Lionesses Embark on Exciting Journey in the Inaugural UEFA Nations League, Starting in Sunderland and Heading to Utrecht
Sarina Wiegman, our astute manager, has revealed her carefully chosen squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League matches, a momentous event scheduled for later this month.
- England vs Scotland – Friday 22nd September 2023
- Netherlands vs England – Tuesday 26th September 2023
With an unwavering commitment to the players who played a crucial role in our sensational run to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, held in the enchanting lands of Australia and New Zealand this past summer, Wiegman has handpicked a squad of 24 talented individuals. Amongst them are the likes of Lucy Staniforth and Maya Le Tissier, both of whom graced the pitches Down Under. Also making a return is Jess Park, who, unfortunately, had to withdraw from the finals due to an unfortunate injury.
Regrettably, we will miss the presence of the formidable Bethany England and the indomitable Keira Walsh due to their ongoing battle with injuries.
The action is set to unfold on Friday, the 22nd of September, when we host our Scottish neighbors in Sunderland, a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of our exciting journey in this inaugural tournament. Just four days later, on Tuesday, the 26th of September, England will set its sights on the Netherlands, taking the battle to Utrecht, a city that holds fond memories of a resounding 6-0 victory over Scotland during EURO 2017.
Our UEFA Nations League campaign sees us pitted against Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scotland in a fiercely competitive group within League A. The group winners will be granted passage to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for February. This exhilarating journey will culminate in a riveting final that will crown the ultimate champions of the tournament.
Lionesses manager 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.”
Lionesses Named Squad For UEFA Nations League Fixtures
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Jess Park (Manchester City), Lucy Staniforth (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)
Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)