Is Lauren Hemp Making a Comeback to the England Women’s Football Squad?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling comeback, Lauren Hemp re-joins the England women's football team after an ankle injury, while Lauren James faces exclusion despite club appearances. This squad offers a mix of experience and fresh talent, promising an exciting future for England's national team.
Key Takeaways
- Lauren Hemp returns after injury, boosting England's squad.
- Lauren James is sidelined as she continues recovery.
- New talent like Freya Godfrey is introduced to the national team.
- Key players remain injured, impacting the squad depth.
- Upcoming friendlies are vital for preparation and strategy.
London, Nov 18 (NationPress) England forward Lauren Hemp has been reintegrated into the national team for the first time since Euro 2025, following her recovery from an ankle injury. In contrast, fellow striker Lauren James has been omitted from the squad, despite her recent return to club play.
At 25 years old, Hemp was out for two months but has successfully returned to action with Manchester City, contributing to victories over Everton and Manchester United. This impressive performance led Sarina Wiegman to select her for the upcoming international friendlies against China and Ghana on November 29 and December 2.
Conversely, James has not yet started for Chelsea this season after suffering an ankle injury during the Euro 2025 final against Spain. Although she has participated as a substitute in matches against St Polten and Liverpool, she is not considered ready for national duty.
Wiegman has announced a 25-player squad that includes a blend of experienced players and new talents. Anouk Denton, a defender from West Ham, retains her spot after being featured in last month’s lineup, while Freya Godfrey, a forward from London City Lionesses, earns her first senior call-up due to her standout performances in the WSL.
Grace Clinton, a midfielder from Manchester City, also makes her return after a minor injury sidelined her from October's matches. Jess Carter of Gotham FC is taking a break following the NWSL playoffs, while Esme Morgan, a centre-back for Washington Spirit, is included despite playing in a recent match against Portland Thorns.
Notably absent is Hannah Hampton, the Chelsea goalkeeper, who is out due to a thigh injury. This news comes shortly after she won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or awards, amidst controversy following Mary Earps' comments in her autobiography.
Several key players remain unavailable, including breakout forward Michelle Agyemang, who is sidelined due to an ACL tear sustained in last month’s match against Australia, along with captain Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, and Katie Reid, all recovering from knee or ACL injuries.
Squad:
Goalkeepers - Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse, and Sophie Baggaley
Defenders - Lucy Bronze, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Niamh Charles, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Taylor Hinds, Grace Fisk, and Anouk Denton
Midfielders - Grace Clinton, Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Missy Bo Kearns, and Lucia Kendell
Forwards - Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beever-Jones, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Freya Godfrey, and Jess Park.
Point of View
I acknowledge the significance of Lauren Hemp's return to the England women's squad. Her recovery and performance can revitalize the team's dynamics. However, the exclusion of key players like Lauren James due to injury highlights ongoing challenges. We continue to support our athletes and look forward to their strong comebacks in future matches.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Lauren Hemp recalled to the national squad?
Lauren Hemp was recalled to the England squad after successfully recovering from an ankle injury and performing well in recent club matches.
What led to Lauren James' omission from the squad?
Lauren James is not included in the squad due to her lack of starting matches for Chelsea following an ankle injury sustained during the Euro 2025 final.
Who are the new players in the England squad?
The squad features Freya Godfrey, who is receiving her first senior call-up, along with returning players like Grace Clinton.
Which key players are unavailable for the upcoming matches?
Unavailable players include Michelle Agyemang, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, and Katie Reid, all recovering from injuries.
What is the significance of the upcoming friendlies?
The friendlies against China and Ghana are crucial for assessing team dynamics and strategies ahead of future competitive matches.
