What Changes Can We Expect in England's 2026 Squad?

England's Lionesses are gearing up to begin their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with matches against Ukraine and Iceland scheduled for early March. Under the management of Sarina Wiegman, the team aims to secure a place in Brazil, following a successful run at Euro 2025. With just eight international camps leading up to the World Cup, every match is crucial for maintaining momentum and ensuring no slip-ups occur.

Last updated: 01 March 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Lionesses are set to return to competitive action with an important week ahead. On Tuesday, 3 March, they will travel to Turkey to take on Ukraine at 17:00 GMT, followed by a home match against Iceland at the City Ground on Saturday, 7 March, at 12:30 GMT. These matches mark the beginning of their qualification process for the 2027 Women's World Cup, an event the team is keen to qualify for after their recent success in European competitions.

Key takeaways

• The Lionesses face Ukraine and Iceland in their first qualifying matches for the 2027 World Cup.
• Manager Sarina Wiegman will announce her squad for these matches on 3 March at 11:00 GMT.
• Key players like Ella Toone and Beth Mead will miss the upcoming fixtures due to injuries.

Timeline: how we got here

England's journey towards the 2027 Women's World Cup qualification has been shaped by the following key events:

• August 2025: England wins the UEFA Women's Euro 2025.
• Late 2023: The Lionesses play friendly matches, including an 8-0 victory over China.
• March 2024: Qualification matches begin against Ukraine (3 March) and Iceland (7 March).

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Lionesses are preparing to announce their squad for the first qualifiers, with Wiegman facing critical decisions regarding player selection, especially with injuries affecting key team members.

What was already established

Prior to these qualifiers, England had not played a competitive match since their Euro 2025 victory. Friendly fixtures at the end of last year allowed for experimentation with new players and formations, highlighting the team's depth and potential.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Lionesses' qualification campaign captures national interest, promoting women's sports and fostering community support. Matches are expected to draw significant crowds, boosting local economies and offering fans a chance to engage with top-tier women's football.

Businesses and jobs

The growing popularity of women's football has implications for the sports industry in the UK. Increased viewership and attendance may lead to higher investment in women's leagues and opportunities for local businesses to thrive through sponsorship and merchandise sales.

Policy and regulation

As women's football gains momentum, the UK government may focus on policies to further support women's sports, including funding and development programs aimed at increasing participation at all levels.

Numbers that matter

• 8: The number of international camps before the World Cup in 2027.
• 2: Matches scheduled in March against Ukraine and Iceland.
• 30: The age of Anna Moorhouse, who made her debut as goalkeeper.
• 1: The number of goals scored by the Lionesses in their recent friendly matches against Ghana.

Definitions and jargon buster

• ACL: Anterior Cruciate Ligament, an important ligament in the knee that can be prone to injury.
• Euro 2025: The UEFA Women's European Championship held in 2025, where England emerged as champions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus will be on the qualification matches against Ukraine and Iceland, with Wiegman needing to solidify her squad and tactical approach.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following these matches, the team will look to build on their performance as they prepare for future qualifiers and monitor the fitness of returning players.

Signals to watch

• Injury updates on key players like Toone and Mead.
• Performance metrics from the upcoming matches against Ukraine and Iceland.
• Changes in squad selection based on player form and fitness.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support the Lionesses by attending matches and following their journey.
• Stay updated with injury reports and squad announcements.
• Engage with local women's football initiatives to promote the sport.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of injuries on team performance.
• Ignore the importance of fan support in women's football.

Checklist

• Check match schedules and plan to attend if possible.
• Follow social media updates for real-time news on the squad.
• Stay informed about women’s football developments and support grassroots initiatives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Injuries remain a significant concern for the Lionesses, with several key players unavailable for the initial qualifiers. The team's performance may be impacted by the lack of match fitness for returning players, and squad depth will be tested as new players integrate into the squad. Additionally, the competitive nature of the group, particularly with the presence of reigning champions Spain, adds pressure to secure points early in the campaign.

Bottom line

The Lionesses are on the brink of a crucial qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with their first matches against Ukraine and Iceland presenting both opportunities and challenges. As they navigate injuries and squad selections, their performance will be closely watched, marking an important chapter in the ongoing development of women's football in the UK.

FAQs

When do the Lionesses play their first qualifying matches?

The Lionesses will play their first qualifying match against Ukraine on 3 March 2024 and face Iceland on 7 March 2024.

Who is missing from the Lionesses' squad due to injury?

Key players like Ella Toone and Beth Mead will miss the upcoming qualifiers due to injuries, impacting the team's depth in crucial positions.

What are the Lionesses' goals for the 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign?

The primary goal for the Lionesses during the 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign is to secure a spot in the World Cup by performing well in their group, particularly against strong opponents like Spain.