England head coach Sarina Wiegman has handed a surprise recall to Chelsea forward Lauren James.
The Football Association announced Wiegman’s 23-player squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 qualifiers against Austria and Luxembourg via an official press release this morning.
James is one of five players to be recalled with Sandy MacIver, Jordan Nobbs, Katie Zelem and Ebony Salmon having also been included in the latest England selection. James is uncapped at senior level but was first called up for a training camp back in November 2020.
After announcing her latest squad, England boss Wiegman said “It only feels like yesterday since we were celebrating at Wembley, but we have to get straight back to business. We have a big target in front of us this month to book our place at the World Cup, and we have to set aside our amazing memories of this summer for the moment. We have lost four players in midfield and forward positions so I am pleased we can turn to experience in Katie and Jordan along with two for the future in Lauren and Ebony.
“When we can, it is important to give opportunities to our promising younger players in this environment, and for them to experience what is expected in the senior set-up both on and off the pitch. This includes Sandy MacIver who just missed out on the EUROs.”
England travel to Wiener Neustadt to face Austria on Saturday 3 September 2022 before hosting Luxembourg in their final FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 qualifying match at the bet365 Stadium on Stoke on Tuesday 6 September 2022. The Lionesses need just one point to win the group.
England Squad
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)
Forwards: Bethany England (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Ebony Salmon (Racing Louisville)
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