The Lionesses squad has been selected for upcoming games against Brazil and Australia, with some of our favourite LGBTQ+ footy stars making the team.
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 champions are returning to the pitch for their Homecoming Series, a run of games in the lead-up to World Cup qualification.
England manager Sarina Wiegman has selected 25 players for England’s upcoming fixtures, 20 of the EURO-winning squad retain their place.
However, sadly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and captain Leah Williamson will be absent from the team due to injury.
Who are the LGBTQ+ players in the Lionesses squad?
After she memorably strapped her own thigh at the Euros, it wouldn’t be a Lionesses squad without the iconic Lucy Bronze. The lesbian right-back will be one to watch on home soil.
Then there’s Jess Carter, an amazing force both on and off the pitch. She reflected on her support for LGBTQ+ issues in an op-ed for England Football to support Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign in 2021.
Since 2017, Carter has been dating her Chelsea teammate and Germany national squad member Ann-Katrin Berger
Beth Mead will be relieved that the squad isn’t facing the Netherlands, so she doesn’t have to play against her Dutch girlfriend Vivianne Miedema. The bisexual footballer has shared that she struggled growing up without knowing many openly gay or bisexual people.
Georgia Stanway is an attacking midfielder with an impressive 24 goals scored for England. As of 2025, Stanway is in a relationship with German Olympic surfer Camilla Kemp.
Chelsea’s midfielder Keira Walsh is also a very valuable member of the team. Walsh is in a relationship with Austrian footballer Laura Feiersinger.
While Hannah Hampton is the squad’s first goalie, Anna Moorhouse is there as a backup substitute. Moorhouse is dating her Orlando Pride teammate, midfielder Viviana Villacorta.
‘We’re grateful to have our fans with us again in October and November’
The rest of the squad is made up of goalkeepers Hampton and Khiara Keating.
Defenders include Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Taylor Hinds, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Katie Reid, and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
The chosen midfielders are Laura Blindkilde Brown, Grace Clinton, Missy Bo Kearns, Lucia Kendall, Jess Park, and Ella Toone.
Also, the forwards: Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo.
Of the upcoming games, Wiegman shared: “It’s great to be back and we’re really looking forward to playing in front of our fantastic home support again after such an incredible summer in Switzerland.
We felt the energy from the stands throughout the tournament and we’re grateful to have our fans with us again in October and November.
“In Brazil and Australia we’ll be facing two top opponents who will each test us in different ways, which is exactly the kind of challenge we need as we prepare for World Cup qualification starting early next year.
“It’s lovely to celebrate success but this is also the start of a new cycle with new opportunities and objectives. I cannot wait to get everyone together and started next week.”
When are the Lionesses’ Homecoming games?
England’s Lionesses will face South American champions Brazil at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday 25 October at 5.30pm.
They will then meet Australia at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday 28 October at 7pm.
The Homecoming games will continue with England v China on 29 November at Wembley Stadium, kick-off at 5.30pm. 70,000 tickets have already been sold, but tickets remain available.
Details for England v Ghana on 2 December, kick-off 7pm will be announced at a later date. Tickets go on sale to My England Football members on Monday (20 October).
The draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers will take place on 4 November, confirming England’s three opponents for the first half of 2026.
For further ticket information, visit FA and My England Football.
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