Hemp returns to England squad but James misses out

Lauren Hemp, who has recovered from an injury, has made his debut for England since joining the squad for the first time since 2025. Lauren James is not.

Hemp, 25, was a key player for Manchester City’s victories over Everton and Manchester United despite missing two months with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, James, 24, made a substitute appearance for Chelsea’s 6-0 victory over St. Polten last week and their 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday.

After suffering an ankle in the Euro 2025 final victory over Spain, which caused a four-month absence, she has not yet started a game this season.

For the friendlies against China and Ghana on November 29 and December, respectively, Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman has selected a 25-player squad.

Uncapped West Ham defender Anouk Denton was named in the squad last month, and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey has received her first senior call-up after excelling in the Women’s Super League this season.

Grace Clinton, a “small injury,” made her return from the friendly win over Australia and the defeat by Brazil in October.

Despite starting for the Washington Spirit against Portland Thorns on Saturday, Gotham FC defender Jess Carter has had time to recover from the NWSL play-offs. However, Washington Spirit center-back Esme Morgan is still a part of the team.

Hannah Hampton, the best goalkeeper at Chelsea’s Ballon d’Or awards, has a thigh injury and misses out.

After former England teammate Mary Earps criticised Hampton in her autobiography, the 24-year-old has been in the news.

Michelle Agyemang, 19, is missing from the squad after her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was injured in last month’s 3-0 win over Australia.

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), and Anouk Denton (West Ham).

Chelsea, Chelsea, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Missy Bo Kearns, Aston Villa, and Lucia Kendell are the midfielders who are Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), and Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City).