England squad for World Cup qualifiers named as Lionesses target more glory

Sarina Wiegman has named her England squad for next month's deciding Women's World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Luxembourg.

Chloe Kelly, who scored the winner against Germany in the final of Euro 2022 just 24 days ago, will miss the fixtures due to a leg injury. Fran Kirby will also not be involved because of a foot complaint, while Jill Scott and Ellen White have both retired from football.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is the only other member of the victorious Euros squad to miss out due to "personal issues". The Lionesses need just a point against Austria in Wiener Neustadt on September 3 to secure their spot at next year's tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

If England lose to Austria, victory against Luxembourg at the home of Stoke City on September 6 will secure qualification. Wiegman's side have won all eight of their qualifiers so far, including an emphatic 10-0 victory against Luxemburg last September.

Experienced Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs has returned to the squad following an injury, while Manchester United skipper Katie Zelem has also made the cut. Chelsea forward Lauren James, who is the sister of men's star Reece, is in line to make her senior debut.

The other two fresh faces in the squad are Houston Dash forward Ebony Salmon and Manchester City goalkeeper Sandy MacIver. Both players have one senior cap to their name after making their debuts in a friendly against Northern Ireland in February 2021.

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"It only feels like yesterday since we were celebrating at Wembley, but we have to get straight back to business," said Wiegman on Tuesday morning. "We have a big target in front of us this month to book our place at the World Cup, and we have to set aside our amazing memories of this summer for the moment.

"We have lost four players in midfield and forward positions so I am pleased we can turn to experience in Katie and Jordan along with two for the future in Lauren and Ebony."

"When we can, it is important to give opportunities to our promising younger players in this environment, and for them to experience what is expected in the senior set-up both on and off the pitch. This includes Sandy MacIver who just missed out on the Euros."

On James' inclusion, Wiegman added: "She didn't play that much, but we know she is a very talented player. She did work over the summer and had very good preparation with Chelsea. We want to give her a chance to show what she can do with the national team."

The Lionesses have never lost under Wiegman, a run stretching 20 games and nearly 12 months. That includes a record-breaking 20-0 victory against Latvia at Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium last November and two 1-0 victories against Austria.

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City).

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)

Forwards: Bethany England (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Ebony Salmon (Houston Dash)