But Wiegman has shown she’s willing to take risks and it’s a very exciting squad.”
Beth Mead’s exclusion from England’s Women’s World Cup squad was a disappointment, but not a surprise. Instead, there was reward for two players who made bold moves in January: Arsenal forward Bethany England and midfielder Jordan Nobbs. England had made a British-record move to relegation-threatened Tottenham from Chelsea in January, while Nobbs left Arsenal after 12 years to join Aston Villa. Both left top-three clubs – who won silverware – in search of regular game time to boost their chances of making the 23-player squad and they will now fly out to Australia for the tournament, starting on 20 July.
England has not played for the Lionesses since September 2022, but her 12 goals in as many Women’s Super League games was hard for Wiegman to ignore. Nobbs’ international journey, meanwhile, has been one of immense potential, but riddled with injuries. The 30-year-old has earned 71 England caps since 2013, but injuries led to absences at the 2019 World Cup, Euro 2022 and the Olympic Games in 2021 with Great Britain.
Elsewhere, Manchester United centre-back Maya Le Tissier was the biggest surprise omission. The 21-year-old had an outstanding debut season for United after leaving Brighton in the summer, playing in every match for the club as they finished WSL and FA Cup runners-up. Wiegman admitted it was one of the hardest decisions to leave her out, having named her in the two most recent squads. Perhaps Le Tissier has been indirectly impacted by Leah Williamson’s ACL injury, forcing a reshuffle in defensive positions which is likely to see Alex Greenwood move across from left-back to centre-back. That means there is a left-back void that needs filling and it seems Wiegman has opted for defenders who have recently played in both full-back positions to provide cover.
United winger Nikita Parris is another player unfortunate to miss out, having finished the season in strong form, but Wiegman has overlooked the 29-year-old’s experience in favour of the youthful Katie Robinson. Nine goals and one assist in 27 games this season is a decent tally, but Parris ultimately misses out because others have excelled in her position and it is an area where England have real depth.
Injuries to key players Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, as well as Ellen White’s retirement, means four of the unchanged Euro 2022 starting XI will be absent in Australia. Several of England’s “super-subs” at Euro 2022 are now starters – Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone – but Wiegman’s selection includes players capable of making an impact off the bench too. WSL Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly provides stiff competition for Russo up front, along with Tottenham’s England. Nobbs is also a strong replacement for playmaker Toone, while Chelsea’s Lauren James has been described as a video game “cheat code”. England’s strength clearly lies in their attack, but injuries have left them a little short on experience, most notably in defence.
Despite the absences of key players due to injury, England are still one of the favourites to win the tournament. Wiegman has shown she is willing to take risks and her selection includes players capable of making an impact both on and off the bench. The combination of youth and experience gives England a strong chance of success in Australia.