Sarina Wiegman has named a 23-woman England squad for 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro hosted on home soil in July.
Wiegman last month named a provisional 28-woman squad for a training camp this month, which meant that she had to cut five players from the official squad list due to UEFA rules only permitting 23 players in the finalised selection.
Everton’s Sandy Mclver who hadn’t played a single minute for the Lionesses under Wiegman consequently has been omitted in goal, with Wiegman opting to retain her preferred three goalkeepers of; Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton and Ellie Roebuck.
In defence, ex Captain – Steph Houghton has been left out after failing to impress Wiegman during this month’s training camp, following an injury-hit campaign for the 34 year-old defender.
Chelsea’s Niamh Charles has also been snubbed in the final squad selection as Wiegman selected the following defenders;
- Millie Bright (Chelsea)
- Lucy Bronze (Manchester City)
- Jess Carter (Chelsea)
- Rachel Daly (Houston Dash)
- Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
- Demi Stokes (Manchester City)
- Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Manchester United’s Katie Zelem and Lucy Staniforth both miss out in midfield as Captain, Leah Williamson headlines the midfield selection which also contains; Fran Kirby, Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh.
Wiegman however hasn’t omitted any of her forwards as Ellen White looks to become England’s all-time record goalscorer across men and women’s senior teams, with the Manchester City striker needing just four goals to make history.
Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris and Alessio Russo have also retained their places in the squad.
Speaking about her decision behind the finalised squad and expectations, Wiegman said: “I am excited by what is possible for this group. We all know this is a huge opportunity and it is one we have to grab with both hands.
“The chance to represent the nation on such a big stage on home soil is one to relish. This group so far has proven they are prepared to give it all they have in every training session, in every meeting and in every game.”
Wiegman though admitted that her decision to leave five players out proved “difficult” after they showed “talent and commitment” on and off the pitch across the last nine months, although she refused to rule out the possibility of recalling any of the five snubbed players if late call-ups are needed.
England will kick off 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro on home soil against Austria in the opening match at Old Trafford, Manchester on Wednesday 6 July, with kick-off confirmed at 8pm BST.
Wiegman’s Lionesses will then meet Norway in their second Group A match at Brighton’s AMEX Stadium on Monday 11 July, ahead of a blockbuster clash against Northern Ireland at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on Friday 15 July with both matches kicking off at 8pm BST respectively.
Ahead of the tournament, England will play Belgium in a friendly at Molineux, Wolverhampton tomorrow (16 June) at 8pm BST, followed by a clash against Netherlands at Elland Road, Leeds on Friday 24 June in a 8pm BST kick-off.
Wiegman’s Lionesses will then head to Zurich, Switzerland for an overseas training camp which will conclude with an away friendly to Switzerland on Thursday 30 June at 5pm BST.
BBC will televise the tournament live in the UK with all home nation matches airing exclusively live on BBC One alongside selected matches involving foreign teams, whilst majority of other matches in the Group Stage will air on BBC Two.
Plans for BBC’s coverage of the knockout stages will be announced in due course once the Group Stage begins to draw towards its conclusion with final group matches taking place between 15-18 July.
Here is England’s 23-woman squad in full.
Goalkeepers – Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
Defence – Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfield – Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jill Scott (Aston Villa – on loan from Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Forwards – Bethany England (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Arsenal), Alessio Russo (Manchester United), Ellen White (Manchester City)
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