SBOTOP England Women’s Squad: Freya Godfrey Earns First Lionesses Call-Up as Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton Return

In a pivotal moment for England’s Women’s National Football Team, Freya Godfrey has been handed her first call-up to the Lionesses squad, marking a significant milestone in her football career. Godfrey’s inclusion comes at a time when the England squad is preparing for important fixtures on the international stage. Alongside her inclusion, two key players, Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton, make their return to the squad after a period of absence. The announcement of the latest England Women’s squad has been met with excitement and anticipation, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how the new look squad will perform.

This article will explore the significance of Freya Godfrey’s first call-up, the return of Hemp and Clinton, and what this means for the Lionesses as they prepare for their upcoming matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. We will analyze the current state of England Women’s football, the squad’s depth, and the prospects for the team moving forward as they aim to build on their recent successes.

Freya Godfrey’s First Call-Up A Reward for Impressive Domestic Form

The inclusion of Freya Godfrey in the England Women’s squad is one of the most exciting stories of this call-up. The young midfielder has been one of the standout performers in Women’s Super League football this season, earning a well-deserved recognition at the national team level. Her impressive performances for Brighton & Hove Albion have not gone unnoticed, and her selection for the Lionesses marks a major step in her career.

Godfrey, who has been an integral part of Brighton’s midfield, is known for her excellent vision, creativity, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Her passing range and awareness on the ball have allowed her to become one of the brightest prospects in the WSL. With England’s midfield options wide-ranging and competitive, Godfrey’s selection underscores her growth as a player and her potential to contribute to the Lionesses’ success on the international stage.

Godfrey’s rise to prominence has come at a time when England’s midfield options are becoming even more competitive. With established stars like Keira Walsh, Jordan Nobbs, and Fran Kirby, the emergence of new talent like Godfrey offers exciting possibilities for head coach Sarina Wiegman. Godfrey’s selection represents the faith the England manager has in her potential to play a key role in the midfield for years to come. Her creativity and tactical intelligence will undoubtedly add depth to the squad.

Moreover, this call-up highlights the continued development of the WSL and the increasing talent pool available for England’s national team. Players like Godfrey, who shine in one of Europe’s top domestic leagues, are now earning their places on the international stage. It also reflects the ongoing investment in women’s football in the UK, with players able to flourish and compete at the highest level both domestically and internationally.

Lauren Hemp’s Return A Vital Player for England’s Attack

Lauren Hemp, one of the most influential players in England’s attack, returns to the Lionesses squad after a period of absence. Hemp, who has been one of the standout performers for Manchester City, has long been considered a cornerstone of the England forward line. Known for her blistering pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score crucial goals, Hemp’s return is a boost for Sarina Wiegman and her team.

Hemp’s absence from recent squad selections may have raised questions, but her inclusion now signals that she is back to full fitness and ready to contribute to the national team’s objectives. Her dynamic style of play, paired with her ability to make intelligent runs behind opposing defenses, makes her a constant threat on the field. Whether deployed as a winger or as a central attacking player, Hemp’s versatility gives Wiegman tactical flexibility.

Since her debut for England in 2019, Hemp has steadily become one of the most reliable players in the team. She played a key role in England’s successful UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 campaign, where the Lionesses lifted the trophy on home soil. Hemp’s pace and vision were key to breaking down opposition defenses and creating chances for her teammates. Her creativity, paired with her work ethic off the ball, makes her an invaluable asset to the team.

Her return is particularly significant as England Women’s attack has evolved in recent years, with multiple attacking options available. The addition of Hemp gives the Lionesses a more potent forward line, one that can cause problems for any defense. Her ability to combine with players like Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, and Fran Kirby makes her a key part of the attack, and with the 2023 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, her form and fitness will be crucial.

Grace Clinton’s Return A Player of the Future for England

The return of Grace Clinton, a highly talented young player, is another positive development for the England Women’s squad. Clinton, who has been steadily rising through the ranks at Everton, is known for her creativity, dribbling skills, and ability to break down defenses. Her return to the national squad is a testament to her growing reputation and the faith Sarina Wiegman has in her ability to make an impact at the international level.

Although Clinton is still relatively young, her performances for Everton have been mature and consistent, showcasing her talent in the Women’s Super League. As an attacking midfielder, Clinton has the ability to both score goals and create chances for her teammates. Her vision, agility, and passing range allow her to operate effectively in tight spaces and contribute to the team’s fluid style of play.

Clinton’s versatility makes her a valuable asset for Wiegman. She can play in multiple attacking roles, including as a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder, or even a winger. With the wealth of attacking talent in the England squad, Clinton’s ability to adapt and contribute in different positions gives the coach more options when selecting her matchday lineup.

Her return to the national team is part of England’s broader strategy to develop and integrate young players into the squad. Clinton, along with players like Ella Toone and Lauren Hemp, represents the future of England Women’s football. With the FIFA Women’s World Cup coming up in 2023, Clinton’s inclusion in the squad shows that England is building for the long term, ensuring that there is a mix of experience and youth in the team.

England Women’s Squad Depth and Versatility Across All Areas

With the inclusion of Freya Godfrey, the return of Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton, and the continued form of players like Keira Walsh, Fran Kirby, and Beth Mead, England Women’s squad is in a strong position as they prepare for the next stage of qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The squad boasts a remarkable level of depth and versatility across all areas of the pitch, and the competition for places in the starting XI has never been fiercer.

England’s midfield is now one of the strongest in Europe, with Keira Walsh, Jordan Nobbs, Fran Kirby, and now Freya Godfrey all offering different qualities that make the team more dynamic. Whether it’s Walsh’s passing range and vision, Nobbs’ box-to-box energy, Kirby’s creativity, or Godfrey’s composure and technical skills, the Lionesses have a range of options to choose from in the middle of the park.

In attack, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, and Beth Mead form a potent trio, capable of unlocking even the most organized defenses. Hemp’s pace and dribbling, combined with Mead’s clinical finishing and Russo’s hold-up play, give Wiegman multiple ways to break down opposition defenses. The addition of Clinton further adds to this attacking strength, with the young talent offering creativity and flair in the final third.

At the back, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, and Lucy Bronze provide a solid defensive core. England’s defensive stability is one of the key factors behind their recent successes, and with players like Mary Earps in goal, the Lionesses have a well-organized unit that is difficult to break down.

This balance of experienced players and young, emerging talent makes England Women’s squad one of the most well-rounded teams in world football. As they prepare for the World Cup and beyond, England will need to maintain this depth and adaptability in order to remain competitive on the international stage.