England Squad Adjustments Ahead of Wembley Clash with Spain
England’s preparations for a blockbuster Wembley meeting with Spain have taken an early hit, with rising star Freya Godfrey forced to withdraw from Sarina Wiegman’s squad.
The 20-year-old forward, enjoying a breakout season with London City Lionesses after a permanent move from Arsenal in the summer, has pulled out with a shoulder injury. It halts, for now, a rapid rise that had seen her named in three consecutive senior England squads without yet stepping onto the pitch.
Her wait for a first cap goes on. Treatment now takes priority, back at club level.
Barry’s big step
Godfrey’s misfortune opens the door for another young attacker. Keira Barry, a name well known inside England’s youth set-up, steps up into the senior squad for the first time.
Barry spent a decade in the Manchester United system before deciding to leave in February in search of real minutes rather than promises. She found them in the United States with NWSL expansion side Bay FC, where former England youth coach Emma Coates is building something with a distinctly English accent.
Under Coates, Barry has hit the ground running. She has already found the net in a win over North Carolina Courage, her aggressive, front-foot style translating quickly to a league that does not forgive passengers. That early impact has now been recognised at international level with this first senior call-up.
Barry had been due to join the England Under-23s this month. Her promotion means a reshuffle lower down the age groups, with Vivienne Lia stepping into the U23 squad. Lia, on loan at Hammarby from Arsenal, has started the Damallsvenskan season sharply, registering a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over Rosengard on the opening weekend. Another young forward thriving abroad, another reminder of how deep England’s attacking pool now runs.
Charles back in the fold
While Barry represents the future, there is also a familiar face returning to Wiegman’s group.
Niamh Charles, capped 31 times by England, has been added to the squad after working her way back from a three-month ankle lay-off. The Chelsea defender, who has successfully converted from forward to full-back at club and international level, has been carefully eased back into action over the past fortnight.
She made her return with a 17-minute cameo in Chelsea’s chaotic 4-3 win over Aston Villa at the end of March, followed that with around half an hour against Arsenal, then started for the first time since December in Monday’s FA Cup victory over Tottenham. That start came with an impressive display, enough to convince Wiegman that she is ready to rejoin the national set-up.
When the original squad was announced, Charles had only those 17 minutes against Villa behind her, so her initial omission raised few eyebrows. Two more outings later, the picture changed. England need reliable options in the wide defensive areas, and Charles offers exactly that.
Eyes on Williamson and Mead
Godfrey’s withdrawal may not be the last adjustment Wiegman has to make before Spain arrive at Wembley.
There are lingering concerns over Leah Williamson and Beth Mead. Williamson, the former England captain, has missed Arsenal’s last five matches with a hamstring issue. Mead limped off during the defeat to Brighton at the weekend, another worrying sight for both club and country.
For now, both remain in the squad. Tuesday’s update brought no fresh news on either player, a silence that will be interpreted optimistically by many fans but cannot yet be taken as a guarantee. There is still a week to go before England walk out under the arch to face the world champions.
Injuries, recalls, first call-ups: the picture keeps shifting. By the time Spain step onto the Wembley turf, Wiegman will know exactly who she can trust. The question is how many of her first-choice names will be standing beside her.
