With the World Cup fast approaching, Sarina Wiegman will be starting to think about her 26-women squad required for the major tournament in July. However, the England squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this Summer may be vastly different from the 2022 England Euro Squad we saw last Summer. This is due to the multiple injuries that the England Squad have faced sine their Euro success.
One key player that England heavily missed during the 2022 Euros was, Aston Villa midfielder, Jordan Nobbs. The former Arsenal centre-mid ruptured her ACL during a 7-0 victory over Aston Villa last May, seeing her miss the major tournament on home soil. She has recently returned to football and has started a new chapter at Aston Villa Club. The main question is, will she make a return to the England Squad this Summer?
Jordan may be in luck, as former Manchester City midfielder, Jill Scott, retired from football following the Lionesses Euro success, meaning that the spot could open for Nobbs this Summer.
Another Lioness who recently retired from international football is, Ellen White. The 33-year-old hung up her boots after announcing her pregnancy with Callum Convery. Trouble now lingers on who is going to take her spot.
Beth Mead has been an ongoing debate, on whether she will be fit and ready for the World Cup in July. The Sports Personality of the Year tore her ACL against Manchester United late last year and has since undergone surgery. Sarina Wiegman is positive her rehab will be over in time for the World Cup, however her fitness is still uncertain.
Although the Lionesses have faced several injuries since their European victory, they have some young sparks in development.
There are many talented footballers that didn’t manage to make the Euro 2022 team, who could rise through the ranks this Summer. The first player being, Lauren James. Lauren didn’t make the cut last year, however since then, she has been performing excellently in the WSL.
In 11 WSL matches, she has scored 4 goals and got 2 assists, and has been playing for England recently as well, including being a part of the Arnold Cup Squad for England in February.
Another potential candidate who could get her World Cup call up is, Jessica Park. The 21-year-old who is currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, has been playing outstandingly and already has 3 caps for England. She was nominated for January player of the month after bagging 1 goal and 1 assist in 2 matches and is an exciting young talent for The Lionesses.
Sarina Wiegman has a very difficult decision on her hands, on what 26 she will pick for the World Cup in 2023. Will Beth Mead finish rehab in time? Will Jordan Nobbs make her return?
All we can do now is wait!