Phil Neville has named a 28-woman Lionesses squad for a friendly against Germany on 27 October 2020, as Nikita Parris receives a recall after Coronavirus travel restrictions prevented her from joining up for September’s training camp.
Parris will replace Liverpool’s Rinsola Babajide who has been dropped from the squad alongside Arsenal defender, Lotte Wubben-Moy after the uncapped duo received their first senior call-ups.
Arsenal midfielder, Jordan Nobbs is the only other absentee due to a hamstring injury with Neville naming a largely unchanged squad from last month’s selection, as Lucy Bronze returns to the fold after withdrawing from last month’s training camp through injury.
The squad will participate in a training match scheduled for Friday 23 October before then visiting Germany in Wiesbaden on Tuesday 27 October, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm GMT.
Germany will represent England Lionesses’ first international fixture since finishing third at the SheBelieves Cup in March before Coronavirus pandemic lockdown saw all international fixtures cancelled until last month
On facing Germany after a seven month international break, Neville said; “It’s exciting to be facing top-class opposition again after such a long lay-off since the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year,”
The ex Manchester United player turned international manager however is expecting a difficult match, saying; “Germany are currently ranked second in the world so there’s no doubt it will be a tough test for us, but a vital one as we measure our progress against one of the best teams in the world.”
England’s main priority however is preparing for a home UEFA Women’s Euro in 2022 and Neville who will be leaving the team next July is of the view that this match “… will give us a clear idea of where we’re at in terms of our squad depth and development…” in order “to compete for the highest honours in world football and that means challenging ourselves against the very strongest opposition.”
On handing youngsters – Niamh Charles, Esme Morgan, Ella Toone and Millie Turner their second call-ups after impressing during last month’s training camp at St George’s Park, Neville said; “I was impressed with the performances of a number of younger players who joined our senior squad last month and I look forward to seeing their further integration and development during this camp.”
Neville however iterated that with Olympics, UEFA Women’s Euro and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup all on the horizon, there will be room for complacency, saying; “This is an exciting period for England players of all ages and experience to stake their claim for a place in the squad as we build towards upcoming major tournaments.”
Lionesses will then conclude their 2020 preparations with a home friendly against Norway on 1 December at Bramall Lane, Sheffield in a 7:15pm kick-off.
Full squad to face Germany on 27 October (3pm GMT) in Wiesbaden;
Goalkeepers: Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Sandy Maclver (Everton), Carly Telford (Chelsea), Hannah Hampton (Birmingham City)
Defence: Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Grace Fisk (West Ham United), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Abbie McManus (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City)
Midfield: Georgia Stanway (Manchester City), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Izzy Christiansen (Everton), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Niamh Charles (Chelsea)
Forwards: Bethany England (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Ellen White (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Rachel Daly (West Ham United – on loan from Houston Dash), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Nikita Parris (Lyon)
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