Sarina Wiegman Reveals Teen Star's Speechless Reaction to England Call-Up
England manager Sarina Wiegman has revealed that teenage sensation Erica Meg Parkinson was left "speechless" after receiving her first call-up to the senior national squad. The 17-year-old midfielder, who plays for Portuguese top-flight side Valadares Gaia and was born in Singapore, has been named in the Lionesses squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Injury Crisis Opens Door for Young Talent
With key midfielders Grace Clinton and Ella Toone sidelined due to injury, Wiegman has turned to Parkinson to bolster her options. The head coach made the announcement at St George's Park, explaining the circumstances behind the selection. "We called her up because we are a little bit low in depth in midfield with injuries to Ella Toone and Grace Clinton," Wiegman stated.
She elaborated on Parkinson's credentials: "So we have to look at who's next and Erica has gone through the pathway, plays in Portugal, has done well in the under-23s. She is a very dynamic midfielder who likes to go forward… aggressive, technical."
A Significant Leap for the Youngster
Wiegman described Parkinson's emotional reaction to the news: "She was speechless she said, but very happy, surprised and excited of course." The manager acknowledged this represents a major step up for the teenager, noting: "It's a big step from the 23s and the Portuguese competition to go into the senior level but she gets the chance to show where she stands at our level."
While Parkinson is unlikely to immediately break into the starting lineup, Wiegman views this as a crucial development opportunity. "I don't expect her to come into the starting line-up straight away. It's a learning thing for her but I do hope she can adapt to the level needed in our senior environment," she added.
Williamson's Inclusion Despite Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, captain Leah Williamson has been included in Wiegman's 23-player squad despite missing Arsenal's last three matches with a hamstring injury. With two weeks remaining until England face world champions Spain at Wembley on 14 April, followed by an encounter with Iceland in Reykjavik four days later, Wiegman expressed confidence in the defender's readiness.
"Leah comes from the injury after the Euros, coming back she had some small setbacks but overall has done very well and when she's played she has played very well," Wiegman explained. "We have been careful with her and so have Arsenal. I think she's going to make it that's why we put her in the squad."
The manager emphasized Williamson's importance regardless of fitness: "I would put her in the squad anyway because she's in a good place. The niggles she's picked up are not the worst but her past and where she's come from, we have to be careful but friendlies I would've called her up anyway."
Wiegman Welcomes FIFA's New Coaching Regulations
The squad announcement follows FIFA's recent introduction of groundbreaking regulations mandating that every team participating in its women's tournaments must employ a female head coach or assistant. Wiegman commented positively on this development, stating: "We need to give women more opportunities to develop and educate. This rule supports and hopefully accelerates the balance between males and females in our sport."
This call-up represents a landmark moment in Parkinson's burgeoning career, offering the teenager her first taste of senior international football as England prepare for crucial World Cup qualification matches against Spain and Iceland.
