England Women’s Squad Named for Brazil and Australia Fixtures
England’s reigning UEFA Women’s EURO champions have returned to action, with Sarina Wiegman naming a 25-player squad for two high-profile meets in late October. The Lionesses will kick off a Homecoming Series against Brazil at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday 25 October (5:30pm BST) before travelling to Pride Park Stadium in Derby to face Australia on Tuesday 28 October (7pm GMT).
Twenty players from the euro-winning squad retain their places, underscoring continuity as England aim to build on last summer’s success. However, injuries have opened doors for fresh faces, with Katie Reid, Lucia Kendall and Taylor Hinds earning their first England call-ups after progressing through the England pathway. In addition, Laura Blindkilde Brown and Missy Bo Kearns return to the fold as seasoned campaigners who can contribute depth and experience.
The squad selection reflects both the excitement of a successful period and the demand for consistency as England prepare for World Cup qualification early next year. The two upcoming matches offer contrasting challenges: a meeting with Brazil, the South American champions who previously pushed England to the edge in a dramatic Finalissima conclusion, and a clash with Australia, who provided a stern test in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final in Sydney where England secured a memorable 3-1 victory.
Wiegman said the team is eager to play in front of their home supporters again after an “incredible summer” that featured standout performances across the UEFA Women’s EURO and beyond. She emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum and using the October fixtures as a bridge toward the next phase of World Cup qualification.
“It’s great to be back and we’re really looking forward to playing in front of our fantastic home support again after such an incredible summer in Switzerland,” Wiegman stated. “In Brazil and Australia we’ll be facing two top opponents who will each test us in different ways, which is exactly the kind of challenge we need as we prepare for World Cup qualification starting early next year.”
Fans are encouraged to secure tickets for both matches as England celebrate back-to-back UEFA Women’s EURO titles and look ahead to more significant fixtures on the road to global tournaments. The City of Manchester Stadium and Pride Park Stadium will host two crucial tests that could shape selection and strategies as England plot a path forward under Wiegman’s guidance.
The Brazil game recalls fond memories of the 2023 Finalissima, where the Lionesses emerged victorious from a tense shootout at Wembley Stadium connected by EE. The October schedule also provides a platform for newcomers like Reid, Kendall and Hinds to acclimate to international football and demonstrate their readiness for higher levels of competition.
As the Lionesses prepare to take on two global powers, fans can expect an exciting showcase of England’s depth and quality. The October internationals are more than just friendlies; they’re a statement of intent from a team that has re-established itself as a benchmark in women’s football and a source of inspiration for aspiring players across the country.
