England reveal squad for FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

The 23-player England squad for the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has been unveiled, featuring notable players such as Lucy Bronze, Lauren James, and Mary Earps. Unfortunately, Beth Mead, who was the Golden Boot winner in the previous year's Euro 2022 victory, will not be able to participate due to her ongoing recovery from an ACL injury suffered in November.

Leah Williamson, the captain, and midfielder Fran Kirby, both nursing injuries, will also be absent from the tournament. England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed her disappointment over their absence, stating, "It's very disappointing for Leah. It's very sad but it's the same for Fran [Kirby] and the same for Beth Mead. But you have to move on too, and unfortunately, this is part of top-level sport."

In light of Williamson's absence, Wiegman confirmed that defender Millie Bright will assume the captaincy duties. When asked about the possibility of Beth Mead recovering in time, Wiegman responded, "No, I don't think so. Beth is so positive and she's going really well [in her recovery]. But we were always wary of her time schedule."


England's first match is scheduled against Haiti on 22 July, followed by games against Denmark and China in Group D.

Here is the complete squad for the England Women's World Cup team:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa)

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)

Forwards: Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Bethany England (Tottenham)

Following their successful triumph in the Euro 2022, expectations are indeed running high for Sarina Wiegman's England team. The squad's confidence received an additional boost after defeating Brazil in the inaugural Women's Finalissima held in April of this year.

The announcement of the Women's World Cup squad took place at Boldmere St Michael's FC in Sutton Coldfield. This choice of venue aimed to emphasize the close bond between the grassroots level of the game and the England national teams, underscoring the importance of nurturing talent from the grassroots level to the international stage.

FAQs

Q1. Who is the captain of the England Women's World Cup squad?
A1. Millie Bright has been appointed as the captain in the absence of Leah Williamson.

Q2. What are England's group stage opponents in the Women's World Cup?
A2. England will face Haiti, Denmark, and China in Group D of the tournament.