Esme Morgan and Katie Zelem named in Sarina Wiegman’s first England squad

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Netherlands v Sweden – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 – Semi Final – Stade de Lyon
(Image credit: Richard Sellers)

New boss Sarina Wiegman has included uncapped duo Esme Morgan and Katie Zelem in her first England squad.

The Lionesses’ new head coach has selected 25 players for the start of the qualifying campaign for the 2023 World Cup.

Manchester City’s 20-year-old defender Morgan and Manchester United’s 25-year-old midfielder Zelem are in line for their international debuts.

England take on North Macedonia at St Mary’s Stadium on September 17 in Group D, before making the trip to Luxembourg on September 21.

Wiegman has named 16 of the Tokyo Olympics Team GB squad in her first England selection, having started the job on September 1.

Wiegman said: “I’m extremely excited to get started. After leading Netherlands in the Olympic Games it has been a quick turnaround to get ready for this important camp with England and the start of our 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Manchester United’s Katie Zelem has received an England call

Manchester United’s Katie Zelem has received an England call (Martin Rickett/PA)

“Our coaching team and scouts have done a tremendous job in ensuring me and Arjan Veurink, my assistant coach who joins me from the Netherlands, are fully prepared.”

Wiegman has taken the England helm after almost five years in charge of Holland, having guided the Dutch to the Euro 2017 title and the 2019 World Cup final.

The 51-year-old is the permanent successor to Phil Neville after the former Manchester United defender stood down in January to take charge of Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Hege Riise took charge of three England matches before overseeing Team GB’s Olympics squad.

Esme Morgan, right, has received a first international call

Esme Morgan, right, has received a first international call (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Beth Mead, Bethany England and Alex Greenwood are all included, having missed out on Riise’s Olympics selection.

Chelsea defender Jess Carter and United midfielder Lucy Staniforth and goalkeeper Mary Earps are also among the players returning to the England fold.

Manchester City trio Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Ellie Roebuck all miss out through injury.

“Whilst we have a few injuries to key players to contend with, we have such a strong squad and I’m excited by the young talent we have called up for this camp,” added Wiegman.

PA Staff