England women's senior squad named for Belgium games

Sarina Wiegman has named her 25-player squad for England’s UEFA Women’s Nations League double header against Belgium early next month.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Maisie Symonds is the latest player to earn a senior call-up after impressing with the England WU23s. Beth Mead and Fran Kirby return from injury after missing out on the start of England’s UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign in February, whilst there is also a return for Khiara Keating.

The Lionesses, who will be keen to maintain momentum after a positive start to the Nations League, face Belgium twice in quick succession in a finely poised group A3. They will first be in action on Friday 4 April [kick-off 8pm] at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate and then travel to Leuven to face the Red Flames on Tuesday 8 April [kick-off 7.30pm]. Both games will be broadcast on ITV Sport.

Wiegman’s side recorded a notable victory at Wembley Stadium connected by EE against world champions Spain last time out, after beginning the year with a hard-fought draw against Portugal.

The Lionesses will be cheered on by a big crowd as they return to Ashton Gate for the first time in two years, with only limited tickets available here and the venue holds happy memories for the Lionesses as they were 6-1 winners against the Red Flames in the Arnold Clark Cup in February 2023.

Belgium are familiar opposition, with England meeting them twice in their 2023 Nations League campaign. Both teams received a share of the spoils with the Lionesses triumphing 1-0 at Leicester City before succumbing to a 3-2 defeat in Leuven.

Wiegman said: “It’s good for us to be back together so quickly after a positive start to this year. We have a lot we want to achieve in the Nations League and although we are satisfied with our start in the group, there’s much more work to be done to improve our game. After two very difficult fixtures against them in 2023 we know the challenge Belgium will pose. We will need to be fully focused and perform at our best to get the two results we are looking for.

“I’m looking forward to getting the players together and continuing the hard work on the grass at St. George’s Park before travelling to Bristol. It will be a pleasure to return back to Ashton Gate, it’s a stadium that brings back happy memories and a crowd who gave us great support in 2023. To play in front of a sell-out crowd is not something we will ever take for granted and I’m sure their backing will provide us with the extra energy we need and hopefully help us secure three important points.”

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Lucy Parker (Aston Villa) Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jess Park (Manchester City), Maisie Symonds (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, loan from Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)