England captain Leah Williamson returns for World Cup qualifiers

England captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad for the first time since Euro 2025 as they prepare to begin their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Williamson, 28, missed England’s friendly victories over China, Ghana and Australia as well as their defeat by Brazil at the end of 2025 due to a knee injury.

The Arsenal defender had surgery after lifting England’s second successive European title in July and returned to action at the start of December.

“I’m very happy. It feels really good for her too. She has trained lots and I’m in close contact with her and the club,” said manager Sarina Wiegman.

“There are more players who are still building and that is one of the reasons why we went with a bigger squad.”

Several big names return to the squad including Chelsea forward Lauren James, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

James, 24, was absent for four months with an ankle injury before returning in November and is now back to full fitness.

She impressed in Sunday’s win over Liverpool and boosts Wiegman’s attacking options with Arsenal’s Beth Mead out with a fractured shin.

Greenwood, 32, missed the start of the season with a knee injury while Hampton had a thigh issue which ruled her out of the November camp.

There is a first senior call-up for London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson, while uncapped 20-year-old Freya Godfrey retains her place in the squad.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck also earns a recall, with Manchester City’s Khiara Keating dropping out of the squad.

“[Roebuck] came in the last camp of course because we had some injuries. She has got some minutes [with Villa] so it’s really good to see her back, see her happy and being available. She is playing and training fully,” added Wiegman.

“Keating will be with the under-23s. We all know she is a very talented goalkeeper. I had big concerns about her playing minutes over this last season.

“It’s a long period of time. There is also competition with the other goalkeepers.”

Gotham FC defender Jess Carter is back after she was given time to recover from the conclusion of the National Women’s Soccer League play-offs in November.

England are without Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone, who is out with a hip injury until the end of March.

Bay FC defender Anouk Denton, 22, who made her debut as a late substitute in December, is not included in the squad.