England: Sarina Wiegman names first squad since becoming manager

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Sarina Wiegman was in charge of the Netherlands team during the Tokyo Olympics

Sarina Wiegman included 16 members from the British Tokyo Olympics team to her first England squad as manager.

Chelsea defender Jessica Carter was also called up. Experienced internationals Mary Earps, Lucy Staniforth and Lucy Staniforth have returned to the fold.

Three Manchester City residents, Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, and Ellie Roebuck were all injured.

Also included are the uncapped pair Esme Morgan (uncapped) and Katie Zelem (uncapped).

Wiegman stated, "While we have some injuries to key players to deal with, we have such strong squad and I'm excited about the young talent we have called-up for this camp."

"Officially, we have two difficult matches this month, as we begin our qualification for 2023's World Cup. But, we also have a strong focus next summer's Uefa Women EURO at home. I'm excited to see what we can do together to bring glory to England.

As they prepare to face North Macedonia at St Mary's in their World Cup qualifying opener on Friday, September 17th (19:00 BST), the Lionesses will be reunited on the south coast.

England fans will have their first chance to see the national team at home since November 2019

Wiegman said, "It will feel emotional to finally welcome fans to the stadium for us home game against North Macedonia."

"They've had a long wait because of Covid-19 and all the restrictions it has brought. But they are so important to our journey over the next few decades and I hope to see large crowds at St. Mary's.

Complete squad

Mary Earps, Sandy MacIver (Everton), Carly Telford and Mary Earps are the goalkeepers at Manchester United.

Defenders: Millie Bright, Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Rachel Daly(Houston Dash), Jessica Carter and Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Steph Haoughton (Manchester City), Esme Morison (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Lotte Woben-Moye (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Jill Scott, Lucy Staniforth (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway and Leah Williamson.

Forwards: Bethany England, Lauren Hemp and Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Beth Mead and Nikita Paarris (Arsenal), Ebony salmon (Racing Louisville), Ella Toone and Ellen White (Manchester United),