England manager Sarina Weigman has named her squad for the upcoming April internationals, with Manchester-based players dominating the call-up sheet.
A whopping 11 of the 25 women called up play for either Manchester City or Manchester United in the FA Women’s Super League.
The announcement comes ahead of the Lionesses’ clashes against Brazil at Wembley Stadium on 6 April and Australia at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on 11 April.
These friendlies precede the start of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
Wigan-born Manchester United player Ella Toone makes a return to England’s midfield, eight months after scoring the Lionesses’ first goal in the Euro’s final last summer.
Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning goal in the same match, also makes a much-anticipated return, alongside teammate Lauren Hemp.
Elsewhere, United’s Alessia Russo has been recalled and is expected to play a larger role in England’s World Cup campaign. The forward is currently the third-highest goal scorer in the Women’s Super League, scoring eight league goals in fourteen games.
The Lionesses’ defence also heavily features Manchester-based talent. Three of the four keepers called up play in Manchester – Mary Earps (United), Sandy Maclver (City), and Ellie Roebuck (City).
City’s Esme Morgan and Laura Coombs have also been called up, as well as United’s Maya le Tissier. At 20 years old, le Tissier is the second-youngest Lioness (after Brighton’s Katie Robinson – four months her junior).
Manchester United captain Katie Zelem has been dropped after appearing in the World Cup qualifiers, which saw her debut during England’s record-breaking 20-0 win over Latvia.
Similarly, City’s Demi Stokes and Steph Houghton were not called up despite being included in the 2022 Euros squad.
Featured Image: daniel0685 via Flickr
