England Women coach Hege Riise has named a 20-player squad for the forthcoming February international camp.
The get-together marks England’s first official fixture since last year’s SheBelieves Cup in the United States when they welcome Northern Ireland to the home of England football teams, St. George’s Park on Tuesday 23 February.
The Lionesses will meet up at the team’s usual training base in Staffordshire on Thursday 18 February for a five-day intensive camp that will be operated under strict COVID-19 elite sport guidelines.
The squad consists of a smaller group of players compared to previous camps as the Lionesses prepare for their involvement in Team GB’s Olympic campaign, while also continuing preparations towards the home UEFA Women EURO, which is due to take place across England in summer 2022.
Riise continues the trend of previous camps in choosing a blend of youth and experience. Players have been selected based on merit with a focus on individuals’ physical capability, fitness and versatility to cope with the demands of a major tournament.
Experienced internationals Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, Ellen White and Jill Scott, who could receive her 150th cap against Northern Ireland, form an integral part of the squad as England prepare for a three-year period which includes the Tokyo Olympics, Women’s EURO and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Young prospects Hannah Hampton, Sandy MacIver, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Ella Toone are once again called up to the senior England camp and could make their senior international debuts against Northern Ireland.
Coach Hege Riise said: “I am looking forward to leading my first international camp with England. I have watched a lot of England and club matches and believe this is a group of players who are capable of winning at a major tournament.
“My work from now until Sarina Wiegman’s arrival is to develop their ability, playing style and physical conditioning to contribute to future success – this summer and beyond.
“It is great for the players to have an official fixture to look forward to and is an opportunity to implement everything they have worked on from previous training camps.”
Following England’s fixture against Northern Ireland they look to welcome Canada on Tuesday 13 April at a venue still to be confirmed.
England squad
Hannah Hampton – Birmingham City
Ellie Roebuck – Manchester City
Sandy MacIver – Everton
Steph Houghton – Manchester City
Lotte Wubben-Moy – Arsenal
Millie Bright – Chelsea
Lucy Bronze – Manchester City
Alex Greenwood – Manchester City
Chloe Kelly – Manchester City
Leah Williamson – Arsenal
Jill Scott – Everton (On loan from Manchester City)
Ella Toone – Manchester United
Keira Walsh – Manchester City
Jordan Nobbs – Arsenal
Georgia Stanway – Manchester City
Rachel Daly – Houston Dash
Fran Kirby – Chelsea
Bethany England – Chelsea
Ellen White – Manchester City
Lauren Hemp – Manchester City
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