England captain Leah Williamson returns for World Cup qualifiers

England captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad for the first time since Euro 2025 as they prepare to begin their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Williamson (28 years old) missed England’s friendly victories over China, Ghana and Australia, as well as the defeat against Brazil at the end of 2025 due to a knee injury.

The Arsenal defender underwent surgery after England won a second successive European title in July and returned to action at the beginning of December.

Several big names return to the squad including Chelsea striker Lauren James, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

James (24 years old) missed four months due to an ankle injury before returning in November and is now back to full fitness.

She impressed in Sunday’s win over Liverpool and bolstered coach Sarina Wegman’s attacking options with Arsenal’s Beth Mead out with a broken leg.

Greenwood (32 years old) missed the start of the season due to a knee injury, while Hampton suffered from a hip problem that kept her out of the November camp.

London City Lions defender Bobby Pattinson has been called up for the first time, while 20-year-old Freya Godfrey has retained her place in the squad.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Eli Roebuck was also called up, with Manchester City’s Khiara Keating left out of the squad.

Gotham Football Club defender Jess Carter is back after having time to recover from the end of the Women’s National Football League play-offs in November.

England will miss the efforts of Manchester United midfielder Ella Toon, who will be sidelined due to a thigh injury until the end of March.

Bay FC defender Anouk Denton, 22, who made her debut as a late substitute in December, was not included in the squad.