Leah Williamson, Hannah Hampton return to England squad for March qualifiers

England manager Sarina Wiegman has welcomed back captain Leah Williamson and first-choice goalkeeper Hannah Hampton for the Lionesses’ opening 2027 World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland, injecting experience and leadership into a squad that will also feature a first senior call-up for London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson.

Williamson and Hampton, both sidelined for November’s internationals, are joined in the 25-player group by returning defenders Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter and forward Lauren James. Their availability represents a significant lift for Wiegman as England target a fast start to their qualification campaign, beginning with a meeting with Ukraine in Antalya, Turkey, on 3 March before hosting Iceland at Nottingham’s City Ground four days later.

“It’s a new year with new objectives, as we start our qualification journey with these two very important fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland,” Wiegman said. “We want to start our campaign off in the best possible way and will need to be at a top level as we face two different challenges.”

The squad announcement also underlines the depth at Wiegman’s disposal. Ten of the players who started last summer’s Euro 2025 final are included, with only Ella Toone absent through injury. Toone is one of four players unavailable for selection, alongside Beth Mead, Niamh Charles and Missy Bo Kearns.

While Williamson and James are expected to have their minutes managed carefully after recent lay-offs, their presence restores a core of serial winners to the camp. Around them, emerging talents such as Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier and Manchester City midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown continue to press for regular involvement, benefiting from increased club minutes in the Women’s Super League. Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey, both handed maiden senior call-ups in late 2024, retain their places to gain further senior exposure.

England’s path to the 2027 World Cup begins with a double-header Wiegman believes will set the tone for the entire campaign. With experienced heads returning and fresh faces eager to impress, the Lionesses will aim to translate their European success onto the global stage.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Poppy Pattinson (London City Lionesses), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)