Wiegman’s October Lionesses Ready to Face Greece: Looking to Take One Step Closer to Brazil
The first Lioness squad of the season has just dropped and it’s full of surprises.
Looking to reach the final hurdle and secure a flight to Brazil for the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer, England have to overcome Greece, and then the winner of Ukraine vs Slovakia to mount their world title charge once again, ready to write the wrongs of their agonising runner up finish in Australia three years ago.
Sarina Wiegman has made six changes to the side she picked in June. There is no Chloe Kelly or Ella Toone after Manchester United’s difficult start to the campaign with Wiegman’s reasoning being “I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch.”
Arsenal defenders Lotte Wubben Moy and Taylor Hinds also drop out due to lack of game time for the Gunners in the first block and Chelsea’s Aggie Beever Jones remains off the list after a misfiring start to the year, in place of 20 year-old Lexi Potter. She has been a star in Chelsea’s midfield early on, scoring against Birmingham City on match day 3 and playing a full 90 minutes amongst a world renowned Arsenal midfield, she would have been impossible to leave off the list with a standout start to the campaign.
Jess Carter and Esme Morgan will fly over from the NWSL for camp whilst Anna Moorhouse, who made a deadline day loan move from Orlando Pride to Manchester City, hasn’t played a minute yet this WSL season but with limited goalkeeper options after Ellie Roebuck’s summer shoulder surgery, Moorhouse keeps her place alongside Hampton and Liverpool keeper Keating. Birmingham City’s Sophie Baggalley doesn't receive a call up despite four decent showings for the Blues.
With four uncapped players in the squad Fisk, Godfrey, Parkinson and Potter will hope they can get a legacy number to their name against 69 in the world rankings Greece.
Heading into a World Cup year, the omission of Toone and Lioness saviour Kelly will continue to be a difficult conundrum for Wiegman as we move closer to the tournament. Also leaving out City’s Grace Clinton is an interesting decision, she has had a decent start to the campaign over Niamh Charles who has also struggled for minutes but remains in the squad due to a lack of fullback options, the Lionesses still heavily rely on Bronze on the right and no set starter on the left. The midfield is largely inexperienced but controlled by Lioness legends, of the 210 caps in this position 196 of them are from Walsh and Stanway alone.
Balancing her trusted experience and emerging youth has served the Dutch gaffer well during her time at England’s helm, Michelle Agyemang a standout in England’s Euro title defense, naming a 25 year old captain in Williamson on her appointment whilst Lucy Bronze remains the first on the team sheet. It will be a big few months for Wiegman as she continues to move her puzzle pieces into place ahead of big summer decisions, in what may be her final dance for the three lions with her contract running out after the tournament.
GOALKEEPERS:
HANNAH HAMPTON
Goalkeeper | 29 Caps | Legacy Number 222
England’s number 1 has only let in one goal this season and remains the most trusted starter between the sticks for the Lionesses. After a penalty save in the Euro’s final, no one has been able to top her commanding performances at the back, Wiegman needing her consistency in an otherwise unset goal keeper group, to take England to Brazil and beyond.
KHIARA KEATING
Goalkeeper | 1 Cap | Legacy Number 236
Swapping City’s sky blue for the red of Merseyside seems to have worked for the young keeper who returns to the squad after two camps away. She’s started all four of Liverpool's opening league games, making ten saves and keeping two clean sheets, Keating will hope to cement her place in the goal keeper union for her country again. Her one and only cap for the Lionesses was a 2-1 loss to Brazil but with rejuvenated regular game time under Garath Taylor, trusted at the back for the reds, she will hope to rack up a few more minutes between the sticks for the Lionesses against lower ranked opposition like Greece this window, and get back into Wiegman’s future vision.
ANNA MOORHOUSE
Goalkeeper | 2 Cap | Legacy Number 239
Moorhouse swapped Orlando Pride for Manchester City on a short term loan deal until January on deadline day but is still yet to play for the Citizens. A difficult goal keeper decision remains for Wiegman, whose other option, Roebuck, is still recovering from a shoulder injury. Moorhouse hasn’t let a goal in for England yet, starting in friendlies against China at Wembley and a 2-0 win against Ghana when Hampton wasn’t in the squad, but she is yet to make her competitive debut.
DEFENDERS:
JESS CARTER
Center-Back | 55 Caps | Legacy Number 201
The Gotham defender is one of the first on the team sheet for her club with The Bats in pole position to take top spot in the NWSL table heading into the playoffs. Also carving out a place for herself in the Lionesses defense, Carter scored in England’s last game against Ukraine and played 120 minutes in the Euro’s final. She can play at both center back and full back, adding helpful versatility especially to the contested left of defense.
NIAMH CHARLES
Left-Back | 34 Caps | Legacy Number 220
Charles made the move from Chelsea to Manchester City in the summer and is the only natural left back in the squad. She’s played 30 minutes for the Citizens this season after a reported injury in the summer, making two defensive contributions last weekend against Charlton. Her inclusion in the squad is interesting, as a player in and out of Wiegman’s side, that left-back position is one that the gaffer has never quite locked in, so having options to get the right fit is crucial as we get closer to an international tournament. Charles came on consistently as a substitute for England during the Euros, scoring a penalty in the final; she started England’s final Nations League clashes against Ukraine in June..
LEAH WILLIAMSON ©
Center-Back | 67 Caps | Legacy Number 205
England’s captain has played every minute of Arsenal’s campaign so far, only conceding two goals at the back after an injury hit 2025/26 season. Only playing 6 league games last year, Wiegman will hope that her captain can have a consistent season for club and translate that to country, hoping to lead her team out next summer at her first FIFA Women’s World Cup as captain after missing the 2023 addition with an ACL injury.
GRACE FISK
Center-Back | 0 Caps | 4th Senior Call Up
First called up to the Lionesses squad under Phil Neville in 2020 whilst at college in the USA, Fisk had to wait a while for another senior international opportunity. Moving from West Ham to Liverpool gave the defender more chances to prove herself, named captain under Gareth Taylor. Wiegman first made Fisk the call as an injury replacement for Katie Reid in October 2025 and then as a replacement for Leah Williamson last June. This is the first time in over 6 years that Fisk has made the original 23, and deservedly so after her start to the season. A brace on opening day of the WSL season against Charlton made headlines as Liverpool sit 5th in the table, the defender making 22 recoveries so far this campaign, she will be hoping to finally get her first senior cap this window.
ALEX GREENWOOD
Center-Back | 111 Caps | Legacy Number 184
City’s captain has had a flying start to the season as title holders, scoring against Charlton last weekend. She is versatile as centerback and left back, another defender that works well alongside Williamson, bringing her leadership qualities and experience to the squad. As part of the international fold since 2014, the 2027 World Cup would be her 7th international tornament.
MAYA LE TISSIER
Center-Back | 14 Caps | Legacy Number 226
Adding to the Lionesses leaders, Manchester United’s captain retains her place after a rocky start to the season for the Red Devils. Navigating manager changes and lack of investment for the club, Le Tissier is central to United’s defense, it’s been 1,375 days since she last didn't start for United in a competitive fixture back in 2022. Not quite carving out a place for herself in the England squad, Wiegman stated that she sees her more as Bronze’s successor at right-back rather than a center back, last taking the field for the Lionesses against Ukraine.
ESME MORGAN
Center-Back | 25 Caps | Legacy Number 224
Another defender playing her football in the NWSL, Morgan is consistently in the XI for Washington Spirit as they continue to charge for a top finish in the league. A regular partner to Williamson in the center of defense, Morgan adds pace, accurate clearances and forward vision to the defensive line and has continued to rise the international ranks since her move abroad.
LUCY BRONZE
Right-Back | 148 Caps | Legacy Number 181
No one has been able to come close to threatening Bronze’s right back position. She has been a stalwart in the Lionesses squad since 2014, making the position her own by creating a watertight defense but with rapid overlapping qualities in the attack. With 4 league starts and three wins as Chelsea captain in the WSL it's not only her solidity on the pitch which is important for England but her leadership qualities and experience as well. The 35 year old is still crucial to the way Wiegman plays and will be vital for the Lionesses if they want to win the world title, her ambition alone can surely help England to the top.
MIDFIELDERS:
KEIRA WALSH
Midfielder | 103 Caps | Legacy Number 200
England’s vice-captain has started the season strong for Chelsea, netting two so far against Real Sociedad and Manchester United. Used to dictating play through the middle, she received the player of the match trophy in the 2022 Euro’s final and finally opened her scoring account in her 83rd cap against Belgium before a consolation goal in England’s opening 2025 Euro’s loss to France. She is key to what the Lionesses do best, maintaining possession and creating free flowing football. We’ve seen in recent years that when Keira Walsh is played out of the game England struggle, so keeping her on form, and with her new found shooting boots on, could be key as she looks to make her 5th international tournament.
ALEXIA POTTER
Midfielder | 0 Caps | First Call Up
Taught amongst the very best, ‘Little Keira Walsh’ Lexi Potter has received her first England call up at the age of 20. Coming through the Chelsea academy, Potter has been playing senior top league football since she was 17, first on loan to Crystal Palace in their inaugural WSL season then for Chelsea this season and last. She earnt herself player of the match in her first start for the Blues in March last year and may be one of England’s most promising breakout stars. She is a box to box midfielder and a regular for the U17s and U19s squads which she captained before progressing into the U23s. Playing 270 minutes already this season, alongside the likes of Walsh in a staked Chelsea midfield, Potter looks to be making her name for herself this campaign, and on an international level all eyes will be on her progress.
LAURA BLINKILDE-BROWN
Midfielder | 7 Caps | Legacy Number 233
With a standout breakthrough season at Manchester City last year, Laura is an incredibly exciting young midfielder for Wiegman to have at her disposal. She made her first Lioness appearance during her inaugural call up in 2024 in a 1-0 win against Switzerland in Sheffield. Bagging an assist against Bayern Munich in City’s first game of the UWCL, Blinkilde-Brown played the full 90 minutes against Ukraine alongside Walsh and Stanway last June, her high workrate complimenting the senior midfielders. Signing a new deal in Manchester until 2030, she is one for the Lionesses and Citizens future, her club manager Andrée Jergelrtz called her ‘magnificent’, she will want to keep her form up in order to get a place in Brazil after being so close to a 2025 Euro’s spot, making the reserves list.
LUCIA KENDALL
Midfielder | 7 Caps | Legacy Number 238
The 22 year-old burst onto the international scene last year with a fairytale goal against Ghana in Southampton, where she was developed. Trusted by Wiegman even in big games, starting against Spain at Wembley, Kendall has also stepped up as a leader for club Aston Villa, captaining the side in their season opener against Chelsea. Known for her confidence, dictating play and controlling the tempo, Kendall will hope that despite Villa’s tricky campaign, she will continue getting the call and become a mainstay in this Lioness team to secure a place in Brazil.
GEORGIA STANWAY
Midfielder | 93 Caps | Legacy Number 209
Swapping Bavaria for North London in the summer, Stanway continued her tenure in the Lionesses midfield. Starting all of the Gunner’s league games so far she won player of the match in her first competitive fixture against Brighton, making the most passes of anyone on their debut for a club in the WSL. Last scoring for England against Ukraine, the former Bayern Munich vice-captain will continue bringing her workrate and leadership to the England midfield as one of it’s most trusted members.
ERICA MAY PARKINSON
Midfielder | 0 Caps | 2nd Senior Call Up
Just her second international call up, the North Carolina Courage midfielder is one of many young Lionesses turning to the NWSL for regular game time. Formerly a player for Portuguese side Valadares Gaia , Parkinson took the leap to the USA last year where she is now a stalwart in the Courage midfield. She received her first U23 call up at just 17, now 18 she's firmly on Wiegman’s radar, the energetic playmaker is still uncapped and will hope to show the world what she can do for England this window.
ATTACKERS:
FREYA GODFREY
Winger | 0 Caps | 4th Senior Call Up
London City Lionesses’ Freya Godfrey retains her place in the squad. It’s been all change in Bromley this summer but Godfrey has largely maintained her spot after a player of the season performance in light blue last year. The winger has impressed since her move for more regular football, without a goal involvement so far this season, she will hope that having a few out of form attackers in the squad might give her a chance to prove what she can do on the international stage.
LAUREN JAMES
Winger | 40 Caps | Legacy Number 223
After scoring Chelsea’s opening goal of the campaign against Aston Villa and then finding the back of the net again vs United, James returns to the Lioness squad as one of their most exciting players. She has impressed since her debut in 2022, but persistent injury has limited her game time, having to be substituted in the Euros final and sometimes struggling when the team are out of possession. James is both a clinical goalscorer and a technically gifted winger with the ability to run rings around most defenders, her physicality setting her apart as a central figure in Wiegman's England.
JESS PARK
Winger | 26 Caps | Legacy Number 225
Despite United's difficult start to the campaign Park retains her place in the international fold. Consistently impressive when given the opportunity, Park’s most notable moment so far will surely be her goal against Spain at Wembley in their last Nations League outing against the Lionesses closest rival. Utilised as both an attacking midfielder and energetic forward, Park can cause serious issues for defenders. Making her England debut quickly after her first call up in 2022, Park was part of the Lionesses 2025 Euros winning team and is a trusted squad player, she hasn’t missed a minute of WSL football yet this season.
LAUREN HEMP
Winger | 78 Caps | Legacy Number 214
A mainstay in this team since 2022, Hemp is a clinical winger, pacy and consistent, she has been a central figure in the Lionesses recent success. Making a name for herself by starting every game during the 2022 Euros at just 21, Hemp was also crucial to Manchester City’s WSL winning campaign and scoring a brace against Liverpool on match day three, she looks to continue taking the league by storm.
BETH MEAD
Winger | 81 Caps | Legacy Number 204
The new City winger swapped London for Manchester this summer and has had a good start to her time in Sky Blue. Scoring in City’s opening UWCL game against Bayern Munich, Mead continues to be trusted by Sarina for her consistent goalscoring ability despite never regaining her pre ACL form where she was player of the tournament at the 2022 Euros. A string of starts for City will hopefully continue to give the winger momentum heading into a World Cup year.
ALESSIA RUSSO
Striker | 67 Caps | Legacy Number 215
England’s starting striker remains in the squad after a difficult start to her league campaign for the Gunners. Without a goal contribution in five games, some time away from North London in a different set up might be the change Russo needs to regain her confidence. After the retirement of Ellen White, Russo took up the Lionesses striker position and made it her own, now one of the first in the team leading the line in two major international competitions so far.
The Lionesses face Greece at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion on Friday 7th of October at 5:30 pm GMT before a home return to the King Power in Leicester, kick-off 7pm GMT.
If successful against Greece, England will then face either Ukraine or Slovakia in an identical double header in the November/December window, the final hurdle before the Lionesses can book their plane to Brazil for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next summer.