by Damion Arnold (31/3/26)
Above: Teenager Erica Meg Parkinson has been called up to the England senior team for the first time. Photo: via England Football.
Sarina Wiegman has named 23 players for England’s next FIFA World Cup 2027 qualifiers in April with the Lionesses facing Spain at Wembley before traveling abroad to face Iceland.
Perhaps the most intriguing name in the squad is Erica Meg Parkinson, who Wiegman has handed a first senior call-up to.
The 17-year-old plays in the Portuguese first division for Valadares Gaia and the midfielder has also played for the Under 23s so far this season.
Among the other changes in the squad sees Beth Mead return to the squad, whilst Aggie Beever-Jones, Ella Toone and Grace Clinton miss out due to injury.
England’s first match of the window will be at Wembley against Spain on Tuesday 14 April.
It is the first time the two sides have met since the UEFA EURO 2025 final, in a match that the Lionesses were victorious in to secure back-to-back European titles.
The second match is a significant milestone for the Lionesses as it is their 500th game.
They will travel to Reykjavik to face Iceland on Saturday 18 April, in a reverse fixture from last international window that saw England win 2-0 last time. Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway were the goalscorers last time.
Speaking to the media after today’s announcement, Weigman said “Last month we started our campaign strongly with two good performances against Ukraine and Iceland, and we want to continue that momentum.
“These upcoming matches against Spain and Iceland are important steps in our qualification journey, and we’re fully focused on performing at our highest level.
“Facing Spain at Wembley in front of our fans will be a fantastic challenge, and travelling to Iceland for such a historic occasion will motivate us even more to be at our best too.”
England Squad – April 2026 vs Spain and Iceland
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham City), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (Valdares Gaia), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
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