England manager Sarina Wiegman has defended her goalkeeping selections, asserting her decisions are solely focused on achieving victory, as she announced her squad for upcoming matches against China and Ghana.The roster omits Jess Carter, granted recovery time after playing in the National Women’s Soccer League playoff final for Gotham FC, and lauren James, who is continuing to build fitness following her return from injury with Chelsea.
Wiegman’s choices come after recent debate surrounding the roles of goalkeepers Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton. The squad features Sophie Baggaley (Brighton), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), and Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride) between the posts. Wiegman emphasized that all selection decisions are made with the aim of maximizing the team’s chances of success, a strategy crucial as England prepares to face China at Wembley on November 29 – a match with over 80,000 tickets sold – and Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on December 2.
The full England squad is comprised of: Goalkeepers: Sophie Baggaley, Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse. Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Anouk Denton, grace fisk, Taylor Hinds, maya Le Tissier, Esme morgan, Lotte Wubben-Moy.Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown, Grace Clinton, missy Bo Kearns, Lucia Kendall, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh. Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones, Freya Godfrey, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Jess park, Alessia Russo.
