Photo Credits: Martin Rickett
Sarina Weigman announced her 23-player squad ahead of the October international window. Who made the cut? Who will we see in the lineup? What did Sarina say about the fans? Here’s everything you need to know
Firstly, she spoke on Millie Bright’s international retirement, saying “she’s been huge for us, for me, for the team, on and off the pitch.”. She also mentioned her career as a whole, stating, “I’m just really grateful that I’ve been just a little bit part of her journey, and grateful that she’s been part of my team…”
There three new faces in the squad: Katie Reid, Taylor Hinds, and Lucia Kendall. Sarina spoke on each of them, saying, “We’re going into a new era. We’re going into a new cycle. Qualifying for the World Cup, hopefully, and then going to the World Cup. So I want to see talented players in some positions.”
A successful start of the season for Reid, playing in 5 and starting in 5. Sarina spoke on how impressed she was, saying, “This season, already of course, 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, and I hope she can show that in our environment too, because I’m excited to see her in our environment and how she relates to the other players in the squad.”
Taylor Hinds changed her allegiance to Jamaica in 2024, receiving her first call-up for the Reggae Girlz in October last year. A year on from that decision, she’s been called up to the Lionesses. Sarina stated, “At the same time, she’s really excited to come into our environment, too, and she feels connected with England, and she feels connected with Jamaica, which, of course, is totally understandable.”
A call-up that wasn’t on anybody’s radar saw Aston Villa’s Lucia Kendall receive her first senior Lionesses call-up. The manager spoke on why she called her up, “Well, really, it’s like her game understanding. Reading the game really well. Being tough in duels, but also in possession, doing well. I think her positioning, most of her positioning and game understanding, I thought, was really good”
Both Grace Clinton and Lucy Bronze made the cut but won’t be able to play full matches for the Lionesses. Sarina spoke on each of them, outlining, “No, they will not be able to play two games, two full games in a couple of days.”
She also mentioned Grace Clinton, specifically stating, “Grace will be assessed this week. She had a minor injury… I just didn’t want to rule out, because it is a minor injury, and when she progresses really well, she can be available for us.”
She finally spoke about the fans and getting to go to stadiums around England. “It’s exciting. We haven’t played in Etihad, I think. So that’s exciting. Many people come watch us.”. She also commented on the fans as a whole and their support, emphasising, “We just grow. And we were overloaded in the stands all the time in that tournament, even when we were abroad.”