Lionesses Puzzle Solved? Williamson and James Storm Back as Wiegman Tackles Injury Chaos

Alright, footy fans, grab your pint and pull up a stool because Sarina Wiegman's just unveiled her England Women's squad for the Women's World Cup qualifiers, and it's a right old jigsaw puzzle with more missing pieces than a pub league team's defence after a heavy night out. Leah Williamson and Lauren James are back in the fold after shaking off injuries that sidelined them since Euro 2025 – yes, you read that right, they're roaring back for the games against Ukraine and Iceland. Joining them are keeper Hannah Hampton, and defenders Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood, who were given the night off in November's experimental shindig.

But hold onto your scarves, there's a fresh face lighting up the squad: London City Lionesses' Poppy Pattinson bags her first senior cap. Proper proud moment for her, like that mate who finally gets picked for the five-a-side after years on the bench. Sadly, Wiegman's got a casualty ward longer than a Wembley queue – Arsenal's Beth Mead, Katie Reid, and Michelle Agyemang are out, as are Man Utd's Ella Toone, Chelsea's Niamh Charles, and Aston Villa's Missy Bo Kearns. It's like someone's cursed the treatment room.

In goal, it's Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), and Aston Villa's Ellie Roebuck getting the nod over Man City's Khiara Keating. Sarina's got 'big concerns' about Keating's bench-warming antics this season, so she's off to the U23s to get her minutes up. Defensively, it's a star-studded backline: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotha – yep, she's ventured abroad), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Poppy Pattinson, Leah Williamson, and Lotte Wubben-Moy (both Arsenal). That's a wall tougher than trying to get served last orders on a Saturday.

Midfield's lean but mean: Laura Blindkilde Brown and Grace Clinton (both Man City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), and Keira Walsh (Chelsea). Up top, the firepower's sizzling with Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp and Lauren James (Man City and Chelsea respectively – Hemp's City, James Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Jess Park (Man Utd), and Alessia Russo (Arsenal). James' return is massive; that girl's got more tricks than a magician at a kids' party.

Wiegman herself called it a 'puzzle' in her presser, as Sky Sports News' Anton Toloui recapped. With all these injuries, she's had to get creative, but she's backing her troops: 'We've got enough fit players to put on a show and perform at the top level.' Williamson's only started once for Arsenal this term, but Sarina's not fussed: 'She's in a good place, even if minutes are thin. These are the best players to call up.' Smart lady – why fix what ain't broke, eh?

Looking ahead, the Lionesses kick off against Ukraine away in Turkey on March 3 (5pm kick-off), then host Iceland at The City Ground on March 7 (12.30pm – perfect for a cheeky half-time pie). Then it's the biggies: Spain at Wembley on April 14 (7pm), Iceland away on April 18, Spain away June 5, and Ukraine home June 9. Qualify top of the group and it's a straight shot to the Brazil World Cup – no pressure, Sarina.

On her own contract, which runs to 2027, Wiegman's keeping it schtum: 'Let's qualify first, then chat. We're buzzing on both sides.' Fair play – focus on the footy, not the fine print. This squad's got grit, glamour, and a few gambles, but if anyone can piece it together, it's Wiegman. Can't wait to see Williamson bossing the backline and James terrorising defences again. Lionesses, let's get qualifying – the pub's counting on ya!