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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

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17-year-old Erica receives shock call

Sarina Wiegman has named 23 players for England’s FIFA World Cup 2027 qualifiers in April with the Lionesses welcoming Spain to Wembley Stadium before travelling to face Iceland.  

21 players were part of the squad who featured in last month’s opening victories against Ukraine and Iceland. Midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, who plays for Portuguese first division side Valadares Gaia, earns her first call up to the seniors after featuring across the England pathway. Beth Mead returns, whilst Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton and Ella Toone miss out due to injury.  

This April window marks a significant chapter in Lionesses’ history, with England set to play their 499th match against world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium, connected by EE on Tuesday 14 April [K/O 19.00 BST]. It is a highly anticipated first meeting of the sides since the UEFA EURO 2025 final, where the Lionesses secured back-to-back European titles. Tickets remain on sale via the following link.

The milestone celebrations will continue four days later when England travel to Reykjavik for their 500th game on Saturday 18 April against Iceland [K/O 17.30 BST].

Across both fixtures this landmark moment will be celebrated with a series of special activities and tributes recognising the trailblazers who helped shape the women’s game and paved the way for the current generation.

Sarina Wiegman said: “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.  

“Facing Spain at Wembley in front of our fans will be a fantastic challenge, and travelling to Iceland for such a historic occasion will motivate us even more to be at our best too.”  

June will bring the final round of England’s World Cup qualifiers, beginning with the return fixture against Spain on Friday 5 June at Son Moix Stadium in Palma, Mallorca [K/O to be confirmed].  

The Lionesses will then return home for their concluding group-stage qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday 9 June at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool [K/O 20.00 BST].