Leah Williamson Returns as England Prepares for World Cup Qualifiers

omidbasir- Leah Williamson has made history as the first England captain to secure two major trophies. She returns to the squad for the first time since Euro 2025 as preparations commence for the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

At 28 years old, Williamson missed England’s previous friendly victories against China, Ghana, and Australia, as well as a defeat to Brazil at the end of 2025 due to a knee injury. Following surgery after lifting England’s second consecutive European title in July, she made her return to action at the beginning of December.

Several prominent players are rejoining the squad, including Chelsea forward Lauren James, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. James, 24, had been sidelined for four months due to an ankle injury but returned to full fitness in November. Her impressive performance in Sunday’s victory over Liverpool enhances manager Sarina Wiegman’s attacking options, especially with Arsenal’s Beth Mead out due to a fractured shin.

Greenwood, aged 32, missed the start of the season with a knee injury, while Hampton was unable to participate in the November camp due to a thigh issue. Additionally, there is a first senior call-up for Poppy Pattinson, a defender from London City Lionesses, while uncapped 20-year-old Freya Godfrey retains her position in the squad.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck also rejoins the squad, while Manchester City’s Khiara Keating has been dropped. Jess Carter of Gotham FC is back after taking time to recover from the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs, while Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone is unavailable until the end of March due to a hip injury. Bay FC defender Anouk Denton, who debuted as a late substitute in December, is not included in the current squad.

The Lionesses will travel to Turkey to face Ukraine on Tuesday, March 3, at 17:00 GMT, followed by a home match against Iceland at the City Ground on Saturday, March 7, at 12:30. These fixtures mark the first competitive games since England’s triumph in Switzerland, and they will also face reigning world champions Spain in their qualifying group.

With eight international windows leading up to the anticipated World Cup in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027, Wiegman expressed her excitement for the new year: “It’s a new year with new objectives as we start our qualification journey with these two very important fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland. This is new opposition for this England team, so that’s exciting too. I am looking forward to being back with the squad and getting back to work.”

**Goalkeepers:** Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)
**Defenders:** Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Poppy Pattinson (London City Lionesses), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
**Midfielders:** Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendell (Aston Villa)
**Forwards:** Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Jess Park (Manchester United)

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