England manager Sarina Wiegman has sprung a major surprise in her latest squad announcement, handing a first senior call-up to 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson ahead of April’s crucial Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The Lionesses, who currently top their qualification group, are gearing up for two pivotal fixtures: a home clash against world champions Spain at Wembley on April 14 and a historic 500th international match away to Iceland in Reykjavik on April 18.
Parkinson, who plies her trade in the Portuguese top flight with Valadares Gaia, is the only uncapped player in Wiegman’s 23-player squad. Her inclusion comes at a time when England are dealing with several key midfield absences, with Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, and Ella Toone all sidelined by injury. It’s a baptism of fire for the teenager, who was born in Singapore and is also eligible to play for Japan, Portugal, and Singapore – but it’s England who have given her the nod, recognizing her rapid progression through the youth ranks.
Wiegman was effusive in her praise for Parkinson, explaining the reasoning behind the bold selection. "She was surprised," Wiegman said. "She was speechless, she said, but she was very happy and excited. We called her up because we're a little bit low in depth in midfield, with injuries to Ella [Toone] and Grace [Clinton], then we look at who's next. What we looked at now is the quality she brings and what she's done for club and country and what we needed in the squad. We need an attacking midfielder and she came up. Other things come later on, but first of all, we look at what does she show on the pitch. It's a big step to go from U23s and the Portuguese league to our senior level, but she gets the opportunity to show where she stands."
Parkinson’s rise has been meteoric. Only last December, she was featuring for England’s Under-23s, having previously shone at both U17 and U19 levels. In 2024, she played in the U17 Euros final and the U17 World Cup semi-final, and last summer, she competed in the U19 Euros under Lauren Smith. Her versatility, technical ability, and attacking mindset have marked her as one of the brightest young prospects in English football. Wiegman added: "She's a dynamic, attacking midfielder, she wants to go forward. She's also very aggressive and pretty technical."
Despite her youth and inexperience at the senior level, Parkinson has already signed her first professional contract with Valadares Gaia and has made 15 league appearances in Portugal. Her family relocated from Singapore to Portugal primarily for footballing reasons, as her brother Denis was scouted by Porto’s academy. Speaking to the FA, Parkinson explained, "We kind of moved because of that but also because of the family – we wanted to be closer to Europe. There's more of a football culture and it's also close to the UK and my dad's family is here. It was for numerous reasons but mainly for football."
England fans may not see Parkinson in the starting line-up straight away, with Wiegman stressing the importance of easing young players into the senior setup. "She's ready to come in. For every young player that comes into our environment for the first time, of course there is some anxiety. It's a team that has played at such a high level so for every team, it's a step up. We're not going to force anything, she's going to show [herself] and hopefully she's going to enjoy it. I don't expect her to get into the starting line-up straight away. It's a learning thing for her, but I do hope she can adapt quickly to the level that's needed in the senior environment."
While Parkinson’s selection is the headline, there are other notable stories in Wiegman’s squad. Captain Leah Williamson is included despite a hamstring injury that has kept her out of Arsenal’s last three matches. Wiegman remains optimistic about her skipper’s fitness: "She had some small setbacks but overall, she's doing well. When she's playing, she's playing really well. We have been careful with her, and have Arsenal, and she is on that too. I think she's going to make it so that's why we put her in the squad."
Another major boost is the return of Beth Mead, who missed the February camp due to injury. The Arsenal winger’s creativity and experience could prove vital as England look to extend their perfect start to World Cup qualification, having already registered emphatic wins over Ukraine (6-1) and Iceland (2-0) in early March. Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood also returns to the fold after recovering from injury, while London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey, who received her first call-up in November, is again included as she seeks her maiden cap.
With England sitting atop Group A3 on goal difference ahead of Spain, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Only the group winner will automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The upcoming meeting with Spain is particularly significant, marking the first encounter between the two sides since last summer’s dramatic Euro 2025 final, where England triumphed on penalties to retain their European crown. The Wembley showdown is set to be a stern test against the reigning world champions, while the trip to Reykjavik will see England notch their 500th international fixture – a landmark moment for the Lionesses.
Keira Walsh, a mainstay in England’s midfield, is set to earn her 100th cap in the match against Spain. Wiegman lauded Walsh’s evolution as a leader: "I would say she's really stepped up as a leader. She doesn't really like to be in spotlight, but in her way, she really does. That starts with playing so well and being a very intelligent, smart player, but she also stepped up as a leader on the pitch and off the pitch. I really like that. Before I came in, I already thought that she was a very good player and she's an important player for us."
England’s full squad for the April qualifiers features a blend of established stars and emerging talent. Goalkeepers Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), and Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa) provide depth between the posts. The defensive unit includes Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, Taylor Hinds, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Leah Williamson, and Lotte Wubben-Moy. Alongside Parkinson, the midfield features Laura Blindkilde Brown, Lucia Kendall, Georgia Stanway, and Keira Walsh. The attack is spearheaded by Freya Godfrey, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Jess Park, and Alessia Russo.
As the Lionesses prepare for these two defining matches, Wiegman summed up the mood in camp: "Last month we started our campaign strongly with two good performances against Ukraine and Iceland, and we want to continue that momentum. These upcoming matches against Spain and Iceland are important steps in our qualification journey, and we're fully focused on performing at our highest level. This international window is very special for our team. Marking the 500th game in the Lionesses' history is something we are all incredibly proud of, and it connects us to every player who has helped build this team over so many years."
With youth and experience combining, and a historic milestone on the horizon, all eyes are on Wiegman’s Lionesses as they look to take another step toward World Cup qualification – and perhaps witness the emergence of a new star in Erica Meg Parkinson.