"Image source, Getty Images England captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad for the first time since Euro 2025 as they prepare to begin their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign. Williamson, 28, missed England's friendly victories over China, Ghana and Australia as well as their defeat by Brazil at the end of 2025 due to a knee injury. The Arsenal defender had surgery after lifting England's second successive European title in July and returned to action at the start of December."
"Several big names return to the squad including Chelsea forward Lauren James, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. James, 24, was absent for four months with an ankle injury before returning in November and is now back to full fitness. She impressed in Sunday's win over Liverpool and boosts manager Sarina Wiegman's attacking options with Arsenal's Beth Mead out with a fractured shin. Greenwood, 32, missed the start of the season with a knee injury while Hampton had a thigh issue which ruled her out of the November camp."
"There is a first senior call-up for London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson, while uncapped 20-year-old Freya Godfrey retains her place in the squad. Aston Villa goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck also earns a recall, with Manchester City's Khiara Keating dropping out of the squad. England are without Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone, who is out with a hip injury until the end of March."
Leah Williamson returns to the England squad after knee surgery and a December comeback following Euro 2025. She missed the end-of-2025 friendlies and the Brazil defeat due to the injury. Several experienced players are back, including Lauren James, Alex Greenwood and Hannah Hampton, with James returning to full fitness after an ankle problem. Arsenal's Beth Mead remains sidelined with a fractured shin. New senior call-up Poppy Pattinson joins retained uncapped midfielder Freya Godfrey, while Ellie Roebuck earns a recall and Khiara Keating drops out. Ella Toone is injured, and upcoming qualifiers include Ukraine (3 March) and Iceland (7 March) ahead of a group meeting with Spain and the World Cup in Brazil between 24 June and 25 July.
Read at www.bbc.com
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