Keira Walsh out of England squad with injury but Maya Le Tissier returns for Lionesses
Sarina Wiegman makes few changes from the group which reached the Women’s World Cup final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Keira Walsh is missing from England’s first squad since the Women’s World Cup due to injury.
As well as midfielder Walsh, forward Bethany England also drops out, ruled out after undergoing hip surgery last week.
There is no recall at this stage for Beth Mead despite her returning to Arsenal’s matchday squad as an unused substitute in their Champions League qualifying games last week.
And the same applies to Fran Kirby, who has been involved in pre-season with Chelsea - both sat out the World Cup because of injury.
Sarina Wiegman‘s 24-player selection sees Maya Le Tissier, Lucy Staniforth and Jess Park brought back into the fold.
Le Tissier and Staniforth were on the standby list ahead of the summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the latter replacing Park, who withdrew because of a shoulder issue.
Wiegman‘s World Cup runners-up play Scotland at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light a week on Friday and the Netherlands in Utrecht four days later in the new women’s Nations League.
Wiegman said: “By the time we play our first game, it will be little more than a month since the World Cup final. We have had little time to reflect on all we have achieved so far this year.
“Instead, we will have to make sure the players are fresh enough and ready to perform straight away, if we want to go far in another competition.
“We will play a derby match against Scotland and they have shown good development recently and are getting stronger and stronger, while we know all about the Netherlands of course, and the very talented players they have.
“It is the first time we have had the Nations League in the women’s game, and it will mean even more competitive matches for us to test ourselves.
“While the time to look back on a special period for us will come at the end of the year, it will be good to see the fans again in Sunderland. We have a great connection with the north east and I know they will give us tremendous support again.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments