England boss Sarina Wiegman has made five changes to the Lionesses squad that went all the way at Euro 2022 for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Ellen White and Jill Scott are no longer part of the group as they have retired, while Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby are out due to injury. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is unavailable due to personal reasons, meanwhile.
Those five absentees have opened the door for other players to step up against Austria and Luxembourg and here Standard Sport takes a look at those called up.
Ebony Salmon
The striker made her England debut last year, but it was thought then she wasn’t quite ready for international football. Salmon has since gone away and been on fire for Houston Dash this season, scoring eight goals in as many games.
“She moved to Houston Dash, she did so well there,” said Wiegman. “She’s just a real goalscorer, that’s what she has shown over the summer. We really want to see where she’s at now.”
England need a new No9 to compete with Alessia Russo after White retired and Salmon will back herself to be that person.
Jordan Nobbs
The Arsenal midfielder has been dogged by injury throughout her career and it forced her to be unavailable for this summer’s Euros. She is back fit now, though, and with Scott out of the picture Nobbs offers an alternative in midfield.
The 29-year-old is a combative player and she offers leadership too, which could be valuable given the number of youngsters in the squad. “She worked really hard to come back and now she has done well with her preparation with her club,” said Wiegman. “We are excited and she is excited.”
Katie Zelem
The Manchester United midfielder was in the wider squad for the Euros, but she was cut at the final stages. The 26-year-old is highly-regarded by Wiegman, though, and she has now earned a recall.
Zelem likes to play in an attacking midfield role and she is comfortable playing with both feet. The absence of Kirby could see her operate as a No10, although she can play deeper if required - citing England legend Fara Williams as her idol growing up.
Like Nobbs, Zelem offers leadership and is currently the captain at Manchester United.
Lauren James
The 20-year-old made headlines last summer when she left Manchester United to join her brother, Reece, at Chelsea. James had a steady campaign last year, though, as she was slowly integrated into the team by Emma Hayes.
The winger has long been tipped for the top and England have been monitoring her progress for a number of years. Her pace and power makes her a dangerous player and she will be desperate to make her debut.
“We want to give her a chance to show what she can do with the national team,” said Wiegman.
Sandy MacIver
Fresh from a summer move to Manchester City, the goalkeeper has also earned a call-up to the England squad.
She is very close friends with Euro 2022 hero Kelly, who scored the winner in the final, as the pair shared a house together when they were at Everton.
MacIver is likely to struggle for action during the two qualifiers as Wiegman is expected to stick with Mary Earps as her No1.
