England Lionesses Coach Sarina Wiegman Calls Up New Talent for World Cup Qualifiers

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has opted to inject new talent into the Lionesses squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Greece. This strategic move comes after a significant defeat to Spain prior to the summer break, prompting Wiegman to re-evaluate her selection.

Among the new faces is 20-year-old Lexi Potter, a rising star from Chelsea's academy. Potter's impressive early-season performances have earned her a first senior call-up. Described as a deep-lying midfielder with a calm demeanor and strong passing range, she has drawn high praise from England teammate Keira Walsh, who believes Potter has the potential to surpass her own abilities. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has also lauded Potter's composure and impact on the field, noting her crucial role in Chelsea's victory over Arsenal.

Potter, who spent two seasons on loan at Crystal Palace between 2023 and 2025, helping them secure promotion, returned to Chelsea last season. After initially finding herself on the bench, she impressed head coach Sonia Bompastor, earning further starts and demonstrating a natural on-pitch chemistry with Walsh.

Another player to watch is Freya Godfrey, a 21-year-old winger who joined London City Lionesses from Arsenal. Godfrey was named London City's Players' Player of the Season for 2025-26, contributing six goals and four assists in their debut WSL campaign. Despite facing competition from established players, Godfrey has retained a place in the starting XI and her recent deployment as a No. 9 could offer Wiegman tactical options, potentially providing an opportunity for her first cap.

Godfrey has benefited from training alongside World Cup winner Alexia Putellas at London City, describing the experience as invaluable for her development. She has also shown a willingness to engage with the media, expressing a desire for her opinions to be valued.

Eighteen-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson also returns to the squad after receiving a surprise call-up in March. An attacking midfielder known for her flair and close ball control, Parkinson moved to the NWSL's North Carolina Courage from Portugal's top flight in the summer, seeking more game time. Her club's reliance on her has grown, to the extent that she withdrew from the U20s World Cup to support her team through playoff matches.

Parkinson revealed that she is named after Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, a nod to her father's strong fandom. Her brother is named after Denis Law, and both siblings now play football.

Wiegman's decision to exclude established players like Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone, who were instrumental in England's back-to-back Euros victories, indicates a potential shift in strategy. An injury to Lucy Bronze has opened a door for Toone, but the future remains uncertain for both players. The inclusion of these young talents suggests Wiegman is looking ahead to next summer's World Cup, with some speculating this could be her final tournament in charge.

The performances of young players like Michelle Agyemang last summer demonstrated the potential for new talent to disrupt the established order. If Parkinson makes an appearance, she would become England's youngest debutant, surpassing the current record held by Euros hero Michelle Agyemang.