Wiegman Recalls Williamson and James for World Cup Qualifiers

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman has named a strengthened squad for the opening FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifiers, bringing back some familiar faces including defender Leah Williamson and forward Lauren James. The duo, both key members of England’s Euro 2025 triumph, return after missing the November squad, signalling Wiegman’s intent to field her strongest possible team as qualification begins.

The Lionesses are set to kick off their campaign with two crucial fixtures in March, facing Ukraine in Turkey on March 3 before hosting Iceland at Nottingham’s City Ground on March 7. These matches mark England’s first steps in a competitive qualifying cycle that will lead up to the Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027.

Williamson, the Arsenal centre-back and Euro 2025 winning captain, had previously been absent from recent selections but now returns to bolster England’s defensive ranks. Chelsea striker James, another veteran of England’s major tournament successes, also re-joins the squad after missing the last camp. Their recalls highlight Wiegman’s focus on blending experience with fresh talent as the team begins a new era of competition.

The 25-player squad also includes established internationals such as goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defenders Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood and Taylor Hinds, and midfielders Laura Blindkilde Brown and Georgia Stanway. A notable inclusion is Poppy Pattinson, the London City Lionesses defender earning her first senior call-up, a testament to the depth emerging within the England setup.

Wiegman, who guided England to European glory and a World Cup final in recent years, stressed the importance of starting the qualifying campaign strongly. “We want to start this campaign off in the best possible way,” she said, underscoring the significance of building momentum early in the qualifiers before looking toward tougher challenges later in the cycle.

England’s qualification group presents a mix of familiar and new opposition, and a positive start in Turkey and Nottingham will be key to boosting confidence and positioning ahead of matches later in the year. With Williamson and James back in the fold, the Lionesses aim to combine leadership with attacking firepower as they pursue a return to the Women’s World Cup finals stage.

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