England Lionesses Senior, U23s, and U19s April Camp Recap

April’s international window offered a revealing snapshot of where the Lionesses stand in the mid phase of their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign, whilst also highlighting the depth being built beneath them through the under-23s and under-19s.

Across all three tiers, the break delivered a varied set of outcomes. The senior side secured two important victories that reinforced both their momentum and growing tactical cohesion, whilst the u23s enjoyed a standout camp, lifting the Friendlies trophy.

For the under-19s, however, the window served as a reminder of the fine margins in elite youth football; an encouraging opening win was followed by consecutive defeats, ultimately shaping a more challenging camp for the youngest group.

The Senior Lionesses

At senior level, the Lionesses continued their perfect start to qualifying, emerging from the April fixtures with maximum points and growing tactical clarity under Sarina Wiegman.

The Lionesses opened their camp with an impressive and crucial win to World Champions Spain at Wembley thanks to an early acrobatic goal from Lauren Hemp… and who can forget about that Alessia Russo assist!

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With captain Leah Williamson not yet ready to feature, the defensive pairing of Esme Morgan and Lotte Wubben-Moystepped in seamlessly.

Together they delivered a composed and disciplined performance, effectively neutralising one of the most dangerous attacking sides in international football.

Behind them, Hannah Hampton once again reminded everyone why she is England’s number one.

Despite mixed form at club level, she produced a series of outstanding saves, most notably from point-blank range, to preserve a crucial clean sheet and reaffirm her status as one of the world’s best.

After the statement victory over Spain, it was crucial that Wiegman’s side maintained their momentum with another three points against Iceland, and they did, albeit in less convincing fashion.

The performance lacked some of the fluency seen in the previous match, but a composed first-half finish from Russo ultimately proved decisive.

England were again saved by Hampton, whose assured goalkeeping and key interventions ensured the narrow lead was protected, securing back-to-back wins in the window.

The victory carried added significance as the Lionesses marked their 500th international match, a milestone moment reflected in special commemorative warm-up kits.

Although the landmark fixture came away from home, the squad made a conscious effort to honour the occasion at Wembley in the previous game, ensuring that those who have played key roles in the team’s history were part of the celebrations.

There was also a personal landmark to celebrate as Keira Walsh earned her 100th cap and captained the side, underlining her continued influence at the heart of the team.

Victories over top-tier opposition, including a statement result against Spain, underlined a game plan that is becoming increasingly refined: controlled defensive structure, a willingness to concede possession, and rapid transitions into wide attacking areas.

England currently sit top of their group after four wins from four matches and a goal difference that reflects both attacking efficiency and defensive resilience.

The U23 Lionesses

Beneath the senior squad, the u23s produced a quietly impressive set of results that reinforced the depth in England’s pathway.

Wins over the Netherlands and Sweden during the break reflected both tactical cohesion and individual progression, with the team adapting well under new leadership following recent coaching changes.

Photo Credit: England

The young Lionesses opened the Lydia Bedford era with a tight 1-0 win over the Netherlands thanks to Isobel Goodwin’s goal that ultimately secured their spot at the European Competition final.

After booking their place in the cup final, the side met a talented Sweden squad but a quick goal from Goodwin settled the nerves.

England’s pressure continued as they added goal number two and three through Hannah Silcock and Olivia McLoughlin.

The 3-0 victory against Sweden stood out in particular as a performance combining control in possession with clinical finishing, while the narrower success against the Netherlands showed their ability to manage tighter contests.

These results continue a broader trend of competitiveness at this level, where the emphasis remains on preparing players for the tactical and physical demands of senior international football.

A player who stood out for the young Lionesses and has more than adapted to the level was 17-year-old Chloe Sarwie.

The defender, playing up age groups, continued to prove why she is part of the Chelsea senior setup, producing crucial defensive blocks whilst also showcasing her attacking output - definitely one to watch!

The U19 Lionesses

For the u19s, however, April told a more difficult story.

Their campaign ended in disappointment after a decisive defeat to Switzerland, a result that confirmed they would miss out on qualification for the UEFA Women’s Under-19 European Championship.

Despite entering the window with a strong overall record in qualifying, including multiple wins and a healthy goal-scoring rate, the final hurdle proved just out of reach following back-to-back defeats.

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The young Lionesses saw their first loss of camp come at the hands of Wales who snatched a 3-2 win thanks to a clinical strike from Manchester United’s Scarlett Hill.

A slim defeat to Switzerland in the second game confirmed that the side wouldn’t take part in this summer’s European campaign after Emanuela Pfister netted a brace for the Swiss to secure a 2-0 victory.

There were still positives within the group, but fine margins defined the ties that ultimately saw them fall just short this time out.