England captain Leah Williamson returns to the team for the first time since Euro 2025 as they prepare to begin their Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign.
Williamson, 28, missed England’s friendly wins over China, Ghana and Australia, as well as the loss to Brazil at the end of 2025 due to a knee injury.
The Arsenal defender underwent surgery after lifting England’s second consecutive European title in July and returned to action in early December.
“It’s really nice to have her back. She’s still building but she’s in a very good place. I’ve been in contact with her and her club,” manager Sarina Wiegman told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It’s good that he is on our pitch, training and playing, and also with other players who have been injured. We are missing some, but he gives opportunities to others.
“There are players that we definitely need to manage before this camp. We’re going with 25 players, so we have room to change and figure things out.”
Several big names return to the squad, including Chelsea striker Lauren James, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
James, 24, was absent for four months with an ankle injury before returning in November and is now fully fit.
He impressed in Sunday’s win over Liverpool and boosts Wiegman’s attacking options with Arsenal’s Beth Mead out with a broken shin.
Greenwood, 32, missed the start of the season with a knee injury, while Hampton had a thigh issue that ruled her out of November camp.
There is a first senior call-up for London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson, while uncapped 20-year-old Freya Godfrey retains her place in the squad.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck will also be withdrawn, and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating will be left out of the team.
“[Roebuck] I came to the last camp, of course, because we had some injuries. she has a few minutes [with Villa] So it’s very good to see her back, to see her happy and available. “She plays and trains fully,” added Wiegman.
“Keating will be with the U23s. We all know she is a very talented goalkeeper. I had big concerns about her playing time last season.
“It’s a long period of time. There’s also competition with the other goalkeepers.”
Gotham FC defender Jess Carter is back after being given time to recover from the conclusion of the National Women’s Soccer League play-offs in November.
England will be without Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone, who will be sidelined with a hip injury until the end of March.
Bay FC defender Anouk Denton, 22, who made her debut as a substitute in December, is not included in the squad.
