Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is without all of Leah Williamson, Millie Bright, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp for England's October friendlies against Brazil and Australia, paving the way for her to hand out three debut senior call-ups in her latest squad, revealed on Tuesday. Among them is talented teenager Katie Reid, who has deputised impressively for the injured Williamson at Arsenal at the start of the new season.
Lionesses squad for October fixtures revealed
Arsenal full-back Taylor Hinds, who joined from Liverpool in the summer, and Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall, capped all the way through to Under-23 level, are the other newcomers for the European champions, who will return to action this month for the first time since retaining their continental crown in Switzerland back in July. Hinds' inclusion is a particular surprise, given she made her debut for Jamaica last year, but she was able to switch her eligibility back to the nation she represented at youth level in order to accept this call-up. Laura Blindkilde Brown and Missy Bo Kearns are also back in the squad, having missed the cut in the summer.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesKey injuries force Wiegman to shuffle the England pack
Wiegman has been forced to shuffle the pack a little due to injuries and Bright's decision to call time on her England career, which was announced on Monday. The Chelsea captain missed Euro 2025, withdrawing from selection due to mental and physical fatigue, and has now decided to step away from the Lionesses picture altogether, after a nine-year international career. Meanwhile, Williamson and James remain sidelined after injuries sustained in Switzerland, with Hemp joining them on the sidelines due to an issue picked up last month. There is better news with regards to Lucy Bronze and Niamh Charles, the Chelsea duo both recovering from problems of their own to be fit in time for this month's camp.
Lionesses October squad in full
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Katie Reid (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Jess Park (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Michelle Agyemang (Brighton, on loan from Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea),Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
A new cycle on the horizon for the Lionesses
Speaking ahead of the games, Wiegman said: "It’s great to be back and we’re really looking forward to playing in front of our fantastic home support again after such an incredible summer in Switzerland. We felt the energy from the stands throughout the tournament and we’re grateful to have our fans with us again in October and November. In Brazil and Australia we’ll be facing two top opponents who will each test us in different ways, which is exactly the kind of challenge we need as we prepare for World Cup qualification starting early next year. It’s lovely to celebrate success but this is also the start of a new cycle with new opportunities and objectives. I cannot wait to get everyone together and started next week."