Yahoo Sports All upcoming international fixtures for the home nations and Ireland
Lucy Bronze, Jane Ross and Niamh Fahey are just a few of the household names returning to their national teams for this window’s international fixtures. Young rising stars have also been rewarded for their recent performances at club level.
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will all return to action this week, with each team due to play in different competitions, as well as some friendlies.
We’ve taken a look at all the upcoming fixtures, as well as who has been called up for their respective sides. There are also inclusions and exclusions that are worth highlighting.
England: Williamson withdraws, Parris misses out
The most notable inclusion for the Lionesses was the return of potential England captain Leah Williamson, after a 10-month ACL absence. However, the Euro 2022 captain has since been forced to withdraw due to a ‘minor hamstring injury’. Manchester United’s Millie Turner will take her place. Millie Bright is also not involved due to ongoing recovery from injury.
Manchester City’s Jess Park features after missing out on the last camp, while teammate Khiara Keating also earns a spot in the squad after continued excellent club form.
The most glaring omission in the squad is Nikita Parris. Arguably the most in-form English forward at the moment, the United star misses out on selection. Sarina Wiegman commented that the England coaching team continue to monitor Parris closely. The Dutchwoman commented that England are “blessed with riches in the forward positions.”
The Lionesses have two friendlies lined up in, in the shape of Austria on Friday, February 23, and Italy on Tuesday, February 27. Both international fixtures will be played in a warm weather camp held in Spain.
Scotland: Veterans Lauder and Ross return
Head coach Pedro Martinez Losa has made a number of changes to his squad from the previous one. Rachel McLauchlan, Emma Mukandi, Kirsty MacClean, Amy Gallacher and Abi Harrison drop out.
Hayley Lauder is back in the squad for consecutive camps. This comes after the Glasgow City player earned a late call-up in November, following a three-year absence from the international team.
Veteran Jane Ross also earns a recall thanks to strong form for Rangers, following her return from a long-term injury.
Less internationally experienced players Leah Eddie and Chelsea Cornet also earn spots in the squad.
Scotland will compete in the Spanish-based Pinatar Cup this international window. They will face the Philippines on February 24, followed by either Slovenia or Finland on February 27.
Wales: Lois Joel one of five uncapped players called up
Jon Grey steps in as interim manager for the next set of international fixtures for Wales after long-term manager Gemma Grainger left at the end of the year. He has called in five uncapped players.
Young players Tianna Teisar, Olivia Francis and Mayzee Davies will join the squad after the U19s play Scotland. London City’s Lois Joel and Charlton’s Tegan McGowan also earn their first call-ups after impressing at club level.
The squad prepares to face the Republic of Ireland in a friendly on February 27 at Tallaght, Dublin.
Northern Ireland: Perry and Dugdale earn recalls
The most notable inclusions in the Northern Irish squad are those of Lauren Perry and Rachel Dugdale. Both players suffered lengthy injury layoffs since their last call-ups. However, the pair have impressed manager Tanya Oxtoby enough at club level to be included this window.
Linfield teenager Keri Halliday is named in the squad for consecutive camps, after earning her first ever call-up last month. She will be hoping to add to her first cap, which she achieved against Albania in December. Defender Kelsie Burrows also returns to the fold after being unavailable for the last camp.
Abbie Magee, Rachel McClaren and Rachel Norney drop out from last camp. Veteran midfielder Rachel Furness and goalkeeper Jackie Burns continue to work their way back from long-term injuries. Birmingham City defender Rebecca Holloway has withdrawn due to injury and is replaced by Toni-Leigh Finnegan.
Oxtoby’s side will play in a Nations League relegation play-off against Montenegro. First, they travel for the away game on Friday, February 23. Then, they host their opponents at Windsor Park on Tuesday, February 27.
Ireland: Key players return from injury, Finn’s ACL heartbreak
The Ireland squad features a number of players returning from injury. Most notably, Liverpool’s Niamh Fahey and Leanne Kiernan come in, as well as Man United’s Aoifé Mannion, and Jess Ziu of West Ham.
There is also a first ever call-up for US-based attacker Emily Murphy, who had previously trained with the squad in April 2021. Amber Barrett is also recalled after missing out on the previous camp.
Denise O’Sullivan and Tyler Toland have both been ruled out due to injury. It has also been confirmed that Jamie Finn has sadly suffered an ACL injury during training. Erin McLaughlin steps in alongside Jess Fitzgerald, who has received her first senior call-up.
Eileen Gleeson takes charge this window on a full-time basis for the first time. She managed the last camp as the interim boss following Vera Pauw’s departure.
The squad will face Italy away on February 23, and Wales at home on February 27 in a set of friendlies.
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