Lauren Hemp returns for the friendly matches with England, but Lauren James will miss the match

Striker Lauren Hemp has returned to the England squad for the first time since Euro 2025 after recovering from injury, but Lauren James has not been included.

Hemp, the 25-year-old Manchester City player, was out for two months due to an ankle injury, but appeared in her team’s victories over Everton and Manchester United.

Meanwhile, James, 24, returned for Chelsea’s 6-0 win over St. Pölten last week and the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday as a substitute.

However, she has yet to play a game this season after suffering an ankle injury during the Euro 2025 final win over Spain, resulting in her being out for four months.

Lions manager Sarina Wegman has announced a 25-player squad for the friendlies against China and Ghana on November 29 and December 2 respectively.

Uncapped West Ham defender Anouk Denton has been called up after being named in the squad last month, while there is a first major call-up for London City Lions striker Freya Godfrey, who has impressed in the Women’s Super League this season.

Manchester City midfielder Grace Clinton also returns after withdrawing from the friendly match in which she won over Australia and the defeat against Brazil last October due to a “minor injury.”

Elsewhere, Gotham FC defender Jess Carter was given time to recover after the NWSL play-offs ended, but Washington Spirit center back Esme Morgan was included despite starting in Saturday’s 2-0 win over the Portland Thorns.

Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, winner of the Yashin Award for Best Goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards, suffers a thigh injury and will miss the match.

The 24-year-old made headlines after she criticized former England teammate Mary Earps-Hampton in her autobiography.

Euro star Michelle Agyemang, 19, is not in the squad after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the 3-0 win over Australia last month.

Captain Lea Williamson (28 years old) and Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood (32 years old) are also absent due to knee injuries, while Arsenal’s young player Katie Reid (19 years old) is absent due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury after receiving her first call-up in October.