England manager Sarina Wiegman has named her first squad of 2025 as 24 players have been called up for the Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain.
The Lionesses will take on Portugal in Portimao on Friday, February 23, followed by the visit of world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday, February 26. Belgium make up the final team in Nations League group C with England set to face them in a double-header in early April.
Last year, the Lionesses finished second in their group behind the Netherlands and the 2023/24 edition of the competition was won by Spain. It's the start of a packed schedule leading up to this summer's European Championships in Switzerland.
Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway is a key omission from this month's squad after she underwent knee surgery for a torn lateral ligament at the end of January. The 26-year-old is expected to be sidelined for several months, putting her Euro 2025 hopes at risk.
Manchester City duo Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp are also sidelined through injuries, although the latter is not expected to miss the summer tournament. Brighton star Nikita Parris returns to the England setup for the first time since November 2022, while Chelsea duo Niamh Charles and Lauren James are back in action after their own injury problems. Manchester United's Ella Toone is also back.
Speaking ahead of this month's games, Wiegman said: "These are two big games to start 2025. It's exciting that we have the chance to write a new chapter in our story in the months ahead, especially with the EURO this summer, but we will focus first on what is right in front of us and a very important Nations League campaign.
"Portugal are getting stronger all the time and it will be good for us to get a week's training together in what we hope will be great conditions, both on and off the pitch before we play. I am expecting a high-level game, and it is also good to experience a different environment in our first match abroad since last summer.
"We then have another special occasion at Wembley against Spain. I am sure we will get great support, and we can't wait to see our fans again. Hard work during the week and our performances in these two matches can give us a strong foundation for a big year ahead."
24-player England squad - February 2025
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride).
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Man Utd), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Chelsea),Ella Toone (Man Utd), Jess Park (Man City), Ruby Mace (Leicester), Grace Clinton (Man Utd), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Man City).
Forwards: Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Jess Naz (Tottenham), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea).
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