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Sarina Wiegman has declared it is time for England to get ‘back to business’ after naming her first Lionesses squad since steering the team to victory at the European Championships.
England tackle Austria and Luxembourg as the European champions look to seal qualification for next year’s World Cup, with further glory targeted after clinching a maiden honour last month.
The Lionesses are still riding the high from the success against Germany at Wembley, with focus on the women’s game increasing significantly, but, while that triumph is fresh in the memory, Wiegman has called upon the squad to focus.
“It only feels like yesterday since we were celebrating at Wembley, but we have to get straight back to business,” she said in a press conference.
“We have a big target in front of us this month to book our place at the World Cup, and we have to set aside our amazing memories of this summer for the moment.”
Wiegman will be without two experienced figures in the squad, with record-goalscorer Ellen White and Jill Scott, the second-most capped player in Lionesses’ history, both announcing their retirements this week
“It is hard to describe their impact in words. They have been with the team for such a long time, impacting the game with the national team and club teams in England so much,” Wiegman added.
“I’ve only worked with them for a year, I’m disappointed it is not longer, but I understand and respect their decision. We are so proud of them and thankful for what they’ve brought to the game. I hope they stay in football in another role.”
Chloe Kelly, scorer of England’s winning goal in the final, and Fran Kirby have both been omitted from the squad through injury, while Hannah Hampton is out amid “personal issues” – tallying together for five changes from the Euro 2022 squad.
Sandy MacIver, Lauren James, Jordan Nobbs, Katie Zelem and Ebony Salmon have all been called-up in their place.
England squad
Mary Earps, Sandy MacIver, Ellie Roebuck, Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Demi Stokes, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem, Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Alessia Russo, Ebony Salmon.
