Some England camps pass by without there being much new to learn; the Lionesses' first camp of 2026 was not one of those. As Sarina Wiegman's side returned to competitive action for the first time since their triumphant European Championship campaign, getting off to a perfect start in qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup with impressive wins over both Ukraine and Iceland, a whole host of talking points were created.

London City Lionesses star Freya Godfrey has been handed a maiden call-up to the England squad, as Manchester City duo Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton return to the fold. Sarina Wiegman has selected 25 players for the upcoming ‘Homecoming Series’ that will see the Euro 2025 winners take on China at Wembley Stadium and Ghana at St Mary’s in Southampton.

England's list of injury absentees for the October camp has grown again after Katie Reid and Grace Clinton withdrew from Sarina Wiegman's squad, joining Leah Williamson, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp on the sidelines. The Lionesses will take on Brazil and Australia in a pair of interesting friendlies but will have to do so without a full complement, with Millie Bright also retiring earlier this month.

Last time Manchester City fans saw Grace Clinton in action, she was wearing the red of their biggest rivals and kickstarting a Manchester United comeback that allowed the Red Devils to secure Champions League football at their expense. They'll have had much more favourable feelings towards the England international last Friday, then, as she re-introduced herself to those who suffered in the away end at Old Trafford back in May by netting a goal for the other side of the city, one which put them 4-0 up at Tottenham.