England Women's Squad News: Ballon d'Or Nominees Named, a Lioness Retires

Head coach Sarina Wiegman officially announced her England women's national football team squad on September 28 for upcoming fixtures against Greece. The team enters this camp with strong momentum, backed by major individual awards recognition and a dominant position in international qualifying.

Between elite global recognition for key starters and an emotional send off for a veteran defender, the Lionesses continue to balance high level current performance with deep respect for program traditions.

Who did Sarina Wiegman call up for England's games against Greece?

Sarina Wiegman selected a strong, experienced group of players for the upcoming international clashes against Greece.

The squad features established core figures alongside top performing WSL stars. Wiegman kept the core foundation intact, prioritizing structural stability as England aims to maintain its flawless record at the top of its qualifying group.

Which Lionesses are nominated for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or?

Alex Greenwood, Alessia Russo, and Hannah Hampton have all been shortlisted across categories for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or.

Greenwood earns her nomination following exceptional defensive displays for club and country. Russo made the shortlist after continuing her prolific scoring run in central attack. Hampton earned her recognition among the world's elite goalkeepers after delivering consistently sharp command of her penalty area.

Having three players shortlisted underlines England's standing near the top of the women's game.

Who is Amy James Turner and why did she retire?

Amy James Turner is a former England defender who officially announced her retirement from professional football.

The defender earned four senior caps for the Lionesses during her international career, representing player number 188 in the program's official history. As part of her official send off, teammates presented James Turner with her custom England legacy cap.

This presentation aligns with a long standing program tradition of celebrating long serving international players. Past Lionesses like Jill Scott reached milestone cap totals inside the same culture of recognition that framed James Turner's farewell.

What has Ellie Roebuck's recent form looked like?

Goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has undergone a notable resurgence in form, characterized by high adaptability and sharp shot stopping.

Official England Football coverage described her recent trajectory as marked by unpredictability and navigating the unknown as she reclaimed her spot in the senior environment. Her return to top form provides Wiegman with high quality depth in goal alongside Hampton.

How has England performed in World Cup qualifying so far?

England sits top of their FIFA 2027 World Cup European Qualifiers League A, Group 3 table.

Their most recent official result was a comfortable 3- 0 victory over Ukraine at Hill Dickinson Stadium. That win built upon a track record of success under Wiegman, which includes lifting the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 title in Switzerland with stars like Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly playing central roles.

England currently holds 4th place in the official FIFA World Rankings.

What's next for the Lionesses?

The Lionesses turn their attention to securing maximum points in their upcoming games against Greece.

Wiegman's squad aims to lock down early qualification for the 2027 World Cup while continuing to integrate returning talent. With Greenwood, Russo, and Hampton recognized among the best in the world, England enters this international window as heavy favorites to maintain their group leadership.