Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy has been handed a late call-up to the England squad for this week’s UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures, stepping in for the injured Millie Bright.
Just days after helping Arsenal secure their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title with a 1-0 victory over Barcelona, Wubben-Moy’s season has been extended. The 26-year-old will join the Lionesses as they prepare to face Portugal at Wembley on Friday, followed by a trip to Barcelona to take on Spain at the RCDE Stadium next Tuesday.
Wubben-Moy replaces Chelsea captain Bright, who the FA confirmed on Monday will miss the matches due to “an extended period of recovery.” No specific timeline for Bright’s return has been announced, but her absence opens a significant window for Wubben-Moy to re-establish her place in Sarina Wiegman’s plans ahead of this summer’s Euro 2025 qualifiers.
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Lotte Wubben-Moy will link up with Arsenal teammates Leah Williamson and Beth Mead in the national squad. Michelle Agyemang, who spent the season on loan at Brighton, retains her spot, while Chloe Kelly — whose loan spell at Arsenal concluded with last weekend’s Champions League triumph — has also been included.
Following the club’s European celebrations, Arsenal’s England representatives have been granted a short break and will join the national squad on Tuesday.
Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy
Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy (Image credit: Getty Images)
In other major news, England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football with immediate effect. The Manchester United shot-stopper, a standout performer during the Lionesses’ victorious Euro 2022 campaign, made the announcement via a statement released by the Football Association on Tuesday morning — just 36 days before the start of this summer’s Euros.
“I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally,” Earps said. “It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.
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“I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly. For me, ultimately, this is the right time to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”
Head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed her disappointment but respected Earps’ decision.
“I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,” Wiegman said. “Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.
“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but to English football as a whole. We will cherish those memories and give Mary the tribute she deserves after the summer. For now, our focus is on the upcoming Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”
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