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Tuesday, February 24, 2026

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England U23 squad for double header

Newly appointed interim head coach Lauren Smith has selected her first WU23s squad, ahead of the opening fixtures of 2026.

The Young Lionesses will face France in a WU23 European competition fixture at Clairefontaine, France’s national football centre, on Monday 2 March (12:00 GMT). They will then welcome the Netherlands to the Croud Meadow Stadium, home of Shrewsbury Town, on Friday 6 March (19:00 GMT), with tickets still on sale.

A win for Smith’s side against France would see them finish at least second in the group stage of the WU23 European competition and progress to the semi finals which will be held in Spain in April. England are currently third in Group A, having played one game fewer than second placed Portugal, with France in fifth.

The WU23s last played France in February last year, when Isobel Goodwin was on target in a 1-0 victory at Stevenage Town. They last faced the Netherlands in the opening match of the 2024-25 campaign, drawing 1-1 away from home.

England v France

Monday 2 March, 12:00 GMT

WU23 European competition fixture

Clairefontaine, France

England v Netherlands

Friday 6 March, 19:00 GMT

WU23 international fixture

Croud Meadow Stadium, Shrewsbury Town

Lauren Smith said: “These are two great fixtures to kick off 2026 against strong opponents, and we want to make sure we start the year on a positive note. On a personal level, I’m really excited to be working with the WU23s and such a talented group of players and staff. There’s a strong pipeline of young players coming through the pathway and making the transition to the senior squad. I’m looking forward to playing a part in supporting their development and seeing who might be next to make the step across.”

England Under-23 squad:  

 

Katie Cox Aberdeen, on loan from Chelsea

Khiara Keating Manchester City

Natalia Negri Ipswich Town

Cerys Brown Nottingham Forest, on loan from London City Lionesses

Megan Collett Southampton

Teyah Goldie London City Lionesses

Gracie Prior Manchester City

Evie Rabjohn Celtic

Chloe Sarwie Chelsea

Hannah Silcock Birmingham City, on loan from Liverpool

Jess Simpson Southampton, on loan from Manchester United

Mari Ward Bristol City

Sarah Brasero West Ham United

Ruby Mace Everton

Olivia McLoughlin Leicester City

Erica Meg Parkinson Valadares Gaia

Lexi Potter Chelsea

Maisie Symonds Brighton & Hove Albion

Mia Enderby Liverpool

Isobel Goodwin London City Lionesses

Lenna Gunning-Williams Tottenham Hotspur

Lexi Lloyd-Smith Bristol City

Georgia Mullett Aston Villa