Sarina Wiegman has unveiled her 25-strong England squad for the Lionesses' highly anticipated international fixtures against Brazil and Australia this April, blending established stars with exciting new talent.
The selection sees the return of several key players including Manchester United's Millie Turner, who earns her first call-up since 2022, and Chelsea's Jess Carter, who makes a welcome return to the fold. Tottenham Hotspur's Jess Naz also receives her first senior call-up following impressive club performances.
International Tests Ahead
The Lionesses face a challenging schedule with back-to-back matches against formidable opponents. They'll first take on Brazil at Wembley Stadium on April 6th, followed by a trip to Wolverhampton's Molineux Stadium to face Australia on April 9th.
These fixtures mark England's first international matches of 2024 and serve as crucial preparation ahead of upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Squad Composition and Notable Absences
While the squad welcomes returning faces, several key players remain unavailable due to injury. Chelsea's Millie Bright continues her rehabilitation, while Barcelona's Lucy Bronze also misses out through injury. Manchester City's goalkeeper Khiara Keating, despite her excellent club form, isn't included in this selection.
The squad maintains a strong core of experienced internationals including Mary Earps, Alex Greenwood, and Georgia Stanway, ensuring a balance of youth and experience.
Wiegman's Vision for the Future
These selections demonstrate Wiegman's commitment to both maintaining squad consistency and introducing fresh talent. The inclusion of new faces like Jess Naz indicates the manager's willingness to reward strong club performances and build depth within the squad.
With important qualifying matches on the horizon, these friendlies against world-class opposition provide the perfect platform for players to stake their claim for regular starting positions.
