England Women’s Team Faces Injuries Ahead of October Friendlies

Leah Williamson, Lauren James, and Lauren Hemp will miss the England Women’s upcoming friendlies in October due to injuries. The squad, announced ahead of matches against Brazil and Australia, includes notable players like Lucy Bronze, who recently returned to action after recovering from a fractured leg sustained during the Euro 2025 final.

This announcement is significant as it comes just days after Millie Bright declared her retirement from international football. Despite these absences, the squad remains robust, featuring 20 members from the victorious Euro 2025 team. The Lionesses are set to face Brazil at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on October 25, followed by a match against Australia at Pride Park in Derby on October 31.

The inclusion of fresh talent marks an exciting phase for the team. Niamh Charles, who has recently recovered from a minor injury, joins the squad alongside Grace Clinton from Manchester City Women, marking her first call-up to the senior side. Additionally, Arsenal defenders Katie Reid and Taylor Hinds have earned their first senior call-ups, with Hinds previously representing Jamaica.

The team’s selection reflects a commitment to nurturing new talent while maintaining a core of experienced players. Missy Bo Kearns, also a newcomer from Aston Villa Women, joins Laura Blindkilde Brown from Manchester City, who is also returning to the squad.

As the Lionesses prepare to continue their success following the Euro 2025 victory, the coaching staff will be keen to integrate these new faces effectively into the squad. The matches against Brazil and Australia will serve as crucial preparation as they build toward future competitions.

The full squad for the friendlies includes:

**Goalkeepers**: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorehouse (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).

As England embarks on this new chapter, fans will be eagerly watching how the team adapts to the changes and builds on their recent triumphs.