England Women: Maya Le Tissier and Katie Robinson earn first Lionesses call-ups ahead of friendlies against Japan and Norway
England to play friendlies against Japan and Norway this November; Hannah Hampton confirms she's suffering with an "ongoing medical issue" as she misses out again; Jordan Nobbs and Niamh Charles recalled while Alessia Russo returns from injury; Lotte Wubben-Moy, Nikita Parris also back
Tuesday 1 November 2022 19:56, UK
Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier and Brighton forward Katie Robinson have been handed their first England call-ups for friendlies against Japan and Norway this month.
Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman has been impressed by the 20-year-olds in the U23s and is giving them a chance to force their way into her thinking ahead of the World Cup in eight months time.
"We have about eight months to prepare for the World Cup and what we want to see is where the young players are now," said Wiegman.
"This is an opportunity for them to show what they can do in our squad and hopefully they can compete really quickly and that gives us the headaches to make decisions."
Jordan Nobbs and Niamh Charles have also been recalled while Lotte Wubben-Moy and Nikita Parris return after only being injury replacements last time.
Euro 2022 hero Alessia Russo is fit after pulling out injured of the last squad, but Arsenal's Leah Williamson and West Ham defender Lucy Parker remain injured, while Demi Stokes, Jess Park and Jess Carter aren't included this time.
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Aston Villa goalkeeper Hannah Hampton misses out again having not been picked in an England squad since the Euros amid issues at club level. The 21-year-old has not played for Villa since September 25 and was not in the squad against Chelsea on Sunday.
There had been reports she was left out due to attitude issues, but Hampton said in a social media post on Tuesday that she has been "suffering with an ongoing medical issue for a while" and will undergo a "small procedure" this week.
Wiegman said Hampton "has to sort some things out" at her news conference when asked why she had been left out, but refused to comment further as "it's something quite personal". Wiegman also left the door open to a return for the goalkeeper at international level.
The Lionesses will spend the final international camp of the year at the Pinatar Arena football centre in Spain, as they look to close out a memorable year, which featured victory in the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup in February and then stunning Euro 2022 success.
England play Japan on Friday November 11 with kick-off at 7pm followed by a meeting with Norway, who Wiegman's squad met during the European Championships group stage, on Tuesday November 15. Kick-off is again at 7pm.
England Women squad:
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Sandy Maciver, Ellie Roebuck.
Defenders: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Midfielders: Fran Kirby, Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem.
Forwards: Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Alessia Russo, Katie Robinson, Ebony Salmon.
