Williamson and James return to England squad for World Cup qualifiers

Leah Williamson and Lauren James have been named in Sarina Wiegman's 25-player England squad for their upcoming Women's World Cup qualifiers.

The pair have returned from injury to be selected for the fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland, having not featured for the Lionesses since Euro 2025.

Wiegman has a host of injury issues with Arsenal striker Beth Mead, Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Chelsea left-back Niamh Charles all ruled out.

England Women's squad

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotha), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Poppy Pattinson (London City Lionesses), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Man City), Grace Clinton (Man City, Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea).

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Jess Park (Man Utd), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

More to follow.

• Women's World Cup qualifying fixtures
• Live WSL table | All of this season's WSL highlights
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England Women's World Cup qualifiers

March 3: Ukraine (a), Mardan Stadyumu, Turkey - 5pm

March 7: Iceland (h), The City Ground - 12.30pm

April 14: Spain (h), Wembley, 7pm

April 18: Iceland (a), tbc

June 5: Spain (a), tbc

June 9: Ukraine (h), tbc