'I like surprises' - Wiegman calls up 17-year-old Parkinson

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has sprung a selection shock by handing a first senior call-up to 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson for April’s decisive Women’s World Cup qualifying fixtures against Spain and Iceland.

Parkinson, who plies her trade in Portugal’s top flight with Valadares Gaia, was the headline inclusion in a 23-player squad announced on Tuesday. The teenager, born in Singapore to an English father and Japanese mother, has previously represented England at every age-group level and most recently featured for the Under-23s, accumulating 44 youth caps.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Wiegman said she “likes surprises” and stressed that while Parkinson is not expected to break straight into the starting XI, the invitation is a calculated chance to accelerate her development.

“For every player that comes in for the first time that is young, it is a big step,” Wiegman explained. “It brings some anxiety. That’s completely normal. I just hope she adapts quickly—and I hope that with everyone who comes in for the first time.”

The Dutch coach praised the attacking midfielder’s dynamism, technical quality and aggressive forward play, adding: “The step from the Portuguese league and the under-23s to the England seniors is a big step, but at the same time I want to see her and give her that opportunity.”

Parkinson’s multilingual background—she speaks four languages—has already marked her out within the youth setup, and Wiegman is eager to learn more about her “different story” during camp. The Football Association moved swiftly to secure her allegiance after scouting her extensively in Portugal, mindful that she also holds eligibility for Japan and the host nation.

The call-up was facilitated by injuries to Manchester United’s Ella Toone and Manchester City’s Grace Clinton, while Liverpool captain Grace Fisk and London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson drop out after February’s experimental friendlies as Wiegman trims the group to 23.

England sit on six points from two qualifiers and meet world champions Spain at Wembley on 14 April before travelling to Reykjavik four days later. Only the group winner is guaranteed automatic passage to the 2027 World Cup, and Wiegman warned against overlooking Ukraine or Iceland despite the mounting focus on a potential duel with Spain.

“We have to beat those opponents and we want to beat Spain too,” she said. “We want to qualify for the World Cup as quickly as possible.”

For Parkinson, the next fortnight offers a priceless taste of elite international football. Wiegman’s message is simple: enjoy the moment and rise to the level.