Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze included in Sarina Wiegman’s first England squad since Euro 2025 triumph, Leah Williamson and Lauren James out with injury

Bronze played a key role in England’s triumphant campaign, and revealed after the penalty shoot-out win over Spain in the final that she had played through a fractured tibia for her country. She was subsequently sidelined for Chelsea until returning for a brief cameo in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on October 12.

Lauren Hemp, meanwhile, also misses out on the England squad having sustained an ankle injury during Manchester City’s 5-1 win over Tottenham in September.

“Yes, of course I wanted that. She’s still a very good player so I want her in the squad but I totally respect and understand the decision.

“She had been thinking about it very thoroughly. When a player makes a decision like this and has such an incredible career internationally, then it’s not appropriate to have that conversation (trying to change her mind).

“Off the back of the Euros we had a conversation. She told me she would retire from international football. She has been huge for us, for me, for the team – on and off the pitch.

“Even before I came in, she was a great personality and leader. I’m just really grateful to have been a little part of her journey. She’s had a massive influence.”

Bright’s absence and the injury omissions have opened the door to maiden call-ups for Arsenal duo Katie Reid, 19, and Taylor Hinds, 26.

Hinds joined Arsenal from Liverpool in the summer, and had previously switched her international allegiance to Jamaica. She made her international debut for the Caribbean nation against France in a friendly in October 2024, but did not make a competitive appearance for the national side, and thus remains available for England.

Lucia Kendall is another who earned a first call-up. The 21-year-old has impressed for Aston Villa so far this season following her summer move from Southampton. She has been capped up to Under-23 level with England.

Michelle Agyemang, who popped up with two crucial late goals against Sweden and Italy in the quarter-finals and semi-finals at Euro 2025, has also been named in the squad. Four of the five forwards included by Wiegman are contracted to Arsenal, Agyemang being one of those, albeit on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Agyemang is joined in the squad by Arsenal forwards Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo.

England’s summer success led to Wiegman being honoured with the Women’s Johan Cruyff Award at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which crowns the best women’s coach of the year.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, meanwhile, was the recipient of the inaugural women’s Yashin Trophy for her fine performances in Switzerland, and has been named in Wiegman’s latest squad.

England face Brazil – hosts of the 2027 World Cup – in their first match since Euro 2025 at the Etihad Stadium on October 25. Three days later, Wiegman’s side take on Australia at Derby County’s Pride Park.

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Khiara Keating (Manchester City).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United) Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Katie Reid (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Lucia Kendell (Aston Villa).

Forwards: Beth Mead (Arsenal), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Michelle Agyemang (Brighton on loan from Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).