George’s park saw the Lionesses squad return for the first time since their summer success at the Euros on Monday, as Sarina Wiegman announced her 25 players last week.

The squad brings some expected names such as respected veterans Keira Walsh and Alex Greenwood, as well as number 1 goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Old favourite Lucy Bronze is also in the squad, despite only playing less than 40 minutes for Chelsea this season, after her famous broken tibia (that she revealed she had been playing on throughout the whole of the Euros).

Wingers Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly also return after the Euros, with notable absences from Lauren Hemp and Lauren James, who miss out with ankle injuries, and captain Leah Williamson, with a swelling in her right knee picked up in the Euros final. Selected in the squad was also Grace Clinton, but had to withdraw whilst still in rehab for a minor injury and Katie Reid, who received her first senior call-up, but had to pull out due to a similar small knock.

Another surprising call up was full back Taylor Hinds. At 26 years old, she appears in the Lionesses squad for the first time

With both players absent, Weigman instead turned to Liverpool captain Grace Fisk, who looks to make her England debut, and will add a defensive option, much like Reid could have.

Also granted their first Lionesses senior call-ups are Lucia Kendall and Taylor Hinds. Kendall, at 21 years old signed for Aston Villa in the summer, with many topflight clubs were vying for her, after her previous 5 years with WSL2 side Southampton. As a very versatile player, she has previously played full back and winger, but Weigman was clear on her role in the Lionesses squad. “At the moment, I see her as a midfielder,” explained Wiegman. “I think she has performed really well for Aston Villa, and I really want to see her there.”

Another surprising call up was full back Taylor Hinds, who made a move to Arsenal in the summer, after a 5 year stint with Liverpool. At 26 years old, whilst she appears in the Lionesses squad for the first time, this isn’t her first senior call up. In October 2024, she made her international debut for Jamaica, in a friendly against France, but as she has not made a competitive appearance, she is still eligible for England selection. Sarina Weigman spoke on this, stating, “We have been following Taylor for a long time. Of course, she has gone through the pathway. She has a dual heritage, so she’s eligible for us. I had the conversation with her, and she wanted to come in. She feels really close to England which she had also with Jamaica.”

With Millie Bright calling time on her England career, newcomers such as Grace Fisk, Taylor Hinds and Lucia Kendall will hope to be just as successful

Rounding off the Lionesses’ squad news was the announcement of Millie Bright’s retirement from international football. The Chelsea centre half gained a total of 88 caps for England, and captained them to a World Cup final in 2023, as well as being a part of the 2022 Euro’s winning squad. In her farewell message, she explained, “The reality of the last decade wearing the Three Lions has surpassed even my wildest dreams. It’s been beyond special for me and I wish it could last forever. However, in football all good things must come to an end and with that I have decided to retire from international football.”

Expressing her love for the team and supporters, she stated, “To all my teammates, coaches, staff, friends, family and of course the fans, thank you. Your belief and support have meant the world to me and is something I’ll forever cherish.”

With Millie Bright calling time on her England career, newcomers such as Grace Fisk, Taylor Hinds and Lucia Kendall will hope to have just as successful international journeys of their own, which they will be hoping make a kickstart over the coming week’s friendlies against Brazil and Australia.