The Lionesses are back: Key Returns, New Faces and Notable Absences

The Lionesses are finally back for 2026 as Sarina Wiegman drops her first squad selection for the year!

After a successful 2025, Wiegman’s side return for the opening fixtures of their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign with a mixture of high-profile returns, exciting first call-ups but a few notable injury absences.

England will travel to Turkey to face Ukraine in their first WC qualifier before hosting Iceland at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground in the second game.

Players In: Big Returns and Fresh Faces

There is a major boost for England as Leah Williamson and Lauren James return to the squad for the first time since the Euro 2025 title-winning campaign.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, and defenders Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood are also back after missing the final camp of 2025 through injury, reuniting a Euro title winning backline.

Ellie Roebuck retains her place after a late call-up in the previous camp following an injury to Khiara Keating, while Freya Godfrey keeps her spot after earning her first senior call-up last time out.

Following a strong run of form, Godfrey could now be in line for her senior debut after impressing at club level in the WSL.

One of the standout inclusions is Poppy Pattinson, who receives her first senior call-up after progressing through England’s youth ranks.

The London City Lionesses defender has impressed domestically and earns her opportunity at senior level.

Liverpool captain Grace Fisk also retains her place and with senior defenders such as Lucy Bronze and Williamson only just returning from injury, Fisk could be handed her first senior cap.

A potential surprise inclusion is Taylor Hinds of Arsenal. The defender has recently been managing a foot injury and has not featured for the Gunners in recent weeks.

However, Arsenal manager Renée Slegers has confirmed Hinds is back in training and ready to feature in their upcoming UWCL fixture, paving the way for her selection.

Players Out: Injury Setbacks

Wiegman is, however, without several key players due to injury. Regular figures Beth Mead, who is out with a fractured tibia, and Ella Toone, who is nursing a hip injury, both miss out as they continue their rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Euros hero Michelle Agyemang remains sidelined after suffering a ruptured ACL during the Lionesses’ October friendly against Australia.

Goalkeeper Khiara Keating drops out of the senior squad after limited minutes at club level this season, though Wiegman has confirmed she will join the U23s for this international window.

Defender Niamh Charles is also unavailable due to an ankle problem that has kept her out since December, while Missy-Bo Kearns is also ruled out through injury.

Who will the Lionesses be facing in their first 2026 camp?

England begin their campaign against Ukraine on 3rd March at 5pm, travelling to Turkey to play at the Mardan Sports Complex.

The last time the two nations met was back in 2014, also in a World Cup qualifier, when the Lionesses secured a narrow 2–1 victory thanks to goals from Casey Stoney and Eniola Aluko. Of course, Lucy Bronze was in the starting line up!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Ukraine head into the fixture following a 2–1 defeat to Croatia in the Nations League, although they were previously on a five-game unbeaten run.

A key threat for England’s opposition will be winger Olha Ovdiichuk, who registered five goal involvements across six Nations League matches and will be one to watch.

The back-to-back Euros Champions will then return home to host Iceland on 7th March at 12:30pm at The City Ground.

Iceland come into the qualifiers in strong form after securing consecutive victories against Northern Ireland.

The last meeting between the two sides dates back to 2009, when England suffered a 2–0 defeat in their penultimate friendly before that summer’s European Championship.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Icelandic squad boasts considerable experience, including Bayern Munich captain Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir, Angel City forward Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir, and Inter Milan’s Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir.

Notably, Jónsdóttir and Vilhjálmsdóttir each contributed 10 goal involvements in 17 appearances for Iceland last year, underlining the threat they pose.

With a blend of returning stars, emerging talent and enforced absences, the Lionesses squad selection highlights both the depth and resilience within the setup.

Two very different tests await in Ukraine and Iceland, but Wiegman’s side will be aiming to make a strong start as they begin their journey towards the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.