Lionesses Roar Back: Euro Champions Return for World Cup Qualifiers, New Talent Emerge
The England women’s national football team, affectionately known as the Lionesses, is set to welcome back a formidable quintet of Euro 2025 champions as they embark on their qualification journey for the 2027 World Cup. Alongside these seasoned stars, a promising new face in defender Poppy Pattinson from London City Lionesses has earned her maiden senior call-up, signalling a blend of experience and fresh ambition for the upcoming fixtures.
The Lionesses are gearing up to face Ukraine and Iceland in crucial World Cup qualifiers next month. These matches mark the beginning of their campaign for the 2027 tournament, which will be held in Brazil. England has been drawn into a challenging group that notably includes the reigning world champions, Spain, setting the stage for intense competition.
The returning Euro champions are a significant boost to the squad. Captain Leah Williamson, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defenders Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood, and forward Lauren James all played pivotal roles in England’s triumphant victory over Spain in last summer’s Euros final. Their inclusion marks a return to the fold after their absence from the experimental squad selected by manager Sarina Wiegman for friendly matches against China and Ghana late last year.
However, Wiegman’s side will still be without several familiar and impactful players due to injury. Niamh Charles, Missy Bo Kearns, Ella Toone, and Beth Mead are all unavailable, presenting opportunities for other players to step up.
Poppy Pattinson, a 25-year-old defender who moved to ambitious London City over the summer from her previous club, Brighton, has earned her first senior England call-up. Pattinson has a strong track record representing England at various youth levels, including up to the under-23s, and her progression to the senior squad is a testament to her development.
Joining Pattinson in the squad is the uncapped 20-year-old Freya Godfrey, who has retained her place after impressing in previous call-ups. Additionally, Aston Villa goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has been recalled, while Manchester City’s Khiara Keating will not be part of this squad.
Wiegman Looks Ahead to New Challenges
Manager Sarina Wiegman expressed her enthusiasm for the start of the qualification campaign. “It’s a new year with new objectives, as we start our qualification journey with these two very important fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland,” she stated. “We want to start our campaign off in the best possible way and will need to be at a top level as we face two different challenges.”
Wiegman also highlighted the novelty of facing new opposition. “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,” she added.
The importance of fan support was not overlooked. “As always we’re grateful to the fans for their support. A big crowd in Nottingham in a historic stadium will be really special, but we can’t look too far ahead and our full focus first will be on our opening fixture,” Wiegman emphasised.
Fixtures and Road to Brazil 2027
England’s qualification path begins with an away fixture against Ukraine in Antalya on 3 March. This will be followed by a home match against Iceland at the City Ground, the home of Nottingham Forest, on 7 March. This fixture holds particular significance as it marks the Lionesses’ return to the historic stadium for the first time in 32 years.
The most significant hurdle in their qualification group is scheduled for 14 April, when England will face the formidable world champions, Spain, at Wembley Stadium. Only the top team in each group will secure direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The remaining teams will have to navigate the play-offs for their chance to compete on the world stage.
Full England Squad for Ukraine and Iceland Matches:
Goalkeepers:
* Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
* Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
* Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)
Defenders:
* Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
* Jess Carter (Gotham)
* Grace Fisk (Liverpool)
* Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
* Taylor Hinds (Arsenal)
* Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
* Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit)
* Poppy Pattinson (London City Lionesses)
* Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
* Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders:
* Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City)
* Grace Clinton (Manchester City)
* Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa)
* Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich)
* Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards:
* Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea)
* Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses)
* Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
* Lauren James (Chelsea)
* Chloe Kelly (Arsenal)
* Jess Park (Manchester United)
* Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
