Wiegman names first England squad of 2026 for World Cup qualifiers

The Lionesses are returning to action for the first time in 2026, kicking off their World Cup qualifying campaign with two games. The first, away to Ukraine on the 3rd of March, then returning home to face Iceland at The City Ground on the 7th of March. Head Coach Sarina Wiegman has named her 25 player squad to take on these games. The Lionesses captain and Arsenal defender Leah Williamson makes her return to the squad for the first time since Euro 2025, after recovering from a knee injury sustained in the final against Spain. Chelsea forward Lauren James joins her in making her return, having also missed both camps since the Euros with injury, which will be a massive boost to Wiegman’s side.

Poppy Pattinson, London City Lionesses fullback, receives her first senior international call-up, having represented England through the youth age groups. Wiegman says she has been impressed with her performances at club, and that she is a player who is “very proactive across the whole wing” and “really wants to play forward”. Her club team-mate Freya Godfrey maintains her spot in the squad having been called up for the first time last camp, but remains uncapped, and could make her debut in these upcoming games. Another one to watch is Grace Fisk, Liverpool Captain and centre back, who has been a part of the two previous squads, but is also yet to see the pitch. Could these games finally see her get the chance to represent England?

Midfield veterans Stanway and Walsh unsurprisingly retain their spots

Wiegman is littered with a wealth of defensive options, calling up Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier, stalwart Lucy Bronze, and Arsenal full-back Taylor Hinds, who initially appeared a doubt after missing the last few weeks with an ankle injury, but has seemingly recovered in time to make the squad. Midfield veterans Stanway and Walsh unsurprisingly retain their spots, with younger players Clinton, Blindkilde-Brown and Kendall, who scored her first goal for England back in December, take up the remaining spaces.

Chloe Kelly slots into the forward line after returning from an injury sustained against Ghana back in December, joined by her Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo, and winger Jess Park, who has been a revelation since joining Manchester United in the summer. As for goalkeepers, undisputed number one Hannah Hampton returns after a short injury spell, Anna Moorhouse retains her place and Ellie Roebuck returns to the squad as Khiara Keating drops out, with Wiegman citing concern over her lack of playing time at Manchester City.

Despite some major absentees, the return of several key players to an already talented squad will be a massive boost

Notable absences are Arsenal’s Beth Mead, who is out with a hairline fracture in her shin, Ella Toone with a hip injury and Michelle Agyemang who is out for the season after suffering a ruptured ACL back in October. Wiegman expressed disappointment that she will not be able to call up these players, and hopes they “get fit soon” to bolster England’s options. With a blend of youth and experience, Wiegman will be hoping that this team can deliver 2 wins out of 2 to start the road to the 2027 World Cup off strongly. Despite some major absentees, the return of several key players to an already talented squad will be a massive boost, and hopefully enough to get over the line in both fixtures.