England are back in action this week for the first games of their Homecoming Tour, so here are the top five things to look out for during the friendlies.
Five things to watch out for on England Homecoming Tour
Maya Le Tissier minutes
Possibly the biggest discussion point for England’s upcoming friendlies is the use of Maya Le Tissier.
The Manchester United captain has proved to be one of the most reliable defenders in England, playing 71 games in a row for the Red Devils.
Despite her incredible club record, Le Tissier has been shunned by Sarina Wiegman for England.
Le Tissier didn’t play a minute at Euro 2025 and she has been an unused substitute in 12 of the last 13 international matches.
With England missing Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson for their Homecoming Tour, it would be a real shock to see Le Tissier benched.
Wiegman recently insisted that Le Tissier’s best position for the Lionesses is at full-back, but having played every game for United in the middle of defence, fans will be disappointed if she is played out of position this weekend.
Wingers fighting for spots
England arguably have the best wingers in world football but there will be two stars absent from their upcoming friendlies.
Lauren Hemp and Lauren James started for the Lionesses during the Euros, but they are both recovering from respective injuries and have been left out of the latest squad.
ANDRÉE 💬 (On Lauren Hemp) She’s following the rehab plan, she’s still not training with the team. It’s difficult to say but I hope she is back soon. It’s been already a couple of weeks… I should probably have said a number of weeks instead… She’s unfortunately not ready for… pic.twitter.com/IgXPqFJFcR
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) October 17, 2025
The position is England’s most competitive spot and there is no shortage of backups for Wiegman.
Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead are both fighting for their place in England’s lineup and Mead particularly has enjoyed great form of late.
The Arsenal duo still face more competition from other stars though, namely in Aggie Beever-Jones.
Chelsea’s striker has scored four goals in six league games to start the campaign and after a breakout summer with the Lionesses, she has to be considered as an option on the wing.
Although Beever-Jones is a striker, she has experience playing on both wings at club level.
Who is England’s backup goalkeeper?
There is no doubt that this year’s inaugural Yashin winner Hannah Hampton is the future of England’s goalkeeping union.
But if Hampton was to get injured, who would replace the 24-year-old?
Both Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse are the backups selected for England’s upcoming friendlies.
Neither Keating nor Moorhouse are yet to earn their first senior cap for the Lionesses, but both were part of the Euro 2025 winning squad.
Keating is competing for her position at Manchester City and she is anything but a certainty to be England’s backup.
Moorhouse on the other hand gets regular minutes for Orlando Pride and might be a better option.
With four friendlies coming up over the next few months, there is no better time for Wiegman to trial one of her backups in net and it is certainly something to watch out for.
Michelle Agyemang: England’s future number 9?
Alessia Russo seems nailed on to start up front for England in the near future, but Euro 2025 breakout star Michelle Agyemang could be a long-term solution.
The forward was her nation’s hero in both the quarter and semi-finals in Switzerland and she has earned a deserved spot in the England team as a result.
After making such a great impression for the Lionesses in summer as a super sub, Agyemang will be hoping for an opportunity in the starting lineup for one of England’s Homecoming Tour friendlies.
A star of the future, a star of NOW ⭐
Michelle Agyemang, Young Player of the Tournament. Take a bow.#BBCFootball #WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/cwSCZ39x5R
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2025
The teenager moved back on loan to Brighton at the start of the season to get more minutes.
Agyemang has been impressive for the Seagulls to start her campaign this year, but not good enough to displace Russo who finished third in the Ballon d’Or race this year.
Captain in Leah Williamson’s absence
With Leah Williamson out for England’s upcoming friendlies the question remains on who will take over as captain of the team.
The mantle of captain will no doubt fall to another experienced head in the side and there are two obvious selections who could get the call.
Alex Greenwood is a candidate to take the armband and the Manchester City captain has more than enough experience in the role already.
The 32-year-old is approaching the end of her international career and while she may be captain this week, it could be one of the final times Greenwood leads the team.
Keira Walsh is the second choice, with the veteran Chelsea midfielder one of the most experienced Lionesses still playing.
Walsh has 93 caps for the Lionesses and would be a worthy replacement for Williamson until she makes her return later this year.
