England manager Sarina Wiegman says she wanted to select Millie Bright for this month's friendly matches before the Chelsea defender announced her international retirement. The Chelsea captain Bright retired from international football on Monday after winning 88 caps and captaining the team to the 2023 Women's World Cup final.

When asked if she wanted the 32-year-old to be a part of England's preparations for the 2027 Women's World Cup, Wiegman replied: "Yes, of course I wanted that.

She's still a very good player so I want her in the squad but I totally respect and understand the decision. She had been thinking about it very thoroughly. When a player makes a decision like this and has such an incredible career internationally, then it's not appropriate to have that conversation [trying to change her mind].

Off the back of the Euros we had a conversation. She told me she would retire from international football. She has been huge for us, for me, for the team - on and off the pitch.

Even before I came in, she was a great personality and leader. I'm just really grateful to have been a little part of her journey. She's had a massive influence."

It is the first squad Wiegman has selected since England won Euro 2025 in July and there are several key players missing because of injury. Right-back Lucy Bronze, 33, is including after recovering from the fractured tibia she played with during Euro 2025 and was a late substitute in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday - her first appearance this season. Captain Leah Williamson is not in the squad because of a knee injury while Chelsea forward Lauren James also misses out with an ankle issue. Williamson and James have yet to play this season as a result of injuries picked up during Euro 2025. Forward Lauren Hemp is also missing after suffering an ankle injury in Manchester City's win over Tottenham on 19 September.

There is a first senior call-up for 19-year-old Arsenal centre-back Katie Reid after her impressive performances in the Women's Super League this season. Reid's club-mate Taylor Hinds, who joined Arsenal from Liverpool in the summer, is also included. The 26-year-old had previously switched her allegiances to Jamaica but has not represented them in a competitive fixture and is therefore eligible for the Lionesses. Hinds' featured in a 3-0 friendly defeat by France in October 2024 for Jamaica having previously played for England's youth teams. Another defender, Niamh Charles, recovered from an ankle injury in time to start for Chelsea on Sunday and makes the squad. Midfielder Grace Clinton was left out of Manchester City's squad for Sunday's win at Liverpool with a knock but is also included. Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall, 21, also receives a first senior call-up after impressive performances for her new club since moving from Southampton.

England face Brazil at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 25 October (17:30 BST), before playing Australia at Pride Park on Tuesday, 28 October (19:00 GMT).

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Khiara Keating (Manchester City).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United) Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Katie Reid (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Lucia Kendell (Aston Villa).

Forwards: Beth Mead (Arsenal), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Michelle Agyemang (Brighton on loan from Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

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