Soccer-Parker, Wubben-Moy, James back in Wiegman’s England squad for friendlies

By Lori Ewing

MANCHESTER, England, Oct 15 (Reuters) – England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman has recalled Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker for the first time in a year following a serious ankle problem for this month’s home friendlies against Germany and South Africa.

Lotte Wubben-Moy and Lauren James will also feature after missing July’s Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying games against Ireland and Sweden due to injury.

Wiegman’s squad have turned their full attention to preparing to defend their title at next year’s European Championship after securing their berth in the last international window.

England host Germany on Oct. 25 at Wembley in a rematch of the Euro 2022 final at the same stadium. They will then host South Africa at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Oct. 29.

“The players and staff worked hard to automatically secure our place in next summer’s Euro, allowing all of our focus and attention to now go into making sure we’re ready for the tournament when it begins on 2 July,” Wiegman said.

“Qualifying directly for the finals provides us with a very valuable opportunity to play four friendlies this autumn and lay the foundations for next summer.”

The Lionesses will close the year against Olympic champions the United States on Nov. 30 at Wembley and then play Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland at Bramall Lane on Dec. 3.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse;

Defenders: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Lucy Parker, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy;

Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Fran Kirby, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh;

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Jess Naz, Alessia Russo (Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Ken Ferris)

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