Sarina Wiegman has told her Lionesses to put their historic triumph at Euro 2022 to one side and focus on securing qualification for the World Cup next month.
England kicked off a new era today by naming their squad for qualifiers against Austria and Luxembourg.
The Lionesses need a point away to nearest group rivals Austria on September 3 or, failing that, a victory at home to Luxembourg at a sold-out Stoke City on September 6 to confirm their spot at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next summer.
Wiegman has been forced to make changes to the squad that won Euro 2022 after midfielder Jill Scott and record goalscorer Ellen White retired this week.
Chelsea’s Fran Kirby and Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly, who scored the winner in the final of Euro 2022, could not be selected due to injury.
Their absences have allowed others to step up, with Arsenal’s Jordan Nobbs one of those called up by Wiegman. The 29-year-old midfielder has been dogged by injury throughout her career, but she will be hoping to put that behind her.
Chelsea youngster Lauren James, the sister of England right-back Reece, has also been included in the squad and will be hoping to make her debut for the Lionesses.
Striker Ebony Salmon, who has been in fine form for Houston Dash, is also in the 23-player group and will be tasked with adding firepower to the forward line.
Midfielder Katie Zelem, who was cut from the wider squad for the Euros, is another change to the squad, as is Sandy MacIver, who replaces Hannah Hampton as one of the three goalkeepers.
Wiegman said: “It only feels like yesterday since we were celebrating at Wembley, but we have to get straight back to business.
“We have a big target in front of us this month to book our place at the World Cup, and we have to set aside our amazing memories of this summer for the moment.
“We have lost four players in midfield and forward positions so I am pleased we can turn to experience in Katie and Jordan along with two for the future in Lauren and Ebony.
“When we can, it is important to give opportunities to our promising younger players in this environment, and for them to experience what is expected in the senior set-up both on and off the pitch. This includes Sandy MacIver who just missed out on the Euros.”
