England Unveils Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Leah Williamson returns to England squad

England captain Leah Williamson returns to England's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland, alongside other notable players like Hannah Hampton and Lauren James.

“There are always a couple of players who are injured who we can't bring in. That's part of our football life too...”

England captain Leah Williamson is back in the squad for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, marking her return after a knee injury that kept her out of action since Euro 2025. The 28-year-old defender had surgery and returned to action with Arsenal at the end of last year. Manager Sarina Wiegman has named a 25-player squad for England's opening qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland in March.

Williamson's return is a boost for England, with her experience and leadership expected to play a key role in their World Cup qualifying campaign. She's joined in the squad by other notable players, including goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, and Lauren James, who are back after missing November's internationals due to injuries. London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson has earned her first senior call-up.

“I am very happy. It feels very good ‌for her too, she wanted to be back,” Wiegman told reporters. “She has trained, I am in close contact with her and the club. She ‌is in a good place but she does ⁠have a lack of minutes.

“I ‌think there are some more players who are still building or didn't get the minutes we hoped for. That is also the reason why we have gone with a bigger squad.”

The England women's football squad has some familiar faces back, including goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, and Lauren James, who've recovered from injuries that kept them out of November's internationals. Newcomer Poppy Pattinson, a defender from London City Lionesses, has earned her first call-up.

On the flip side, some key players are missing due to injuries, including Niamh Charles, Missy Bo Kearns, Ella Toone, and Beth Mead. Toone's hip problem will keep her out until the end of March, a tough break for the talented defender. 

“Of course you want them in the team. You know you have seen in all of the camps we have had players have lots of games, very high level,” Wiegman said of Toone and Mead.

Sarina Wiegman's first #Lionesses squad of 2026! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 💪

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 17, 2026

“There are always a couple of players who are injured who we can't bring in. That's part of our football life too.”

England's got a busy March, taking on Ukraine in Antalya, Turkey on March 3rd, followed by Iceland at Nottingham Forest's City Ground just four days later. They're in Group A3 of the Nations League, and will face world champions Spain in April at Wembley.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse, Ellie Roebuck

Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Grace Fisk, Alex Greenwood, Taylor Hinds, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Poppy Pattinson, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben‑Moy

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown, Grace Clinton, Lucia Kendall, Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh

Forwards: ⁠Aggie Beever-Jones, Freya Godfrey, Lauren ⁠Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe ‌Kelly, Jess Park, Alessia Russo