BY Nadia Ntiamoah
England manager Sarina Wiegman has unveiled a refreshed Lionesses squad ahead of two major friendly fixtures against China and Ghana, marking the final international window of the year.
The announcement, which comes amid a period of transition and rebuilding for the European champions, highlights Wiegman’s renewed focus on integrating emerging talent while carefully managing player fitness.
The Lionesses will first face China on November 29 at Wembley Stadium, a venue that has become symbolic of the team’s recent successes and growing visibility.
They will then host the Black Queens on December 2 at St. Mary’s Park, giving England an opportunity to test their evolving set-up against one of Africa’s most experienced women’s national teams.
The upcoming fixtures form part of England’s broader preparation for next year’s competitive cycle after a challenging 2025 season marked by injuries to senior players and the introduction of several promising newcomers into the squad.
Godfrey Earns First Senior Call-Up
One of the standout decisions in Wiegman’s selection is the inclusion of London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey, who has earned her maiden senior call-up.
Godfrey has been in impressive form, scoring twice against Tottenham earlier this month—a performance that solidified her growing reputation at club level.
Having featured prominently for England’s U-23s, her elevation to the senior team signals Wiegman’s continued commitment to youth development.
Godfrey joins a squad that has seen increasing turnover in recent months as the Lionesses navigate injuries to senior figures and a strategic push to widen the talent pool.
Key Returnees After Injury Layoffs
Manchester City duo Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton return to the squad after recovering from injury.
Their reinstatement is crucial as both players bring creativity and versatility to England’s midfield and attacking lines.
However, Chelsea star Lauren James and defender Jess Carter have been left out. James, who is gradually returning from injury, will remain with her club to continue her recovery, while Carter has been afforded rest following the conclusion of the NWSL season.
Michelle Agyemang, Alex Greenwood, Hannah Hampton, and former captain Leah Williamson are all sidelined with injuries, extending a difficult period for England’s defensive and goalkeeping depth.
Their continued absence provides younger defenders and less experienced goalkeepers further opportunities to stake their claim.
Goalkeeping Shake-Up Reflects Transitional Phase
In goal, Sophie Baggaley (Brighton), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), and Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride) have been named. Notably, the trio share only one senior cap between them—an unusual situation for England, historically anchored by seasoned goalkeepers.
This selection reflects Wiegman’s intent to test new options as the search for long-term successors continues.
Continuity For October Call-Ups
Anouk Denton, Grace Fisk, Taylor Hinds, and Lucia Kendall, who earned their first senior invitations during the October international camp, have retained their places.
Their continued involvement suggests that the coaching staff is evaluating them closely for permanent roles in the setup.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Sophie Baggaley (Brighton), Khiara Keating (Man City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defenders:
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Anouk Denton (West Ham), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Man United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders:
Laura Blinkilde Brown (Man City), Grace Clinton (Man City), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards:
Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Park (Man United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Black Queens Fixture Adds Continental Interest
The upcoming match against Ghana’s Black Queens adds a significant international dimension to England’s preparations.
Ghana, one of Africa’s traditional women’s football powerhouses, has been rebuilding its national team in recent years and will view the clash as an opportunity to measure its progress against elite European opposition.
A Critical Window in England’s Women’s Football Calendar
These friendlies mark an important moment for the Lionesses as they continue to reshape their squad following a post-World Cup transition period.
