Women's Euro 2022: England announce final 23-player squad
By Ali Rampling
Sarina Wiegman has named her final 23-player England squad for Euro 2022, with Sandy MacIver, Steph Houghton, Niamh Charles, Katie Zelem and Lucy Staniforth the five players to be cut.
There is a place in the squad for Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly, with the former struggling with fatigue during the tail end of the season, and the latter battling back from an 11-month injury absence.
However, former captain Steph Houghton misses out, having not featured since January following surgery on her Achilles.
The centre back is yet to feature under Wiegman, having suffered an Achilles injury during the Dutch manager's maiden England camp. She was restricted to five WSL appearances during the 2021/22 season before undergoing surgery in February.
Kelly tore her ACL in May 2021 and was subsequently sidelined for 11 months. She returned to the City side in April and started five of her team's final six matches of the season, registering two goals and three assists.
Kirby has not featured for Chelsea since February after being ruled out for an indefinite period of time with fatigue. She returned to first team training in the final weeks of the season and was named among the substitutes for the Blues' FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Nine players will be taking part in their first senior major tournament with England: Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton, Jess Carter, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Bethany England.
Unlimited changes can still be made to the squad up until Euro 2022 kicks off on 6 July in the event of injury or illness.
“I am excited by what is possible for this group," said Wiegman. "We all know this is a huge opportunity and it is one we have to grab with both hands. The chance to represent the nation on such a big stage on home soil is one to relish.
“Making the final selection is always difficult because we know the talent and
commitment of every single player. All 28 players have all been superb on and off the pitch, since I started. I am certain those we have had to disappoint will give everything to support us and be ready if called upon."
England Euro 2022 squad
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Man Utd), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Man City)
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Man City), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Demi Stokes (Man City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jill Scott (Aston Villa*), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Keira Walsh (Man City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Forwards: Beth England (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Man City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Man Utd), Ellen White (Man City)