Wiegman names 25-player Lionesses squad as Toone returns for World Cup qualifiers

England manager Sarina Wiegman has selected a 25-player squad for the Lionesses’ crucial Women’s World Cup qualifiers, marking the return of midfielder Ella Toone for the first time since November. The Manchester United player has recovered from a hip injury that kept her out for the latter half of the club season, joining a group focused on securing qualification for next year’s tournament.

Wiegman described Toone as looking good but maintained a cautious approach regarding her match fitness. The manager noted that decisions on starting line-ups and individual playing minutes have not yet been made, emphasising the need to assess the player within the team environment. While confident in Toone’s ability to contribute, Wiegman admitted uncertainty over whether she can immediately play 90 minutes at the highest level.

Defender Lucy Bronze is also included in the squad despite battling a foot injury. Wiegman acknowledged that several players may be short on match fitness due to the varying ends to their club seasons. However, she maintained confidence in the quality of the group, stating that the squad possesses enough depth to maximise their chances of winning.

The squad will travel to Majorca for the pivotal match against the current world champions, Spain, on 5 June. A draw in this fixture would secure England’s place at the World Cup. England currently holds a perfect record of four wins from four qualifiers. The team will then face Ukraine at the Hill Dickinson Stadium four days later, providing a secondary opportunity for qualification if the result in Spain does not go their way.

The 25-player roster comprises three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders, and seven attackers. Wiegman outlined the mathematical scenarios for qualification, noting that a win or draw against Spain guarantees a spot, while failure to achieve that leaves a chance against Ukraine or potentially in the autumn. The manager emphasised a proactive approach, stating the team’s starting point is to beat Spain and improve upon their previous performance at Wembley.

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse, Ellie Roebuck Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Taylor Hinds, Esme Morgan, Maya Le Tissier, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown, Lucia Kendall, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh Attackers: Aggie Beever-Jones, Freya Godfrey, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo