Lionesses prepare for homecoming series as Sarina Wiegman’s next generation takes shape
A four-match run of friendlies will test England’s depth and mark the start of Sarina Wiegman’s rebuild for the 2027 World Cup.
England’s Lionesses are back, riding high after being crowned champions of Europe for a second successive summer. But the fanfare of past glories has to be shelved.
The squad faces a series of high-profile friendly fixtures, running from October through December, marking the real start of Sarina Wiegman’s long-haul preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
These games are less about securing wins and more about forging the next generation under pressure.
The Lionesses’ fixture list
The fixtures begin with the Lionesses facing South American champions Brazil on Saturday 25 October at the City of Manchester Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:30pm BST. This clash will be instantly familiar, as the two sides most recently met in the 2023 Women’s Finalissima, where England edged out a tense 1-1 draw to win 4-2 on penalties at Wembley. Fans can watch the match live on ITV, and tickets are currently available via official FA channels.
The team then faces another tough test just three days later against their 2023 World Cup semi-final opponents Australia on Tuesday 28 October at Derby County’s Pride Park. The match is set for a 7:00pm GMT kick-off, also live on ITV, with tickets on sale. The last meeting was that dramatic semi-final in Sydney, where the Lionesses powered past the Matildas with a 3-1 victory to reach the final.
The action continues into November with a clash against Asian champions China at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday 29 November. This game is a 5:30pm GMT kick-off, broadcast on ITV. Their last encounter saw the Lionesses produce one of their most dominant World Cup performances, smashing China 6-1 in the 2023 group stage. With over 60,000 tickets already sold for this highly anticipated fixture, fans should check official channels immediately for remaining availability.
The Lionesses’ international schedule for the year concludes with a first-ever meeting against Ghana on Tuesday 2 December, at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton. This final friendly begins at 7pm GMT, will be shown live on ITV, and tickets are available to purchase.
Life without Millie Bright
This series of fixtures marks a significant moment for the squad, as it is their first international run without defensive stalwart Millie Bright.
The veteran defender, a key player who started every game at Euro 2022 alongside captain Leah Williamson and led the team at the World Cup the following year, recently announced her retirement from international football.
It leaves Wiegman with a clear mandate: find the defensive linchpin for the next World Cup cycle.
England manager Sarina Wiegman revealed she had hoped Bright would be part of the 2027 World Cup preparations. Speaking to the BBC, Wiegman stated: “Yes, of course I wanted that. She’s still a very good player so I want her in the squad, but I totally respect and understand the decision.
When a player makes a decision like this and has such an incredible career internationally, then it’s not appropriate to have that conversation [to try to change her mind].”
Squad changes and exciting new call-ups
Wiegman’s latest 25-player squad, which includes 20 members of the Euro 2025-winning team, features several notable changes due to a mix of injury and fresh faces.
The October friendlies, in particular, will be a true test of depth with the experienced trio of captain Leah Williamson, Lauren James, and Lauren Hemp all ruled out due to injury.
However, there is positive news with the inclusion of Lucy Bronze, who only recently returned for Chelsea Women after fully recovering from a fractured leg that she played with throughout Euro 2025. Her club team-mate, Niamh Charles, is also included after a recent knock, as is Man City Women’s Grace Clinton.
The upcoming games will also provide a serious opportunity for new talent to impress, with Arsenal Women defenders Katie Reid and Taylor Hinds – who previously represented Jamaica – earning their first senior call-ups.
They are joined by Lucia Kendall of Aston Villa Women, who also receives her first call-up. Additionally, Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa Women) and Laura Blindkilde Brown (Man City Women) return to the Lionesses squad.
World Cup qualifiers in sight
For Wiegman, the ‘Homecoming Series’ serves as the final proving ground before the stakes are raised considerably.
The focus immediately shifts to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification campaign, which is scheduled to kick off in February 2026.
These friendlies are designed to test new tactical variations and player combinations in high-intensity environments, essentially laying the foundations for the competitive fixtures to come.
The goal is simple: emerge from December with a clear understanding of the squad’s post-Bright depth and the tactical flexibility needed to secure a place at the World Cup.