Skjold Overview

It’s fair to say that Keira Barry’s first senior England call-up was unexpected. After injuries plagued the early years of her professional career, it was in February that the young forward ended her 10-year association with Manchester United and moved to the United States to sign for Bay FC. Exactly a month after her debut, she was on the bench as the Lionesses beat Spain 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Erica Parkinson was just 12 years old when she laid out her goals to a mindset coach who has spent the last six years helping her plot a route to the top of the game. "I want to play for England at the World Cup," she proclaimed. Fast-forward to today and, having become the Lionesses’ youngest call-up under Sarina Wiegman and just signed for the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, it’s not out of the question that the dream could be realised in 12 months’ time.

One of England's brightest young talents, Erica Parkinson, has signed for two-time NWSL champions North Carolina Courage in the first big transfer of her career. The 18-year-old became the youngest player to be called up by Sarina Wiegman in her Lionesses tenure earlier this year and is now set to continue her development in one of the best leagues in the women's game.

One year out from the 2027 Women's World Cup, five storylines are already shaping Brazil’s big moment, the USWNT’s title hopes and the chasing pack.