Sarina Wiegman names first England squad since Euro 2022 triumph

Sarina Wiegman has named her first England squad since the Lionesses were crowned Euro 2022 champions in July ahead of her side’s upcoming qualifiers against Austria and Luxembourg.

Euro 2022 final hero Chloe Kelly misses out through injury, as does fellow European champion Fran Kirby.

The Lionesses are also without Jill Scott and Ellen White, after the pair of centurions both announced their retirement from professional football this week.

Hannah Hampton is the only other member of England’s Euro 2022 squad to miss out, with new Manchester City signing Sandy MacIver called up in her place.

Young forwards Lauren James and Ebony Salmon have both been selected and there are also recalls for Katie Zelem and a fit again Jordan Nobbs.

Former captain Steph Houghton has missed out once more after not being selected for England’s Euro 2022 squad. The centre-back has returned to competitive action with Manchester City this month with a pair of Champions League substitute appearances, having missed a large chunk of the 2021/22 season with an Achilles injury.

England face Austria on Saturday 3 September, before hosting Luxembourg on Tuesday 6 September in a pair of World Cup qualifiers, as they attempt to book their place in Australia and New Zealand next summer.

The Lionesses must at least draw with Austria, or failing that beat Luxembourg, to be assured of their 2023 World Cup spot. Should Wiegman’s side successfully navigate the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, their friendly against the USWNT at Wembley on Friday 7 October will officially get the green light.

Tickets for the fixture against the reigning world champions sold out within 24 hours in the wake of England’s historic Euro 2022 triumph, but is subject to England qualifying automatically for the World Cup and not being required to participate in the playoffs in October.

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Ellie Roebuck, Sandy MacIver.

Defenders: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Demi Stokes, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Midfielders: Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem.

Forwards: Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Alessia Russo, Ebony Salmon.

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