Wiegman calls up uncapped trio for injury-hit Lionesses

England manager Sarina Wiegman is confident Laura Blindkilde-Brown and Ruby Mace can both make the most of their first senior call-ups to an injury-hit squad.

- JIM VAN WIJK

Lauren Hemp, who has undergone successful knee surgery, Ella Toone and Lauren James are all unavailable for the friendlies against the United States and Switzerland.

With Chelsea’s Niamh Charles and Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker also sidelined, Wiegman has looked to promote from the England Under-23s. The Dutch coach feels Manchester City midfielder Blindkilde-Brown and Leicester’s Mace, both 21, are ready for the step up.

“[They are] young players, very talented players,” Wiegman said. “Competition at Manchester City in midfield is really tough, but Laura gets minutes. They have also done very well at under-23s.”

“This is an opportunity now to bring them in, to see them in our environment. I hope they compete straight away, but it is an opportunity [for them] with two friendlies.”

Wiegman told a press conference: “We just want to get so many things out of this next camp and of these two games. We want to try out things, we want to experiment. So yes, we are not going to get everything right, but it is so important in these games to figure out things and see players, that gives us so much information."