Newly appointed interim head coach Lauren Smith has selected her first England Women’s U-23s squad, ahead of the first two fixtures of 2026.
The Young Lionesses will face France in a WU23 European competition fixture at Clairefontaine, France’s national football centre, on Monday 2 March (12:00 GMT). They will then welcome the Netherlands to the Croud Meadow Stadium, home of Shrewsbury Town, on Friday 6 March (19:00 GMT), with tickets still on sale.
A win for Smith’s side against France would see them finish at least second in the group stage of the WU23 European competition and progress to the semi-finals which will be held in Spain in April. England are currently third in Group A, having played one game fewer than second placed Portugal, with France in fifth.
The WU23s last played France in February last year, when Isobel Goodwin was on target in a 1-0 victory at Stevenage. They last faced the Netherlands in the opening match of the 2024/25 campaign, drawing 1-1 away from home.
England v France
Monday 2 March, 12:00 GMT
WU23 European competition fixture
Clairefontaine, France
England v Netherlands
Friday 6 March, 19:00 GMT
WU23 international fixture
Croud Meadow Stadium, Shrewsbury Town
Lauren Smith said: “These are two great fixtures to kick off 2026 against strong opponents, and we want to make sure we start the year on a positive note. On a personal level, I’m really excited to be working with the WU23s and such a talented group of players and staff. There’s a strong pipeline of young players coming through the pathway and making the transition to the senior squad. I’m looking forward to playing a part in supporting their development and seeing who might be next to make the step across.”
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Katie Cox (Aberdeen, on loan from Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Natalia Negri (Ipswich Town)
Defenders: Cerys Brown (Nottingham Forest, on loan from London City Lionesses), Megan Collett (Southampton), Teyah Goldie (London City Lionesses), Gracie Prior (Manchester City), Evie Rabjohn (Celtic), Chloe Sarwie (Chelsea), Hannah Silcock (Birmingham City, on loan from Liverpool), Jess Simpson (Southampton, on loan from Manchester United), Mari Ward (Bristol City)
Midfielders: Sarah Brasero (West Ham), Ruby Mace (Everton), Olivia McLoughlin (Leicester City), Erica Meg Parkinson (Valadares Gaia), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Maisie Symonds (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Forwards: Mia Enderby (Liverpool), Isobel Goodwin (London City Lionesses), Lenna Gunning-Williams (Tottenham Hotspur), Lexi Lloyd-Smith (Bristol City), Georgia Mullett (Aston Villa)
