The England women’s national football team has gathered a fresh squad in preparation for their upcoming international fixtures against the USA and Switzerland. The inclusion of Manchester City midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown and Leicester City’s Ruby Mace marks an exciting moment for both players as they are set to represent England at the senior level for the first time. This selection reflects the ongoing commitment of head coach Sarina Wiegman to bolster the team’s ranks with emerging talent.
Laura Blindkilde Brown has demonstrated her capabilities at various youth levels for England, and her performance at Manchester City has been noteworthy since she transferred from Aston Villa at the start of 2024. Her progress and form in the City setup have evidently convinced Wiegman to hand her a senior opportunity. Meanwhile, Ruby Mace is making the transition from the under-23 squad after impressing during her time with Leicester City. Following a successful loan spell at Leicester last season, she secured a permanent transfer from Manchester City, which has added depth to her development as a player.
For these friendlies that fall on 30 November and 3 December, Wiegman has assembled a 24-player squad. The matches are integral to the team’s preparation process as they gear up for their title defense at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, scheduled for the following summer. England’s first match will see them face off against the USA, coached by former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, at the historic Wembley Stadium. This encounter is anticipated to be steeped in excitement with the prospect of performing in front of a home crowd.
The subsequent match will take place in Sheffield, where the Lionesses will challenge Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland at Bramall Lane. Wiegman emphasized the significance of these fixtures in her remarks. She noted, “This is an important international window for us to continue our work to be ready for next summer’s EURO.” Each minute spent on the pitch and moments shared at St. George’s Park is aimed at ensuring the squad is adequately prepared for the upcoming tournament beginning on 2 July.
Highlighting their opponents, Wiegman acknowledged the formidable nature of both teams. The USA poses a significant challenge, being Olympic champions and consistently strengthening under Hayes’s direction, proving their higher level of play. A match against such an elite team, especially at Wembley, is an opportunity the squad is eagerly anticipating. On the other hand, Wiegman noted Switzerland’s continuous growth, substantiated by their recent impressive victory over France, emphasizing that they will pose different challenges during this international window.
Despite the optimism surrounding the squad, Wiegman has had to navigate through injury setbacks affecting several key players. Notable absentees include Niamh Charles, Lauren James, Lucy Parker, Ella Toone, and Lauren Hemp. Particularly concerning for Manchester City fans, Hemp, a crucial player for England, has recently undergone successful knee surgery. In an official statement, the club affirmed that she would be rehabbing under their medical team’s supervision at the City Football Academy, highlighting the club’s attention to her recovery.
Additionally, the squad sees the return of defender Gabby George, who is back in the England setup for the first time in two years after overcoming her challenges. Her presence illustrates the depth and resilience of the squad as they seek to find their rhythm and solidify their strategies in preparation for the major tournament ahead.
The excitement around these matches and the new inclusions in the squad reflect the evolving landscape of women’s football in England and the promising future for this powerhouse team as they aim to continue their winning legacy on the international stage.
