- Oct, 26 2025
- 0
When Sarina Wiegman, head coach of England Women's National Football Team confirmed the latest roster tweaks on Friday, October 24, 2025, she also announced that Sophie Baggaley, the Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, had been called up for the Homecoming SeriesEngland matches.
The first friendly will take place at Etihad Stadium in Manchester on October 25, followed by a showdown with Australia at Pride Park Stadium in Derby on October 28.
Why the Homecoming Series matters
After a marathon World Cup campaign that ended in the quarter‑finals, the Lionesses are using the October internationals to reconnect with fans across the country. The FA’s "Homecoming" branding is more than a marketing tag; it signals a deliberate shift from tournament pressure to community engagement. Ticket sales have already topped 30,000 for the Manchester fixture, and the FA expects the Derby match to draw a similar crowd.
"We want the players to feel the love that comes from playing on home soil," Wiegman said at the MD‑1 press conference. "These games are about pride, not just points."
Squad shuffles: who’s in and who’s out
Baggaley’s inclusion replaces Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, who suffered a minor ankle tweak during a training drill on October 22. The 24‑year‑old goalkeeper will travel with the squad but is expected to sit on the bench for both friendlies.
The further adjustment came when Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben‑Moy withdrew after feeling unwell on the morning of the first match. No diagnosis has been released, but team medical staff confirmed she will undergo a full assessment before any return.
In a separate update issued on October 22, Tottenham Hotspur forward Jess Naz, 26, earned a call‑up after Manchester United midfielder Jess Park was forced out due to lingering concussion symptoms. Park had been part of the initial 24‑player roster but was sent back to United's training base to continue her graded return‑to‑play protocol.
All three newcomers—Baggaley, Naz and the interim replacement for Wubben‑Moy, left‑back Emily Ramsey—bring fresh energy, but their lack of senior caps makes them wildcards for Wiegman’s tactical plans.
Key injuries and absences shaping the line‑up
Beyond the four players highlighted above, the Lionesses have left several established names off the list. Arsenal captain Leah Williamson (27) and Chelsea defender Millie Bright (31) were omitted, sparking debate about squad rotation after a taxing World Cup. Chelsea forward Lauren James (23) and Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp (24) also missed the cut, reportedly to manage workload.
Georgia Stanway, who scored in the World Cup knockout stages, described the Brazil match as "a really, really tough game" during a post‑training interview on October 20. Her comment underscores the tactical challenge of facing a South‑American side that combines flair with physicality.
What the friendlies mean for the Lionesses' future
Both opponents serve distinct purposes. Brazil, the reigning Olympic champion, offers a stern test of defensive organization; Australia, a World Cup quarter‑finalist, provides a chance to refine attacking patterns that faltered earlier in the year.
Analysts at "The Football Gazette" predict that the Lionesses will line up in a 4‑3‑3 against Brazil, with Ellen White (former striker, now a mentor in the squad) expected to guide the younger forwards from the sidelines.
Should England seal a win in Manchester, the momentum could carry into the Derby clash, bolstering confidence ahead of the next UEFA Nations League window in March 2026.
Key facts at a glance
- Homecoming Series dates: Oct 25 (vs Brazil) & Oct 28 (vs Australia) 2025.
- Venues: Etihad Stadium (Manchester) & Pride Park Stadium (Derby).
- New call‑ups: Sophie Baggaley (goalkeeper), Jess Naz (forward).
- Withdrawals: Lotte Wubben‑Moy (illness), Hannah Hampton (ankle), Jess Park (concussion).
- Tickets remain on sale via englandfootball.com, with a portion of proceeds earmarked for grassroots women’s programs.
Looking ahead: next steps for the Lionesses
Wiegman has already hinted that the squad will undergo a short training camp at St. George’s Park before the Manchester game, focusing on set‑piece routines that cost England in the World Cup semi‑final. After the Derby match, the team will regroup for a two‑week break, during which the FA plans to release a fitness report and possibly a provisional squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Euro qualifiers.
For fans, the promise of home fans chanting “Lionesses” across the northern and midlands belt is a reminder that the game is still growing, and the FA hopes the series will translate into higher participation numbers at the grassroots level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sophie Baggaley added to the squad?
Baggaley replaces the injured Hannah Hampton, who suffered a minor ankle sprain in a training session on October 22. The Brighton & Hove Albion keeper offers a reliable backup option and brings recent first‑team experience in the WSL, which the coaching staff values for squad depth.
What caused Lotte Wubben‑Moy's withdrawal?
Wubben‑Moy reported feeling unwell early on the day of the Brazil match. The FA has not disclosed a specific illness, stating only that she will undergo a full medical review before any return to training.
How will the Lionesses' tactics differ against Brazil and Australia?
Against Brazil, Wiegman is expected to employ a compact 4‑3‑3, focusing on defensive cohesion and quick transitions. For the Australia game, the plan shifts to a more fluid 4‑2‑3‑1, allowing the forwards to exploit the opponents’ high line with through‑balls from the midfield duo.
Can fans still buy tickets for both matches?
Yes. Tickets are available through the official FA website (englandfootball.com). A limited allocation of family packages and discounted youth tickets remains on sale, with proceeds supporting the FA’s women’s grassroots initiatives.
What does the series mean for England’s Euro‑2026 qualification campaign?
While the friendlies are not competitive fixtures, they serve as a testing ground for new players and tactical tweaks ahead of the UEFA Nations League and subsequent Euro qualifiers. Strong performances could solidify spots for emerging talents like Baggaley and Naz in the final 23‑player squads.
Landon Beauregard
Hello, my name is Landon Beauregard, and I am an expert in gambling with a passion for writing about games. Over the years, I've honed my skills in various casino games and developed a keen understanding of the strategies and intricacies involved. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others by writing informative and engaging articles on the latest gaming trends and techniques. I believe that my expertise in gambling, combined with my love for writing, allows me to provide my readers with a unique and valuable perspective on the world of gaming.