Arsenal’s Beth Mead back in England squad as Erica Meg Parkinson gets first call-up
Arsenal winger Beth Mead returns to Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for their World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Iceland. Wiegman has named a 23-player squad for the upcoming matches during April’s international break, with England to host Spain at Wembley on April 14 before facing Iceland away four days later. Midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, the 17-year-old who plays for Portuguese first division side Valadares Gaia, has earned her first call-up to England’s senior side and is the only new face in Wiegman’s squad.
England will be without Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, Manchester City’s Grace Clinton and Manchester United’s Ella Toone with all three sidelined through injury. England sit top of their World Cup qualifying group, having defeated Ukraine 6-1 and Iceland 2-0 in early March. The April window heralds the first encounter between England and Spain since the team’s memorable match in the Euro 2025 final, with England defeating Spain on penalties to retain their European title.
The matches will represent England’s 499th and 500th international fixtures. Sarina Wiegman said: “Last month we started our campaign strongly with two good performances against Ukraine and Iceland, and we want to continue that momentum. These upcoming matches against Spain and Iceland are important steps in our qualification journey, and we’re fully focused on performing at our highest level.
” England squad in full Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa) Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (Valadares Gaia), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea) Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal) This article originally appeared in The Athletic . England, Women's Soccer 2026 The Athletic Media Company