Wiegman announces squad for Lionesses’ June World Cup Qualifying fixtures

With the Lionesses set to take a trip to Spain before playing Ukraine at home in a bid to secure qualification for the World Cup 2027 in Brazil, head coach Sarina Wiegman has named her 25 player squad, with many familiar faces returning to pull on the England shirt.

In between the sticks, there are no surprises, with established number one Hannah Hampton deputised by Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating, the latter replacing Ellie Roebuck who has pulled out with a shoulder injury.

As for the defence, Captain Leah Williamson is fit enough to join the group despite an injury ravished campaign which has seen her play just six Women’s Super League (WSL) matches. She is joined by her Arsenal team-mates Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds, alongside the likes of the experienced Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood. Everton fans have expressed dismay as Ruby Mace has once again been overlooked for a call-up, despite impressing in the Toffees’ backline, even receiving a WSL player of the season nomination for her efforts.

It’s great to have Toone back and to see her on the pitch is really great

Sarina Wiegman, England Manager

Looking at the midfield, the main take-away is that Manchester United attacking midfielder Ella Toone has made the squad for the first time since November. A hip injury has kept her out of action for several months, but having returned to play at the end of April, Wiegman believes she is ready to star again for the Lionesses. On her return, the England boss said “It’s great to have Toone back and to see her on the pitch is really great”. Recent centurion Keira Walsh and ever-present Georgia Stanway, alongside Lucia Kendall, Laura Blindkilde-Brown and Jess Park make up the rest of the midfield unit. A notable absence is Grace Clinton, who 12 months ago was a mainstay in the squad, but since moving to Manchester City has struggled with injury and minutes, which has seen to her omission from the squad. With the World Cup on the horizon, it is one to watch if her situation does not improve next year. There is also no place for 18-year-old Erica Meg-Parkinson, who was called up last camp in lieu of injuries in the midfield.

England’s forward line is stacked with talent. Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, and Lauren James, who appear to be Wiegman’s preferred front three, all retain their places in the squad, joined by renowned super subs Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly, and an uncapped Freya Godfrey. Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones is the newest recall to the squad, having recovered from a recurring injury issue which has dampened her 25/26 season.

England are in pole position to qualify at the top of their group with 12 points

The England squad will start by travelling to Spain on the 5th June. Having beaten Spain at Wembley in April, England are in pole position to qualify at the top of the group with 12 points, ahead of the World Champions who have 9. They will then face Ukraine at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the 9th June. In the reverse fixture, the Lionesses put up a dominant display, thumping the home side 6-0. England will be aiming for 6/6 points in order to secure top spot of their qualifying group, as a loss to Spain would put them neck and neck for points, and if they both win their next game, could see the group decided by goal difference. There is no doubt the squad must pull off two strong performances to comfortably ensure their place for the 2027 World Cup.