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The **Lionesses** are roaring back to full strength, bolstered by the eagerly awaited return of midfield maestro **Ella Toone** and sharp-shooting forward **Aggie Beever-Jones**! As **England** faces pivotal **World Cup qualifiers**, the influx of talent signals **Sarina Wiegman's** intent to secure automatic progression.
Key Points:
- **Ella Toone** makes a triumphant return to the **Lionesses squad** after recovering from a hip injury.
- **Aggie Beever-Jones** is back, providing crucial depth and attacking options upfront.
- **England** faces make-or-break **2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers** against **Spain** and **Ukraine**.
- Automatic qualification for the **World Cup** is on the line, requiring strong performances.
Toone's Triumphant Return Ignites Midfield
It's been a long road back, but **Ella Toone** is officially back in the **Lionesses squad** – her first call-up since November. The **Manchester United** star, who lit up the pitch against China with a goal and three assists, endured a five-month absence due to a hip issue. Her return signals a massive boost for **England's** central engine room.
**Toone** has wasted no time getting back into rhythm, starting **Manchester United's** last two fixtures and even completing a full **90 minutes** against **Chelsea**. Her energy, vision, and goal threat are precisely what **Wiegman's** side needs as they head into critical matches. Young talents like **Erica Parkinson** and **Grace Clinton** make way, highlighting the fierce competition for places.
Beever-Jones Boosts Lionesses' Attack
Another welcome sight in the **Lionesses squad** is the return of **Chelsea** forward **Aggie Beever-Jones**. After battling an ankle injury that hampered her season, **Beever-Jones** featured in **Chelsea's** final three games, proving her fitness. Her inclusion adds vital depth behind primary striker **Alessia Russo**.
With **Euro 2025** hero **Michelle Agyemang** still recovering from an ACL tear, **Beever-Jones's** ability to operate in the No.9 role is invaluable. She joins **Freya Godfrey** in bolstering the forward line, ensuring **England** has multiple threats ready to unleash.
Wiegman's Chosen 25: The Full Roster
Here’s the complete **Lionesses squad** assembled to tackle the upcoming challenges:
- **Goalkeepers:** Hannah Hampton (**Chelsea**), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)
- **Defenders:** **Lucy Bronze** (**Chelsea**), Jess Carter (Gotham), Niamh Charles (**Chelsea**), 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), Georgia Stanway (**Bayern Munich**), **Ella Toone** (**Manchester United**), Keira Walsh (**Chelsea**)
- **Forwards:** **Aggie Beever-Jones** (**Chelsea**), 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**)
Despite a protective boot sighting, veteran defender **Lucy Bronze** also makes the cut, underscoring her importance to the team's leadership and experience.
Path to 2027: High Stakes in Qualification Showdown
The road to the **2027 Women's World Cup** reaches a crucial juncture as **England** prepares for two decisive qualifiers. The stakes couldn't be higher, with automatic qualification firmly in sight.
Facing Spain: A Defining Moment
First up, a monumental clash away against **Spain** in Mallorca on June 5. A win for the **Lionesses** would secure top spot in their group and punch their ticket directly to the **2027 World Cup**. Even a draw keeps their destiny in their own hands. However, defeat, especially by a significant margin, could hand control to the Spanish.
This fixture is undoubtedly one of the toughest tests in international football, as **Wiegman** herself noted: “Travelling to face **Spain** in front of their home crowd is one of the toughest fixtures we could face but we’ll be ready for the challenge.”
Home Comforts: Ukraine Clash in Liverpool
Just days later, on June 9, **England** returns home to face **Ukraine** at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. This match offers the **Lionesses** a chance to seal their qualification in front of their fervent home crowd, should they have managed a favorable result against **Spain**. Only the group winner guarantees automatic entry; anything less means navigating the dreaded play-offs.
