Freya Godfrey has received her first senior England call-up after Sarina Wiegman named the Lionesses squad for friendlies against China and Ghana.
The London City Lionesses forward, who scored her first two goals of the season against Tottenham earlier this month, steps up to the senior squad after regular involvement with England’s Under-23s.
Manchester City pair Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton return to the squad after injury. Lauren James and Jess Carter were omitted so their fitness can be monitored: James is still recovering and will remain with Chelsea during the international break, while Carter has been given time off following the end of the NWSL season.
Missing through injury are Michelle Agyemang, Alex Greenwood, Hannah Hampton and Leah Williamson.
In goal, Sophie Baggaley (Brighton) has been included to compete with Khiara Keating (Man City) and Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride). Between them the three goalkeepers have just one Lionesses cap.
Anouk Denton, Grace Fisk, Taylor Hinds and Lucia Kendall remain in the squad after being called up in October.
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter notes Wiegman’s insistence that players must be competing at the highest club level to be considered. Godfrey’s move to regular senior involvement has been rewarded, while Aston Villa’s Lucia Kendall, who already has one cap, could add to her tally. Hunter welcomed Hemp’s return and said Clinton, despite a stop-start start at Manchester City, needs a sustained run of games to rebuild momentum and reclaim a higher place in the England pecking order. Hunter believes Clinton has the potential to be a starter at future tournaments if she secures consistent game time.
England squad in full
Goalkeepers: Sophie Baggaley (Brighton), Khiara Keating (Man City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Anouk Denton (West Ham), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blinkilde Brown (Man City), Grace Clinton (Man City), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Park (Man Utd), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)