England squad named for opening World Cup qualifiers

Last Updated : 17-Feb-2026 by Three Lions

The Lionesses take on Ukraine and Iceland in early March in their opening qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Sarina Wiegman will be looking for her side to make a fast start given that world champions Spain are the other team in a group from which only one nation will qualify directly, albeit further opportunities will come via the play-offs.

The Ukraine game takes place in Antalya, Turkey on 3rd March before a home game at the City Ground in Nottingham against Iceland on Saturday 7th. 

Tickets for that game are available here.

Injured stars Beth Mead and Ella Toone miss out on the first squad of the year but Wiegman is able to call on the returning Leah Williamson, Hannah Hampton and Lauren James to bring plenty of experience on the first step towards qualification for the one tournament that currently eludes the England head coach after an incredible three successive Euros triumphs.

Left-back Poppy Pattinson earns a first call-up after impressing for WSL newcomers London City Lionesses this season.