June Lionesses Squad Unveiled: Staple Performers and Rising Stars to Watch
Sarina Wiegman announced her 25-player England squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine next month.
The latest squad announcement has given fans plenty to be excited about, with three key players returning from injury alongside several emerging talents continuing to impress ahead of a crucial international window.
Head coach, Wiegman has welcomed back some of England’s biggest names, offering a major boost as the Lionesses continue preparations for the next stage of their international campaign.
The 25-Player Squad
The squad contains the usual balance across positions: three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and seven attackers. With depth across the field, the focus is now creating a balance between experienced and consistent individuals, and rising stars in the women’s game:
Goalkeepers: Hampton, Moorhouse, Roebuck
Defenders: Bronze, Carter, Charles, Greenwood, Hinds, Morgan, Le Tissier, Williamson, Wubben-Moy
Midfielders: Blindkilde-Brown, Kendall, Park, Stanway, Toone, Walsh
Attackers: Beever-Jones, Godfrey, Hemp, James, Kelly, Mead, Russo
Strengthening with Absentee Returns
Among the headline returns are Ella Toone, Niamh Charles and Freya Godfrey, all of whom have missed the last camp due to injuries. Their inclusion not only adds experience to the squad, but also youth and ambition across the field.
Toone’s return is a huge boost for the Lionesses. The attacking midfielder brings creativity, energy and an eye for goal, with her movement and ability to unlock defences making her one of England's most influential players in the final third. After injury setbacks disrupted her season, Toone’s comeback adds both experience and attacking quality as England builds towards next year's World Cup.
Charles return provides England with a major boost in defence. The versatile full-back has become a key figure for the Lionesses thanks to her consistency, athleticism and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Her energy going forward and defensive reliability offer Wiegman valuable balance on the left side, while her experience at the highest level adds further strength to an already competitive squad.
Exciting Young Talents
Alongside the established names, the squad announcement has also shone a light on younger players looking to cement their places in the senior set up. Forward, Aggie Beever-Jones continues to earn recognition after such a strong domestic season in attack for Chelsea.
One player continuing to attract attention is Godfrey, with the young forward earning recognition after a number of impressive performances at England youth level. Known for her technical ability, creativity and confidence in attacking areas, Godfrey is viewed as one of England's brightest emerging talents; however, she is yet to make her senior international debut. Her inclusion highlights the Lionesses’ focus on developing the next generation as they continue to build for the future.
Another exciting young talent to watch is Lucia Kendall, whose rapid rise has caught the attention of England's coaching staff. The midfielder has impressed with her composure on the ball, intelligence in possession and ability to influence games from central areas at Aston Villa, despite her young age. Seen as one of the brightest prospects coming through the pathway, Kendall’s continued involvement reflects the strength of England’s emerging generation.
Although there are still notable absentees, the latest squad suggests England are gradually returning to full strength at exactly the right time. With experienced leaders back in the fold and exciting young talents emerging, the Lionesses appear to be building momentum once again.
For Wiegman, the challenge now will be blending returning stars with the next wave of talent. If this squad announcement is anything to go by, England's future remains extremely bright with potential to elevate ahead of the next major tournament.