Wiegman speaks on new Lionesses call-ups

England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman explained her decision making behind today’s squad announcement, as the Lionesses boss named her team for the upcoming October international camp.

Arsenal defender Katie Reid is among the new faces included in this month’s squad, with the teenager, who made her under-23s debut earlier this year, having represented England at youth level.

“It’s exciting for her,” said Wiegman. “She started playing for Arsenal very quickly this season, with already a couple of moments last season.

“She’s done good in the pathway too and I just see some very good things on the pitch with her. I hope she can show that in our environment too.

“I’m excited to see her in our environment and how she relates to the other players in the squad.”

Reid’s club teammate Taylor Hinds, who returned to north London in the summer, also makes Wiegman’s 25-player squad and the England boss is looking forward to seeing the former Young Lioness in action.

“We have been following Taylor for a long time,” highlighted Wiegman. “Of course, she has gone through the pathway. She has a dual heritage, so she’s eligible for us. I had the conversation with her and she wanted to come in. She feels really close to England which she had also with Jamaica.

“We are in a new situation – we’re going into a new cycle, qualifying for the World Cup hopefully then going to the World Cup. I want to see talented players in some positions and she’s a left-footer.”

Another player who could make her senior debut is Lucia Kendall. And Wiegman identified where she sees the Aston Villa youngster – another new call-up – fitting into her team.

“At the moment, I see her as a midfielder,” explained Wiegman. “I think she has performed really well for Aston Villa and I really want to see her there.

“I think her positioning and game understanding is really good – her game understanding, reading the game really well, being tough in duels but also in possession doing well.”

The Lionesses head coach also spoke on the fitness of two members of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025-winning squad, Lucy Bronze and Grace Clinton.

“They will not be able to play two games – two full games in a couple of days – but Lucy is fit to play,” continued Wiegman. “She didn’t get that many minutes because she just got out of her rehab but did train a lot.

“Grace will be assessed this week. She had a minor injury – I think that’s what Manchester City also said – and I just didn’t want to rule her out because it is a minor injury and when she progresses really well, she can be available for us.”

Having enjoyed the summer’s celebrations, Wiegman’s focus shifts to the 2025-26 season which begins with the Homecoming Series.

“We celebrated a little bit but then I just take a little bit of time off and then after two weeks, you just get, ‘let’s get started again’,” said Wiegman.

“I actually move on really quickly too because there’s games coming up – there’s World Cup qualification coming up and we definitely want to qualify for the World Cup and do well there too.

“I’m already thinking ahead, ‘what do we need to do to have success again and to become better and what do I see developing in England?’”

We're LIVE from St. George’s Park as Sarina Wiegman discusses squad selection ahead of our fixtures against Brazil and Australia. 💪 https://t.co/4lQKLtAyYf

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) October 14, 2025

England kick off their campaign with a match-up against Brazil at the Etihad in Manchester before facing Australia at Derby County’s Pride Park – two hotly-anticipated games.

“It's nice to see fans and for the fans, it’s nice when you move a bit, so everyone gets an opportunity to see us,” commented Wiegman.

“Now, we’re up north a little bit and it’s exciting. We haven’t played at the Etihad, so that’s exciting and many people come and watch us, and we’ve never played in Derby either, so it’s nice to connect there too.

“It’s so exciting to see the fans all the time. They’re so enthusiastic.”