'I made the move' - Sarina Wiegman explains process behind Taylor Hinds' first Lionesses call-up as Arsenal defender switches allegiance back to England just 12 months after Jamaica debut

Born in Northampton in the south of England, Hinds qualified to represent Jamaica through her grandparents and previously credited her family, specifically her grandfather, as the driving force behind her decision to accept a call-up for the Caribbean nation, which culminated in her senior international debut last October, in a friendly against France. However, having not added to that cap in the last 12 months, the defender remained eligible to switch her allegiance back to England and has now done so, after Wiegman reached out to her ahead of the Lionesses' October camp.

Asked about the process which saw Hinds accept a call-up for the nation she represented throughout the youth national teams, Wiegman explained that it was she who reached out to the Arsenal full-back, who joined the Gunners from Liverpool this past summer. "I made the move," Wiegman revealed. "I gave her a call and said that we were wanting to bring her in, and then the conversation started, knowing that she's eligible, of course. We've been following her. We're here now, we'll see what she can bring for our team and what her level is, and then we'll see what the future will bring.

"We have been following Taylor for a long time. Of course, she has gone through the [England] pathway. We are in a new situation. We're going into almost a new era. We're going into a new cycle, going to qualify for the World Cup, hopefully, and then going to the World Cup, so I want to see talented players in some positions and she's a left footer. Yes, she hasn't played that much [for Arsenal this season], but we've seen a lot of her and she did play the other day against Lyon. So I had the conversation with her and she wanted to come in."

Hinds later posted on Instagram about the decision to represent England, writing: "It's a privilege to have two nationalities and I'm incredibly proud to represent both. I'm still officially an England player and have grown up through the system. I have nothing but the utmost respect and appreciation for Jamaica - they've been so understanding and genuinely want the best for me, which means a lot. My family fully supports me in whatever decision I make for my future and my ambition to play at the highest level. Being called up to represent England is an amazing feeling and opportunity. I know what it means to wear the shirt, to be a Lioness, and it truly means everything to me and my family."

Left-back has been a problem position for England for a while now and Wiegman will hope Hinds can help her move towards a solution ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup. Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter, both centre-backs, tried to fill that gap in defence during Euro 2025, with fortunes certainly mixed despite the Lionesses' eventual success. Hinds, though, is a more natural fit for the role, something Wiegman has been lacking in her player pool.

Manchester United's Gabby George has previously been a contender there but she hasn't been able to make her mark on the national team despite some call-ups. Moreover, she currently finds herself trying to get back into the Red Devils XI, owing to a slight injury at the start of the campaign and Anna Sandberg's excellent form ahead of her. Hinds, too, hasn't played much since joining Arsenal in the summer and Wiegman will certainly hope that changes over the course of the season, especially if she does prove herself to be a potential answer to the left-back issue.

Hinds' call-up also helps England to restock the defence ahead of October's games against Brazil and Australia, given they will be without both Leah Williamson and Millie Bright. Williamson remains sidelined with an injury she sustained during the Lionesses' Euro 2025 triumph, while Bright announced her international retirement on Monday. As such, Katie Reid, the teenager who is deputising brilliantly for Williamson at Arsenal, has also earned a first senior call-up, as has Lucia Kendall, the Aston Villa midfielder who can also play at full-back if necessary. England face Brazil in Manchester on October 25, before taking on Australia in Derby three days later.