Hemp returns to England squad but James misses out

Lauren Hemp started Manchester City's 3-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday

Forward Lauren Hemp has returned to the England squad for the first time since Euro 2025 after recovering from injury, but Lauren James is not included.

Manchester City's Hemp, 25, was out with an ankle injury for two months but featured in her side's victories over Everton and Manchester United.

Meanwhile James, 24, returned for Chelsea's 6-0 win over St Polten last week and their 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday as a substitute.

However, she is yet to start a game this season after sustaining an ankle injury in the Euro 2025 final win over Spain that led to a four-month absence.

"Of course she's moving forward well, which is really good and really nice, but it's too early," said Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman.

"She just needs a little more time to get back to full fitness and to be ready to take on extra loading.

"I would hope, of course, that we could have made that decision [to select her] but I don't want to take any risks in that."

Wiegman has named a 25-player squad for the friendlies against China and Ghana on 29 November and 2 December respectively.

West Ham's uncapped defender Anouk Denton is recalled after being named in the squad last month, while there is a first senior call-up for London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey, who has impressed in the Women's Super League this season.

Asked about Godfrey's call-up, Wiegman said: "She's done well. Of course at the beginning of the season she was injured but she came back strongly.

"I think she brings something different. She is very excited and I am too to see what she can bring."

Manchester City midfielder Grace Clinton also returns having pulled out of the friendly win over Australia and defeat by Brazil in October because of a "small injury".

Elsewhere, Gotham FC defender Jess Carter has been given time to recover from the conclusion of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) play-offs, but Washington Spirit centre-back Esme Morgan is included despite starting in Saturday's 2-0 win over Portland Thorns.

Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or awards, has a thigh injury and misses out.

The 24-year-old has been in the headlines after former England team-mate Mary Earps criticised Hampton in her autobiography.

Euros star Michelle Agyemang, 19, is not in the squad after injuring her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in last month's 3-0 win over Australia.

Captain Leah Williamson, 28, and Manchester City's Alex Greenwood, 32, are also absent with knee injuries, while Arsenal youngster Katie Reid, 19, misses out with an ACL injury having received her first senior call-up in October.

Full England squad

Goalkeepers: Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Sophie Baggaley (Brighton).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Anouk Denton (West Ham).

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Lucia Kendell (Aston Villa).

Forwards: Beth Mead (Arsenal), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Jess Park (Manchester United).

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