Squad update: Keira Barry joins Lionesses squad

Tuesday 7 April, 11am

Keira Barry and Niamh Charles have been called up to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Forward Barry, currently with Bay FC in the NWSL and originally selected for the WU23s squad, receives her first senior call-up having represented the Lionesses throughout the pathway. Charles, capped 31 times and part of the EURO 2025 winning squad, has returned from injury after featuring in Chelsea’s last three games.

Freya Godfrey has withdrawn with a shoulder injury and will remain at London City Lionesses for treatment. Barry will be replaced in the WU23s by Vivienne Lia as their European competition campaign concludes and a semi-final against the Netherlands awaits.

A senior squad of 24-players will arrive at St. George’s Park later today in preparation to face Spain on Tuesday 14 April at Wembley Stadium, connected by EE, before travelling to Reykjavik to play Iceland in the historic 500th game for the Lionesses on Saturday 18 April.

Jessica Pegram has also been called into the England WU19s squad for round two of qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Under-19 EUROs. The defender replaces Simone Sherwood who has withdrawn with injury. Lauren Smith’s side will play three ties in Switzerland during the April international window, as they vie for a place in this summer’s finals.