England squad: World Cup crunch time for Sarina Wiegman finalises picks

The past six months have all been about who will not make England’s World Cup squad, but tomorrow Sarina Wiegman must finally decide who has made the cut.

The Lionesses’ preparations for this summer’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand have been hit hard by injuries. Captain Leah Williamson and midfielder Fran Kirby are out with knee injuries, while forward Beth Mead is a major doubt after undergoing knee surgery in November.

Record goalscorer Ellen White and midfielder Jill Scott have retired since last summer’s Euros triumph, which has only added to Wiegman’s selection headache. Wiegman’s reign as England boss has been one of clarity but, on the eve of tomorrow’s squad announcement, as many as eight of the 23 spots feel up for grabs.

There is most certainty over selection in goal. Mary Earps will be the No1, with Ellie Roebuck as back-up. Hannah Hampton should take the third spot, as Sandy MacIver is injured, but there is even some doubt around that. Hampton was left out of England squads after last summer’s Euros amid reports of poor attitude and she was only recalled in March, when Wiegman said she had sorted out some personal issues.

Sarina’s big calls

Recall Steph Houghton?

The former Lionesses captain has not played for England since 2021, but injuries mean Wiegman is short on defensive options. The 35-year-old, who has made 121 appearances for England, has struggled with injuries in the past but has managed to stay relatively fit for Manchester City this season.

The defensive spots are wide open. Millie Bright has not played since March due to a knee injury, but Wiegman is backing her to be fit in time to captain the side. Right-back Lucy Bronze remains from the back-four who won Euro 2022, but two new players are needed, as Williamson is injured and left-back Rachel Daly has played up front for Aston Villa this season and was the Women’s Super League top scorer.

Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter will go, with both offering cover at centre-back and left-back. Lotte Wubben-Moy’s club form makes her a strong contender, while Esme Morgan, Lucy Parker, Maya Le Tissier and Niamh Charles are pushing to make the cut.

Sarina’s big calls

Gamble on Beth Mead?

The Arsenal forward had knee surgery in November and Wiegman said it would take a miracle for her to be fit. Mead has not given up hope, however, and Wiegman will be tempted to roll the dice. Mead was top scorer at Euro 2022 and runner-up in the Ballon d’Or.

The biggest defensive decision for Wiegman is whether she recalls former captain Steph Houghton, who has not played for the Lionesses since 2021. Wiegman named Houghton in her very first squad, but she was forced to pull out due to injury. The 35-year-old has not been called up since.

Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh will go as the starting midfield trio, with Jordan Nobbs and Laura Coombs the likely back-ups.

Attack is where England are at their strongest. Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Daly, Lauren Hemp and Lauren James are certainties for places on the plane. That would usually leave one more spot, with Wiegman a fan of Brighton youngster Katie Robinson.

Sarina’s big calls

Trust youth or turn to experience in attack?

Brighton youngster Katie Robinson has been a regular in squads since the Euros, but Beth England and Nikita Parris offer far more experience and were part of the Euros squad. Spurs striker England scored more WSL goals than Alessia Russo this season.

Nikita Parris, however, has impressed after leaving Arsenal for Manchester United and offers a wealth of experience. Bethany England is also in contention, after scoring 14 WSL goals, more than Russo, to keep Tottenham up in the top flight.

Such attacking riches may tempt Wiegman into loading her squad with attackers at the expense of taking another defender and midfielder. The fact Daly can play left-back helps and could even open up a spot for Mead.

It would be a huge gamble by Wiegman, given Mead has not played since November, but one that will be tempting, as the forward was the top scorer at Euro 2022 and runner-up in the Ballon d’Or.