Emerging Talents and Established Players: England’s Women’s Football Squad Update

Sophie Baggaley is a familiar name for dedicated followers of the Women’s Super League. At 28 years old, she has accumulated over 100 appearances in the English top-flight over the last decade, holding starting positions with Birmingham, Bristol City, and Brighton, while also serving as a backup at Manchester United when Mary Earps was the primary goalkeeper.

Throughout her career, Baggaley has received several call-ups for the England national team, with her first invitation occurring in 2016 when she was just 19 and impressing in youth national squads. Although still uncapped, she has seen a decline in her selection frequency in recent years; however, coach Sarina Wiegman considers her a reliable option, as demonstrated by her role as a standby player for Euro 2025.

When goalkeeper Mary Earps had to miss last month’s match against Brazil, Wiegman once again turned to Baggaley to reinforce the goalkeeping unit. With Earps absent for the current camp, the Brighton shot-stopper has an opportunity to showcase her skills. However, as she currently serves as the second choice behind Chiamaka Nnadozie, it seems unlikely that Baggaley will earn her first England cap soon, especially with Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse likely to receive opportunities this week.

Left-back has been a challenging position for England throughout Wiegman’s tenure, but last month she opted for an unexpected solution. Taylor Hinds, who came through the Lionesses’ youth teams but had not yet earned senior recognition, made her debut for Jamaica last year. Nevertheless, she remained eligible to switch allegiances back to England, a move Wiegman successfully encouraged, culminating in Hinds’ call-up for the October international break.

Hinds made her senior England debut in a friendly match against Australia. Despite her late entry into the national setup, she has established a commendable club career. After progressing through Arsenal’s ranks, she moved to Everton for more playing time, later signing with Liverpool where she became a key player, often captaining the team.

This summer, Hinds returned to Arsenal on a free transfer. Initially facing competition for minutes from Katie McCabe, she has started to accumulate more playing time recently, which will be music to Wiegman’s ears, as Hinds could significantly contribute to an England squad that needs strong left-back options.

Typically, England’s center-back position is well-stocked; however, it is noticeably depleted this time. With Leah Williamson sidelined due to injury, Millie Bright having recently retired, and Alex Greenwood out with a knock, Jess Carter is taking a much-needed rest after the NWSL playoffs. This leaves Esme Morgan, a 25-year-old with 18 caps, as the most experienced option, potentially paving the way for Grace Fisk to earn her long-awaited first cap.

Fisk received her first Lionesses call-up back in February 2020 but only returned to the squad last month amid the absences of Williamson, Bright, and Lotte Wubben-Moy. Having made her senior breakthrough in England’s second tier, Fisk has been a regular in the WSL since returning home from the U.S. college system. Currently with Liverpool, she remains one of the standout performers despite her team’s struggles this season.

Wiegman is expected to rotate players, and with only four center-backs available, this could bode well for the 27-year-old Fisk. Capitalizing on any chances she receives will be crucial for maintaining her position as the squad prepares for the next World Cup.

Anouk Denton, who earned her first senior England call-up last month, has retained her place in the squad. The 22-year-old transitioned from the Under-23s to the senior team during the last international break, filling in amid injuries to other players. While she didn’t feature in the subsequent match against Australia, Denton evidently impressed Wiegman enough to keep her spot.

Since joining West Ham permanently in 2022, Denton has consistently performed well, showcasing her versatility as a right-back or left-back. With Lucy Bronze firmly established in the right-back role, the need for a reliable backup has become evident, and Denton has the potential to fulfill that role, while also providing support in the left-back position.

Building midfield depth is essential for England as they approach the 2027 World Cup, and Wiegman’s recent squad selections reflect this need. Missy Bo Kearns, a 24-year-old Liverpool academy product, earned her first cap against Spain before Euro 2025 and made an appearance off the bench against Australia in the last camp.

Kearns has spent several years with England’s U23 side, even serving as captain, and is now stepping up to showcase her capabilities at the senior level. Currently enjoying a new chapter at Aston Villa, she has adapted to a different style of play, which Wiegman has clearly noticed. After appearing off the bench twice this year, Kearns is likely in line for a start or significant playing time, which could position her as a regular ahead of the upcoming World Cup if she seizes these opportunities.

Lucia Kendall’s recent performance in the last camp captured attention, as she was named Player of the Match in her debut against Australia. Although Kearns and Laura Blindkilde Brown have been around the squad longer, Kendall’s impressive display solidified her place as a contender in midfield, demonstrating her capabilities both offensively and defensively.

The 21-year-old, who plays alongside Kearns at Aston Villa, excelled in her first outing, showing promise as the team prepares for World Cup qualifying. While she must continue to build on her initial success, the early signs are positive for Kendall’s future with the squad.

In contrast to the influx of new players addressing specific positional needs, Freya Godfrey’s call-up serves to bolster an already competitive wing position. Despite the absence of Ella Toone, the Lionesses possess a wealth of talented wingers, including Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, Jess Park, and Lauren Hemp.

A product of Arsenal’s academy, Godfrey has gained experience through stints with Ipswich, Charlton, and London City Lionesses, helping the latter achieve promotion to the WSL. A regular in England’s youth national teams, her nomination to Wiegman’s squad is a testament to her successful adjustment to top-flight football.

Whether Godfrey will see game time in her first camp remains uncertain, given the stiff competition in her position. However, she is undoubtedly a promising talent for the future, regardless of how quickly she can establish herself in the lineup as the Lionesses prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.