Sarina Wiegman has announced her England squad to face Belgium in the UEFA Women’s Nations League at the beginning of April.
The Lionesses head coach welcomes back the usual suspects, with Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead all in the squad. Chelsea captain Millie Bright inevitably retains her place, along with her five teammates Aggie Beever-Jones, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze.
Familiar NWSL faces also return to the camp, including the likes of Jess Carter, Anna Moorhouse and Esme Morgan.
Fran Kirby has made her return to the squad after time spent on the sidelines due to injury.
“She brings lots of experience and good football vision. In her position there is a lot of competition going on, but she knows exactly what is expected at this level of the game. You can see at Brighton what she brings,” Wiegman praised of Kirby.
Key Lionesses Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood are yet to return to the squad after long spells on the sidelines with knee injuries. Wiegman said she can’t provide a timeline on the return, but hopes they will be back in action soon.
“I can’t be very specific on these injuries, there is a list of it. I can’t give you any timeframes, that is something for the clubs. I can tell you my hopes, that they are back in good shape and ready to play in the short term and get ready for the Euros.”
Maisie Symonds has earned her first senior Lionesses call up after an impressive string of performances at Brighton & Hove Albion. The 22-year-old has plied her trade in the England U23s set up over recent seasons, and will have the chance to prove herself on the biggest stage this international break.
“We have some injuries in midfield,” Wiegman admitted. “We have been following Maisie at Brighton, but she’s also played good games for the U23s. This gives an opportunity for her to show in our environment what she is about, and where she is related to the other midfielders we have in our squad. I’m really looking forward to see where she is at.”
England Squad
GK: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse
DEF: Maya Le Tissier, Lucy Parker, Millie Turner, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Niamh Charles, Lucy Bronze, Esme Morgan
MID: Ella Toone, Maisie Symonds, Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Keira Walsh, Fran Kirby,
FWD: Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Lauren James, Nikita Parris
