Football 5 min. read

England Women Squad Update: Injuries and New Call-Ups Ahead of October Friendlies

England Women reveal squad changes for October friendlies with key injuries and exciting first senior call-ups for Katie Reid and Taylor Hinds.

England Women Squad Update: Injuries and New Call-Ups Ahead of October Friendlies

By Editorial

England Women squad update ahead of October internationals

As England Women prepare for their upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Australia, the squad announcement has brought a mix of setbacks and fresh opportunities. Injuries have ruled out key players Leah Williamson, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp, while promising talents Katie Reid and Taylor Hinds have earned their first senior call-ups. This transitional period follows England’s triumphant Euro 2025 campaign, setting the stage for new faces to step into the spotlight.

Key injuries impact squad selection

Leah Williamson, the Lionesses’ captain and defensive linchpin, will miss the October internationals due to an injury sustained during the Euro 2025 final. Remarkably, she had been playing through a fractured leg, only recently returning to club action with Arsenal Women after a full recovery. Alongside Williamson, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp have also been ruled out with injuries. These absences pose a challenge for England’s tactical stability but open doors for emerging players to gain valuable experience.

Lucy Bronze returns after injury

On a positive note, veteran full-back Lucy Bronze has been named in the squad following her recovery from the same fractured leg injury that sidelined her for much of the season. Her return to Chelsea Women and subsequent inclusion in the national team provide a much-needed boost to the Lionesses’ defensive options. Bronze’s experience and leadership will be crucial as England face two high-calibre international opponents.

First senior call-ups for promising talents

The squad announcement also highlights England’s focus on nurturing emerging talent. Arsenal Women defenders Katie Reid and Taylor Hinds have received their first senior team call-ups. Notably, Hinds previously represented Jamaica but now commits to England, showcasing the diverse pathways in women’s international football. Additionally, Aston Villa Women’s Lucia Kendall has been recognised with her inaugural senior call-up, reflecting her impressive club performances.

Other notable squad inclusions

Alongside the newcomers, several familiar faces return to the fold. Niamh Charles (Chelsea Women), Grace Clinton (Manchester City Women), and Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa Women) have all been included after recovering from minor knocks or form dips. The squad also features stalwarts like Keira Walsh and Beth Mead, maintaining a strong core from the Euro 2025-winning team.

Upcoming fixtures and what to expect

England Women’s October friendlies are scheduled against Brazil Women at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on 25 October, followed by a match against Australia Women at Pride Park in Derby on 29 October. These fixtures mark England’s first games since their historic Euro 2025 victory in Switzerland, providing a platform to test squad depth and new tactics ahead of future tournaments.

Facing Brazil, known for their technical flair, and Australia, a physically robust side, will challenge England’s adaptability and resilience. The inclusion of fresh talent alongside experienced campaigners like Bronze and Walsh signals a blend of youthful energy and seasoned leadership.

Impact of Millie Bright’s international retirement

The announcement coincides with Millie Bright’s recent decision to retire from international football. Bright had withdrawn from selection for the summer tournament and now formally steps away, leaving a gap in England’s defensive ranks. Her retirement underscores the ongoing evolution within the squad, necessitating the integration of new defensive options such as Katie Reid and Taylor Hinds.

England Women squad in full

The 25-player squad features:

  • Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
  • Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Katie Reid (Arsenal)
  • Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Jess Park (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa)
  • Forwards: Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Looking ahead: what this means for England Women

England Women’s squad changes highlight the natural ebb and flow of international football, balancing injury setbacks with exciting opportunities for new players. The upcoming friendlies will be a valuable test for squad cohesion and tactical flexibility.

For fans interested in following other English sporting developments, Sportsscoop offers insights such as the Us Open 2025 Alcaraz and Sinner set for historic Grand Slam final and the comprehensive guide to England cricket teams and domestic leagues, providing comprehensive coverage across major sports.

As the Lionesses rebuild and evolve, supporters can expect thrilling performances and new stars emerging on the international stage. With a blend of experience and youth, England Women look well-positioned to maintain their status as one of the world’s leading teams.

Related topics

Leah Williamson injury Katie Reid call-up Lucy Bronze return England Women squad
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Editorial

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