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England Women’s World Cup LIVE: Sarina Wiegman confirms new Lionesses captain after announcing squad

Jamie Braidwood and Karl Matchett
·22 min read

Beth Mead has missed out on England’s Women’s World Cup squad after running out of time in her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze have both been selected in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player group despite recent fitness concerns.

Bethany England has been rewarded with a recall after her excellent form since joining Tottenham Hotspur, where the striker scored 12 goals in as many Women’s Super League appearances, but among the surprise omissions was Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier - who has been named on the standby list.

With captain Leah Williamson and Euros winner Fran Kirby already ruled out of the World Cup, the Lionesses have been boosted by the availability of experienced defenders Bright and Bronze. Wiegman confirmed that Bright, the Chelsea centre-back, will captain England in Williamson’s absence.

Wiegman wanted to give Mead every chance of making the World Cup and although the Arsenal star returned to light training in recent weeks, the Lionesses manager was not prepared to take a risk on her fitness with England well-stocked in attacking positions.

“From an early stage we said we were not willing to take the risk to push her and risk injuring her again,” Wiegman said as England’s squad was announced. “We wanted to be smart and not to be naive.”

Follow live reaction and analysis from the squad announcement:

England Women’s World Cup squad announcement

England announce Women’s World Cup squad as Beth Mead misses out

15:00 , Karl Matchett

Beth Mead has missed out on England’s World Cup squad after running out of time in her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze have both been selected in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player group despite recent fitness concerns.

Bethany England has been rewarded for her excellent form since joining Tottenham Hotspur, where the striker scored 12 goals in as many Women’s Super League appearances, with a recall, but among the surprise omissions were Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier - who has been named on the standby list.

Mead, who won the golden boot and was named player of the tournament as England won the Euros on home soil last summer, has been out since November and the tournament in Australia and New Zealand has come too soon for the forward with England’s opening game against Haiti less than eight weeks away.

Full squad here:

England announce Women’s World Cup squad

Sarina Wiegman’s divisive selection reveals England’s World Cup plan

17:44 , Jamie Braidwood

While England’s World Cup squad was largely as expected, Sarina Wiegman saved room for a rare decision that seemed to go against the public opinion. It wasn’t the absence of Beth Mead, who simply ran out of time to recover for the World Cup, or the recall of Bethany England, who left Wiegman with no other choice after her goalscoring form since joining Tottenham. The inclusion of Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze, despite recent injury concerns, was welcomed: the Lionesses will need their experience in Australia, especially after losing Leah Williamson.

Instead, the divisive selection call was over a player with just two England caps to her name. At 21, Maya Le Tissier would have perhaps set her sights on making a World Cup stand-by list just a few months ago, but after her excellent season with Manchester United there was disbelief when Wiegman’s squad was announced and she was not among the seven defenders included.

“We had to make some hard decisions,” Wiegman explained, and Le Tissier appeared to be the toughest. She has made Wiegman’s previous two squads, for February’s Arnold Clark Cup and for April’s matches against Brazil and Australia, and impressed for United as they reached the FA Cup final and pushed Chelsea all the way in the Women’s Super League title race. Le Tissier shares some abilities with Williamson as a ball-playing centre-back, but there was also a key difference in Wiegman’s eyes.

Sarina Wiegman’s divisive selection reveals England’s World Cup plan

England squad announced

14:55 , Karl Matchett

In total, 16 of the squad of 23 were involved and won Euro 2022 last summer while Niamh Charles, Laura Coombs, Lauren James, Esme Morgan, Katie Robinson and Katie Zelem will all be playing at their first major tournament. England captain Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead will all miss out on the finals because of injuries.

Sarina Wiegman’s biggest omissions from England’s World Cup squad

14:50 , Karl Matchett

Sarina Wiegman has named her World Cup squad with 23 Lionesses now confirmed to be on the plane - and a selection of big names missing out.

There were already set to be more than one huge star missing, with Fran Kirby and captain Leah Williamson both injured and set to watch on over summer as the England women’s team look to add the game’s biggest trophy to the one they won at Euro 2022 last summer.

But as ever, where big calls have to be made, the manager must always leave some out - here are the key unfortunate few who have missed the call this time around.

Biggest omissions from England’s World Cup squad

Wiegman addresses lack of diversity in Lionesses squad

14:44 , Karl Matchett

Wiegman is asked about a potential lack of diversity in the England squad: “I undertsand people look at it like that and I hope it’ll change but it won’t change overnight. I know the FA is doing lots to discover more talent to get everyone who wants to play football having access, no matter where they are from or their background.”

England World Cup squad confirmed

14:37 , Karl Matchett

Sarina Wiegman explained leaving Maya Le Tissier on the standby list: “She was really close. That was a hard call. All the defenders we had to think about. We also see her little bit more as a right full-back, she plays for her club as centre-back.”

Jess Park and Emily Ramsey are also on the list.

Sarina Wiegman confirms England captain for 2023 World Cup

14:30 , Karl Matchett

In the absence of Leah Williamson there was one big choice for Wiegman to make: who would wear the armband?

Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright were thought to be the two big candidates and it’s the latter who gets the nod from Sarina Wiegman.

“I haven’t told her she will be captain. We just talked about where she’s at in her rehab. We have a couple of weeks and she’ll be fine, she’ll be cool,” the manager said.

Sarina Wiegman faces media after England squad announcement

14:26 , Karl Matchett

On being without key faces: “We want to be at our best. We’re a little bit in transition with changes in the team but I still think we’re really good. We just have to be at our best and see how far we get, we’re in a really good place.”

On calls to certain players: “Everyone you call is a nice message when it’s a positive one! We had some players who were very anxious about this moment.”

On Katie Robinson: “She has made a difference at Brighton, some decisive games. In our camp she has shown her quality too.”

On the new faces: “At some point it’s always the first time. We try to focus on the football, we know it’s going to be a big event. Just try to prepare them as well as possible - what’s your task?”

On no TV broadcast deal: “I’m not worried about it. Fifa have to solve it before the tournament starts. How it’s been covered in England since I came has been really good.”

England announce Women’s World Cup squad as Beth Mead misses out

14:20 , Karl Matchett

Beth Mead has missed out on England’s World Cup squad after running out of time in her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze have both been selected in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player group despite recent fitness concerns.

Bethany England has been rewarded for her excellent form since joining Tottenham Hotspur, where the striker scored 12 goals in as many Women’s Super League appearances, with a recall, but among the surprise omissions were Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier - who has been named on the standby list.

Full squad:

England announce Women’s World Cup squad

Sarina Wiegman’s biggest omissions from England’s World Cup squad

14:14 , Karl Matchett

Sarina Wiegman has named her World Cup squad with 23 Lionesses now confirmed to be on the plane - and a selection of big names missing out.

There were already set to be more than one huge star missing, with Fran Kirby and captain Leah Williamson both injured and set to watch on over summer as the England women’s team look to add the game’s biggest trophy to the one they won at Euro 2022 last summer.

But as ever, where big calls have to be made, the manager must always leave some out - here are the key unfortunate few who have missed the call this time around.

Biggest omissions from England’s World Cup squad

2023 Women’s World Cup winner odds

14:10 , Karl Matchett

USA: 11/4

England: 10/3

Spain: 6/1

Germany: 13/2

France: 10/1

Australia: 13/1

Sweden: 16/1

Netherlands: 19/1

Brazil: 22/1

Canada: 30/1

Japan: 33/1

Italy, Norway: 50/1

South Korea: 66/1

Denmark, Portugal: 80/1

China, Republic of Ireland: 100/1

Colombia, Switzerland: 200/1

Philippines, Vietnam, Panama, Zambia, Costa Rica, South Africa, Argentina, Morocco, Jamaica, Nigeria, Haiti: 500/1

Odds source: Betfair

Trio on standby for Lionesses World Cup squad

14:07 , Karl Matchett

Maya Le Tissier, Jess Park and Emily Ramsey have been named on standby and will train with the squad when they report to St. George’s Park in June. Ramsey will leave the group prior to departure for Australia. Le Tissier and Park will join the group in travelling to Australia on 5 July for the final preparation phase of the tournament, remaining up to the opening match against Haiti on 22 July.

Sarina Wiegman’s first words after naming England squad

14:03 , Karl Matchett

England boss Sarina Wiegman has named her chosen 23 - and of her picks has said: “I have huge belief in this squad and we’re very fortunate to be selecting a fantastic group of players to travel to Australia. We know we will face tough challenges from strong teams, and we will have to be competitive from the first match on 22 July. We will do everything to be at our very best again this summer.

“It is important the players get some well-deserved time to rest and recover over the next few weeks before we start the final preparations to get them ready. We learned a lot of positive lessons about how to get the players fit, fresh and ready from the EURO last summer and we know what we have to do to make sure we hit the ground running in the right way when the tournament starts.”

England Women World Cup squad announced

14:00 , Karl Matchett

The Lionesses squad is here:

GK: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Ellie Roebuck

DF: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan, Lotte Wubben-Moy

MD: Laura Coombs, Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem

FW: Rachel Daly, Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Katie Robinson, Alessia Russo

Lionesses World Cup squad reveal

13:57 , Karl Matchett

We are almost ready to go.

An impromptu BBC poll asking for who should be named captain in the absence of Leah Williamson saw Lucy Bronze just pip Millie Bright to top spot.

Another big call for Wiegman to make.

Women’s World Cup faces ‘betrayal’ of European TV blackout

13:52 , Karl Matchett

The Women’s World Cup continues to face a TV blackout in Europe this summer, as some of the biggest football countries have yet to agree broadcast deals for their markets with almost 50 days to go before the tournament begins in Australia and New Zealand.

Figures within the sport feel that the offers so far have been so derisory that they represent a “betrayal” of supposed commitments to the women’s game, that could affect its growth and future deals.

While the United Kingdom deal with the BBC and ITV is close to an agreement, that is not yet the case with France, Spain, Germany, Italy or Japan.

Despite booming interest in the women’s game in all of these territories, none of the offers have yet reached even 6 per cent of the price agreed for the men’s World Cup in 2022. In Italy, it has been as low as 1 per cent and in Germany under 3 per cent.

Women’s World Cup faces ‘betrayal’ of European TV blackout

Lionesses World Cup squad reveal

13:45 , Karl Matchett

Just fifteen minutes now until Sarina Wiegman’s press conference to unveil the World Cup squad.

Predicting England’s Women’s World Cup squad: Who’s on the plane and who could miss out?

13:38 , Karl Matchett

England manager Sarina Wiegman is set to name her squad for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the Lionesses will look to add to their Euros triumph with the game’s biggest prize.

Wiegman’s side will be among the favourites as England aim to win the World Cup for the first time, but the Lionesses have been rocked by the news that captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the tournament after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament.

Suddenly, the England manager could be without a core of players who started for the Lionesses at the Euros last summer, which puts pressure on having the right depth throughout the squad.

And with Wiegman naming her squad today following the end of the domestic season, time has run out for players on the fringes of Weigman’s plans to stake their claim.

So ahead of the World Cup, who’s on the plane to Australia and New Zealand, and who’s hasn’t done enough to make the squad?

Jamie Braidwood assesses the situation ahead of the big reveal:

Predicting England’s World Cup squad: Who’s on the plane?

Women’s football is a smash hit with the fans. Why can’t the industry keep up?

13:30 , Karl Matchett

Growing up as a Manchester United fan, I came to understand the game, and its magnetic culture, through the lens and language of men. I loved going to Old Trafford but acknowledged that casual misogyny would be a facet of the day. I prided myself on becoming one of the “lads”, repressing my own antipathy in the process.

As the drummer and only woman in my band Sports Team, I found parallels. I became adept at minimising my gender in order to fit in and be taken seriously as a woman in an industry dominated by men. The long-term impact on your psyche is powerful. As a woman, you feel you may inhabit but not own these spaces. This was the tacit “rule” that shaped my perception of the social world and how I navigated through it.

Moments like the recent women’s FA Cup final collapsed this notion. I watched my team walk onto the pitch at a sold-out Wembley and sobbed for my childhood self as I had when I watched the Lionesses last summer; with joy, and envy at what felt like the limitless possibilities now open to the next generation.

Alex Greenwood discusses the growth in the game and the problems still to overcome:

Opinion: Women’s football is a smash hit. Why can’t the industry keep up?

England can win World Cup despite injury problems – Jill Scott

13:22 , Karl Matchett

Euro 2022 winner Jill Scott believes England can overcome the absence of key players to claim World Cup glory this summer.

Manager Sarina Wiegman’s preparations for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which begins in July, have been hampered by the loss of some star names to injury.

The European champions will be without captain Leah Williamson and midfielder Fran Kirby due to long-term knee problems while another casualty, forward Beth Mead, is rated highly doubtful having been sidelined since November.

But with two more experienced campaigners in Scott herself and Ellen White having retired since last year’s European success at Wembley, there could be a very different feel to the Lionesses squad.

More here from the former Lionesses midfielder:

England can win World Cup despite injury problems – Jill Scott

Five key decisions Sarina Wiegman must make

13:13 , Karl Matchett

Is Beth Mead fit enough after her ACL injury? Who comes in for absent captain Leah Williamson? These and more we’ll find out the answers to in less than an hour and they will have been some of the worries keeping the boss up at night of late.

Here are some of the biggest questions Wiegman has to answer as the England manager names her squad for Australia and New Zealand.

The key questions facing England ahead of Women’s World Cup squad announcement

Sarina Wiegman to explain her squad choices

13:05 , Luke Baker

After the squad is revealed at 2pm, Sarina Wiegman will talk to the press to explain her decisions.

Carly Telford hopes adversity can galvanise England at the World Cup

12:52 , Luke Baker

Former England goalkeeper Carly Telford believes the injuries that have struck the Lionesses can inspire Sarina Wiegman’s side at this summer’s Women’s World Cup.

England will head to Australia and New Zealand as one of the favourites, but their hopes have been hit by serious injuries that have ruled out captain Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby, while Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, and Millie Bright also face a race against a time to be fit in time.

The loss of key players could derail many of Wiegman’s plans for the tournament but Telford believes it will bring together those who do make the trip.

“As much as they might be team-mates or enemies in the Super League, a lot of them are friends, and watching your friends get hurt, you know how short a football career is and how few tournaments you might get to go to,” Telford said.

“It is hurtful when you see team-mates go down but it can inspire them as they will want to play for the girls who are missing it, and they will use it as motivation.”

Carly Telford hopes adversity can galvanise England at the World Cup

Beth Mead’s ACL recovery ‘ahead of schedule’

12:35 , Luke Baker

England forward Beth Mead says she is still hopeful of being fit for the World Cup and is “ahead of schedule” in her recovery from an ACL injury.

Mead ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament playing for Arsenal in November and Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman said last month that it would be a “miracle” if she makes her squad for Australia and New Zealand.

But Mead has returned to light training with Arsenal ahead of the July tournament and said she is determined to give herself every chance of making the 23-player squad.

“The injury’s okay,” Mead told Sky Sports News as she picked up her MBE for her role in England’s Euro 2022 win last summer. “I’m a good five months in and back on the pitch and kicking a ball again, feeling good, ahead of schedule. That’s all I can do that’s in my control right now."

Beth Mead’s ACL recovery ‘ahead of schedule’

Ella Toone upbeat on England’s chances at World Cup despite injury setbacks

12:18 , Luke Baker

Ella Toone has stressed England are set to head into this summer’s World Cup still well-equipped to prosper despite the injury setbacks that have been “really difficult to take”.

Skipper Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby have been ruled out of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand by injuries, while Beth Mead, who claimed the Golden Boot and player of the tournament award when the team won the Euros last year, may also be missing.

Toone, scorer of the opener in the 2-1 victory over Germany after extra-time that clinched the trophy at Wembley, said: “The injuries are really difficult to take.

“No-one ever wants to see team-mates and other players have bad injuries like that. So it’s been difficult, and players that are a massive part of our squad.

“But we have to focus on what we have, and that is so much talent within the squad. We have young girls coming up now into the squad who have unbelievable talent."

Ella Toone upbeat on England’s chances at World Cup despite injury setbacks

England star Leah Williamson: Most female footballers still need back-up careers

12:01 , Luke Baker

England footballer Leah Williamson has spoken about the importance of sportswomen having another qualification in their “locker”, as she said the sport needs more women in positions of power.

It comes as the Lionesses and Arsenal defender has been ruled out of the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after suffering a knee injury and undergoing surgery.

Williamson, who has been training to be an accountant alongside her football career, said that pursuing a different qualification started off as an “insurance policy” for herself.

She told PA: “Originally, when I started it, women’s football wasn’t as secure as it is now.

“I started it as a bit of an insurance policy for me to take the pressure off football, so if it didn’t work out I have something else.”

England star Leah Williamson: Most female footballers still need back-up careers

Predicted England’s World Cup squad

11:45 , Luke Baker

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton

Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Esme Morgan, Maya Le Tissier

Midfielders: Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Jordan Nobbs, Laura Coombs, Katie Zelem

Forwards: Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Katie Robinson, Rachel Daly

Making World Cup squad would be ‘stuff of dreams’, says Man City’s Laura Coombs

11:30 , Luke Baker

Laura Coombs says it would be “the stuff of dreams” if her England renaissance continues with a place in the squad for this summer’s World Cup.

The Manchester City midfielder, 32, returned to the international fold when she was called up by Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman in February.

That was her first involvement since a training camp in 2020 under Phil Neville, and she had not played for her country since winning the two caps she had to her name in 2015 under Mark Sampson.

Coombs subsequently played twice at the Arnold Clark Cup and was then included in Wiegman’s squad for April’s matches against Brazil and Australia, for which she was an unused substitute.

On the possibility of making the next squad, for the European champions’ World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand, Coombs said: “It would be the stuff of dreams to be honest."

Making World Cup squad would be ‘stuff of dreams’, says Man City’s Laura Coombs

What time is England’s Women’s World Cup squad announcement?

11:15 , Luke Baker

England will reach a key point in their World Cup preparations as Sarina Wiegman names her 23-player squad for Australia and New Zealand today.

The Lionesses manager faces a number of big decisions after losing several key players in the build-up to the tournament, including captain Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby.

Wiegman must also decide whether to take a risk on the fitness of Euros golden boot winner Beth Mead, while senior players Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze are recovering from injuries as well.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of England’s World Cup announcement.

What time is England’s Women’s World Cup squad announcement?

Fara Williams predicts Lionesses Women’s World Cup squad

11:03 , Jack Rathborn

Ex-England international Fara Williams has picked her Lionesses squad for Australia and New Zealand.

The obvious name in her 23-player squad is Beth Mead, worth the risk?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fara Williams MBE (@fara44)

England squad announced at 2pm

10:55 , Luke Baker

Only about 3 hours until we find out England's squad for the World Cup

England World Cup squad announcement: Five key decisions Sarina Wiegman must make

10:00 , Jack Rathborn

This time last year, Sarina Wiegman’s plans were in place ahead of the Euros. The Lionesses manager had settled upon a core of players during her first season in charge and her squad announcement for the tournament featured few surprises. Once the Euros began, Wiegman was able to name the same starting line-up for all six matches, as England won their first major international tournament in 56 years at Wembley.

How the Lionesses could do with the same stability ahead of the World Cup. A year later, Wiegman will take England into a second major international tournament as one of the favourites, but with injuries and fitness concerns disrupting their preparations and forcing a rethink in some key areas of the team.

Now the domestic club season is over, Wiegman will name her 23-player squad for the World Cup today, with England’s opening game of the tournament against Haiti in Brisbane less than eight weeks away.

Here are some of the biggest questions Wiegman has to answer as the England manager names her squad for Australia and New Zealand.

The key questions facing England ahead of Women’s World Cup squad announcement

Predicting England Women’s World Cup squad: Who’s on the plane and who could miss out?

09:51 , Jack Rathborn

England manager Sarina Wiegman is set to name her squad for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the Lionesses will look to add to their Euros triumph with the game’s biggest prize.

Wiegman’s side will be among the favourites as England aim to win the World Cup for the first time, but the Lionesses have been rocked by the news that captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the tournament after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament.

Suddenly, the England manager could be without a core of players who started for the Lionesses at the Euros last summer, which puts pressure on having the right depth throughout the squad.

And with Wiegman naming her squad today following the end of the domestic season, time has run out for players on the fringes of Weigman’s plans to stake their claim.

So ahead of the World Cup, who’s on the plane to Australia and New Zealand, and who’s hasn’t done enough to make the squad?

Predicting England’s World Cup squad: Who’s on the plane?