\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Millie Bright, who captained England to the World Cup final in 2023, announced her retirement in October having withdrawn from the Euros.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. <\/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.<\/p>\n
And Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was named the world’s best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards in September, as Wiegman picked up the best coach award.<\/p>\n
Hampton also wrapped up the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in November after being caught up in the fallout of Mary Earps’ autobiography, which was released earlier that month.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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