The Lionesses Gear Up for World Cup Qualification
The England women’s national football team is set to resume competitive action next month as they embark on their journey to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Under the guidance of head coach Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses will face Ukraine in Turkey on March 3, and then host Iceland at the City Ground in Nottingham on March 7. With only eight international camps scheduled before the World Cup, these matches are crucial for maintaining momentum and building a cohesive squad.
A Challenging Group Awaits
England finds itself in a competitive qualifying group that includes Spain, the reigning champions who defeated them in the Euro 2023 final, alongside Ukraine and Iceland. The intensity of these matches will be felt, as Wiegman’s squad aims to secure their place in Brazil without any missteps. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming fixtures is palpable, as fans and analysts alike ponder the selections and strategies Wiegman will employ.
Reflections on Euro 2025 Success
Since their triumphant victory in Euro 2025, where they convincingly defeated China and Ghana in friendly matches, the Lionesses have been in a period of reflection and squad development. These encounters provided Wiegman with the opportunity to experiment with new players and formations, including giving a debut to 30-year-old goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. The squad also saw the emergence of new talents like defenders Anouk Denton, Taylor Hinds, and forward Freya Godfrey, who are all vying for a chance to represent their country at the highest level.
Injuries and Recoveries
As preparations ramp up, Wiegman faces the challenge of managing injuries within her squad. Most key players have returned to fitness, but notable absentees will include Manchester United’s Ella Toone, who is sidelined until late March due to a hip issue. The midfield options are already limited, with Aston Villa’s Missy Bo Kearns also unavailable. On the injury front, Arsenal’s Beth Mead has suffered a fractured shin, while Chelsea’s Niamh Charles and Tottenham’s Ella Morris are recovering from ankle and ACL injuries, respectively.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
Wiegman’s strategic acumen will be put to the test as she navigates the team selections for the upcoming matches. With limited options at full-back due to injuries, she may have to adjust her defensive lineup, potentially moving Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood from centre-back to full-back. There is also speculation about recalling Anouk Denton, who has recently signed with Bay FC in the U.S., as well as the possibility of including London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey, who has been impressive in recent performances.
The dynamic of the squad is further complicated by the fitness levels of veterans such as Chloe Kelly, Lucy Bronze, and Keira Walsh, all of whom have faced injury challenges in recent months. Wiegman must evaluate their readiness to ensure they can contribute effectively in both qualifiers.
Building Towards Brazil
As the Lionesses prepare for their World Cup qualifying campaign, the combination of returning talent and emerging players creates a fascinating narrative. The upcoming matches will not only serve as a test of skill and strategy but also as a chance for Wiegman to solidify her squad ahead of what promises to be a challenging road to Brazil. The excitement is building among fans, who are eager to see how the team will perform under pressure and what new talents may emerge on the international stage.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research