Erica Meg Parkinson called up to England squad for World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

Erica Meg Parkinson has been called up to the England Women senior squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Spain and Iceland.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who plays her club football for Portuguese top-flight side Valadares Gaia, is in line for her first senior Lionesses involvement.

It is a notable step for Parkinson, who has come through England’s youth pathway and now makes the jump into Sarina Wiegman’s latest senior group. Born in Singapore to an English father and Japanese mother, she is eligible for four nations but has continued her progress with England at age-group level.

She joins a squad that also welcomes back Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, both significant boosts for England Women ahead of two high-level tests.

Williamson’s fitness is still being monitored after her recent hamstring issue, while Mead returns after missing the previous camp, with Wiegman balancing experience and emerging talent as the Lionesses chase top spot in qualifying for Brazil 2027.

There is added interest around Williamson’s return after her recent injury setback, with Leah Williamson’s England situation already under close watch. Parkinson’s inclusion also follows the recent pattern of pathway players getting senior opportunities, much like Poppy Pattinson’s first senior call-up.

Sarina Wiegman: Parkinson was speechless

Spain v England – Semi-final: UEFA Women’s European Under-17 Championship 2022/23

TALLINN, ESTONIA – MAY 23: Erica Parkinson of England controls the ball during the UEFA Women’s European Under-17 Championship Semi-Final match between Spain and England at Lilleküla Stadium on May 23, 2023 in Tallinn, Estonia. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images )

Speaking after naming the squad, Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman explained just how much the call-up meant to Parkinson.

“She was surprised,” Wiegman said. “She was speechless, she said, but she was very happy and excited.”

Wiegman has not been afraid to reward form and potential during this cycle, and Parkinson’s inclusion feels very much in that mould. England face Spain at Wembley on April 14 before travelling to Iceland on April 18, with the second fixture following what has already been a strong start to qualifying.

What Erica Meg Parkinson brings

Parkinson is a technically sharp midfielder who has been developing with Valadares Gaia in Portugal, an unusual but intriguing route into the senior England setup. Her rise has been quick, but not out of nowhere, having already built a body of work through the national youth teams.

That overseas experience may have helped her stand out, and this call-up gives England Women another look at one of the pathway’s brightest young prospects. Reports from Sky Sports and broader reaction carried by ESPN have framed the decision as one of the more eye-catching selections in the squad.

Full England squad

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), 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 City), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

England’s meeting with Iceland comes after previous qualifier momentum and follows the wider build-up outlined in England’s earlier Iceland qualifier picture. The Spain game, meanwhile, looks a mouth-watering test as Wiegman continues shaping the next phase of this Lionesses squad.