The Lionesses qualification for the upcoming women’s euros was secured by a 0-0 draw versus Sweden at Gamla Ullevi, with the Lionesses finishing 2nd in the group on 11 points.
Sarina has announced her squad for her approaching games being England vs Germany and England vs South Africa, wit the first game being England vs Germany at Wembley on the 25th October. This game is a thrilling rematch of the women's 2022 Euros final, when England claimed the trophy in a 2-1 win.
Germany have recently had a coach change - Martina Voss-Tecklenburg stepped down post
world cup after a disappointing world cup run. Christian Wück has been appointed as the new coach, with his role starting before the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Since this game, Alexandra Popp the German Captain, has announced her retirement, with her last game being on the 28th October. Marina Hegering has also announced her retirement from international football. With Germany in a time of change, the Lionesses will have to come out on the front foot and be prepared to face a very physical and hungry Germany.
Following this, the Lionesses take on South Africa at Coventry Building Society Arena on the 29th October. South Africa had a successful world cup, making it to round 16. With the South
African team on a rise this game should be fast paced and a good challenge for the Lionesses.
Before the upcoming Euros, Sarina said the Lionesses are going to change their line-ups and
use opportunities like this game to make new connections between players on the pitch. Within this game, the Lionesses will have to be aware of South Africa's physical style of play and their strong counter attacks. This is the final game before the players will go back to their respective clubs.
Sarina's chosen 25 player squad was announced on the 15th October, allowing Sarina to watch as many games as possible before choosing her squad. She explained her squad within her press conference.
Goalkeepers:
Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride).
This is a changed squad from the 28 player WEUROS qualifiers squad, as familiar face Khiara Keating is missing. Sarina commented on this and said she spoke to Khiara and said she wants her fitter and sharper which needs to be done with her club. She also mentioned a conversation she had with Ellie Roebuck after her move to Barcelona, but said she currently is
not in thoughts to be within the squad.
Mary Earps has moved to PSG since the previous international break, but cost PSG their Champions League position with a 2-1 loss to Juventus. Sarina said she was upset for Mary, however, she believes that she needs time to settle into PSG as it is a whole new country and playing style.
Defenders:
Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Alex
Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme
Morgan (Washington), Lucy Parker (Aston Villa), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy(Arsenal).
Lucy Parker has returned to the squad with Millie Turner not selected. Sarina spoke on Lucy
Parker and said she had a fit preseason and wanted to see her within the England environment, however she didn’t comment on Millie Turner's reason for not being within the squad, simply stating that she had spoken to her. She also vocalised that Esme Morgan and Jess Carter's move to the NWSL was right for them and she is glad they are playing in a different league. Niamh Charles is absent from the squad, due to suffering from a dislocated shoulder.
Midfielders:
Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).
There is little change within midfield since the previous camp, with only Missy Bo Kearns missing. However, she was only on standby so presumably will return to the U23s as captain.
Sarina made a remark to Fran Kirby's move to Brighton and how she has improved Brighton's
standards, before commenting on Kirby's vision of the game and hopes that she will be available at all times. She concluded that Katie Zelem who was last in the squad for the Lionesses Nations League campaign is not currently in thought to be chosen.
Forwards:
Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Naz (Tottenham), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
This is an unchanged set of forwards, with Jessica Naz being taken off standby. Sarina praised how Aggie and Jess have got on well with the squad, stating that they are young great players who she's excited to have within her squad. Chloe Kelly has had little playing time at Manchester City, however Sarina said she was never in doubt that she would be chosen and expressed how high the standard of a club Manchester City is, which is why she believes her position is solidified.
Sarina concluded her press conference on how she is happy the Lionesses qualified at the first chance they could as they now have the opportunity to choose their opponents and test different styles of play before the WEUROS 2025.
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