Lionesses squad: Beth Mead returns as 17-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson earns first international call up for Women's World Cup qualifiers
Published 31/03/2026 at 11:29 GMT+1
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England have named their squad for the upcoming Women's World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Iceland. The return of Beth Mead is a boost for Sarina Wiegman, but Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Aggie Beever-Jones are all out injured. Teenager Erica Meg Parkinson has been called up for the first time as England prepare to play the 500th game in their history.
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Arsenal forward Beth Mead has been named in England's squad for April's 2027 World Cup qualifiers after returning from a hairline fracture in the shin.
Midfielders Grace Clinton and Ella Toone have missed out through injury, along with Chelsea striker Aggie Beever-Jones.
Erica Meg Parkinson, 17, has earned her first call-up after impressing in Portugal with Valadares Gaia. The midfielder has represented England at youth level, appearing for the Under-23s last year.
The Lionesses will host Spain at Wembley on April 14, before travelling to face Iceland on April 18.
England won their first two qualifiers last month, beating Ukraine 6-1 and Iceland 2-0 to get off to a perfect start.
"Last month we started our campaign strongly with two good performances against Ukraine and Iceland, and we want to continue that momentum," said manager Sarina Wiegman.
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"These upcoming matches against Spain and Iceland are important steps in our qualification journey, and we’re fully focused on performing at our highest level.
"This international window is very special for our team. Marking the 500th game in the Lionesses’ history is something we are all incredibly proud of, and it connects us to every player who has helped build this team over so many years.
"Facing Spain at Wembley in front of our fans will be a fantastic challenge, and travelling to Iceland for such a historic occasion will motivate us even more to be at our best too."
England's World Cup qualification campaign will end in June with fixtures against Spain and Ukraine.
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England squad
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (Valadares Gaia), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
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