\n<\/p>\n
England have not had a competitive fixture since winning Euro 2025 as they beat China 8-0 and Ghana 2-0 in friendly matches at the end of last year. <\/p>\n
Before that, they suffered a 2-1 defeat by Brazil on their homecoming return but recorded a 3-0 win over Australia three days later.<\/p>\n
The matches gave Wiegman an opportunity to test new players and formations – handing a debut to 30-year-old goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse in the process.<\/p>\n
Among those to receive their first senior call-ups to the squad were defenders Anouk Denton, Taylor Hinds and forward Freya Godfrey. <\/p>\n
There was also time for England stars Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Lauren James to recover from lengthy injuries. <\/p>\n
Chelsea defender Millie Bright, who captained England to the World Cup final in 2023, announced her retirement in October<\/a> having withdrawn from the Euros.<\/p>\n There was a serious blow for Arsenal forward Michelle Agyemang – one of England’s key players in Switzerland – as she was carried off on a stretcher after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the win over Australia.<\/a> <\/p>\n But it’s been a successful time for the other Lionesses in Arsenal’s squad, including captain Williamson, who lifted the Champions Cup in February<\/a>.<\/p>\n And Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was named the world’s best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards in September<\/a>, as Wiegman picked up the best coach award.<\/p>\n Hampton also wrapped up the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award<\/a> in November after being caught up in the fallout of Mary Earps’ autobiography<\/a>, which was released earlier that month.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n