The Preview: England's U23s Lionesses

International football is back, and England’s next generation of Lionesses are set to embark on two exciting fixtures.

Emma Coates’ Lionesses return to action off the back of a tricky last window after suffering a 5-0 defeat to Germany before earning a 1-1 draw against Portugal’s prospects.

The side will host Norway at Manchester City’s Joie Stadium on Thursday, November 27, before welcoming USA on Monday, December 1 to the Wham Stadium – home to Accrington Stanley.

Norway will encounter a very different England side to the one they faced in 2024 as now-senior Lionesses, Khaira Keating, Anouk Denton and Lucia Kendall were all in the starting lineup.

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For their 2025 curtain closer, the Lionesses will meet the US side for the first time in the U23s category since 2018, and the rivalry between the two senior teams is anything to go by, this will be an intriguing match-up!

US women’s football is renowned for their rising ballers, with the likes of Lily Yohannes, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Pugh (Swanson), all enjoying spells through the youth set-up.

Just like their senior team, the US u23 side are well equipped with some of the world’s most promising stars. Head coach Heather Dyche has called upon Angel City’s Gisele Thompson – sister to world record transfer Alyssa Thompson.

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The defender has provided six goal contributions this season from the fullback position, whilst fellow City teammate Riley Tiernan has also received an international call-up after impressing in her rookie season.

Coates’ u23s pose an exciting watch too, with some of the country’s best young ballers taking to the stage, such as Brighton captain Maisie Symonds, Chelsea’s Lexi Potter, and prolific striker Isobel Goodwin.

One key name to remember is Chloe Sarwie. At the age of just 16, the Chelsea star has already made her Champions League debut – coming off the bench in the Blues’ draw with Twente.

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Sarwie, who has been a regular member throughout the England set-up, has evidently caught the eye both club and country managers with Sonia Bompastor opting to keep the star amongst her title winning side and including her in the UWCL squad.  

Another young baller key to Coates’ team is 17-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson. The midfielder represented England at the 2024 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship, where her side became runners up to champions, Spain.

Photo Credit: Erica Parkinson via Instagram

Parkinson, who plays her football over in Portugal, was named the Best Young Player for the 24/25 season after enjoying her second season with Valadares Gaia feminine.

An intriguing prospect to watch is Aston Villa Academy product, Georgia Mullet. The forward has begun to cement herself in the Villa starting lineup after becoming the focal point in five games so far this season.

The 20-year-old scored her first ever league goal, after netting against Everton in Villa’s 3-3 draw. Mullet particularly impressed with her link-up play with teammate Kirsty Hanson in the Claret and Blues’ 1-0 win against Manchester United earlier this season.

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With no league action until Saturday, December 6, why not head out to watch and support England’s up-and-coming stars!