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Media caption,"She's ready" - Wiegman explains Parkinson call-up
ByEmma SandersBBC Sport women’s football news reporter at St George's Park- Published3 minutes ago
England manager Sarina Wiegman said she "likes surprises" as she named a 23-player squad to face Spain and Iceland in April's Women's World Cup qualifiers.
Among the usual star names in the Lionesses line-up was 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson - a relatively unknown talent who plays club football in Portugal.
The teenager represents Portuguese first division side Valadares Gaia and has been involved in England's youth teams, most recently the under-23s.
And while Wiegman does not expect Parkinson to challenge for a starting place, she looks forward to seeing the youngster make the step up.
"I think for every player that comes in for the first time that is young, it is a big step for all of them. It brings some anxiety," Wiegman told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"That's completely normal. Of course it's uncomfortable. I just hope she adapts quickly - and I hope that with everyone who comes in for the first time.
"It's normal you are a bit anxious but just go out there and enjoy yourself as much as possible and try to adapt to the level as quickly as possible too.
"It will be really good to see her. She would surprise me if we would consider her straight away to come on the pitch. But I like surprises!"
Why multilingual rising star Parkinson picked England
- Published27 November 2025
'Big step up' to England's first team
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Parkinson represented England Under-19s at the Euros last summer
The absence of Manchester United's Ella Toone and Manchester City's Grace Clinton due to injuries has opened the door for Parkinson.
The 17-year-old was born in Singapore to an English father and a Japanese mother, and is eligible to represent both nations, as well as Portugal.
She was called up to England Under-23s for the first time in November, having previously played for the younger age groups, picking up 44 youth team caps.
Wiegman said Parkinson was "speechless" when she was told she was selected but the Dutch manager believes she is "ready".
"We're not going to force anything. She's going to come in and she's going to show [herself] and I hope she's going to enjoy it," added Wiegman.
"I don't expect her to get into the starting line-up straight away. That's not what we expect. It's a learning thing for her, but I do hope that she can adapt quickly.
"She's an attacking midfielder and is very dynamic. She is very aggressive and wants to go forward. She's pretty technical.
"I'm aware that the step from the Portuguese league and the under-23s to the England seniors is a big step, but at the same time I want to see her and give her that opportunity."
'Mature Parkinson an intriguing story' - analysis
Parkinson's talents are largely untested in England, with the teenager having spent the majority of her club career abroad.
But she has gained a reputation in the national youth teams for developing quickly and showcasing high levels of technical ability.
As an attacking midfielder, Parkinson is often the playmaker and is said to be composed on the ball, as well as strong under pressure.
Her multicultural upbringing - Parkinson can speak four languages - means she brings a wealth of experience, despite her young age.
Wiegman herself said she was looking forward to having a longer conversation with Parkinson while on camp to learn more about her "different story".
But the teenager has already shown her maturity. She spoke to members of the media in November and it was clear she is someone who wants to develop.
When asked about the four possible directions her international career could take, having not yet received a senior cap, she said she had chosen to play for England up until that point because she was impressed by their facilities, style of play and the "way they conducted themselves" as an organisation.
The Football Association has been smart. They sent scouts to watch Parkinson in Portugal and reviewed clips of her playing to assess her level.
They quickly brought her into the youth team set-up, and while Wiegman insisted her senior call-up was not rushed to prevent other countries pouncing, that will surely have been in the back of the FA's mind.
Clearly, Parkinson has high potential and comes across as very professional - so can she take advantage of her opportunity?
Spain noise is 'excitement'
Wiegman "wants to continue" with a squad of 23 rather than 25 players as the Lionesses begin preparations for the 2027 World Cup, having experimented a little in last year's friendlies.
The chop means Liverpool captain Grace Fisk and London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson are not included.
"What they have brought is really positive, but at the moment there's some players in front of them," Wiegman explained.
England face world champions Spain at Wembley on Tuesday, 14 April (19:00 BST), before travelling to Iceland on Saturday, 18 April (17:30 BST).
With two wins from their opening matches against Iceland and Ukraine in March, Wiegman hopes they continue to build momentum.
"We had a very good camp in February and March. The team was in a very good place and there was a lot of energy," she said.
"We really stepped up in the final third and in taking out the counter-attacks. That's risky and how the game develops, the opponent is always getting one or two chances, but we made huge steps forward in that.
"There was a lot of fun and excitement. Hopefully we can bring that to these games too."
England and Spain are expected to battle for top spot in their group, with only one automatic qualification place up for grabs.
But Wiegman says England cannot write-off opponents Ukraine and Iceland.
"We know where we are, and we know where Spain are. There has been a lot of talk about Spain but I think in this group we have seen we were 0-0 at half-time against Ukraine - that was a hard one - and Iceland were tough too," added Wiegman.
"We have to beat those opponents and we want to beat Spain too. We want to qualify for the World Cup as quickly as possible.
"You have to get good results against Spain but also win every other game. It's a challenge and we know that.
"We know the levels of Spain but they are also very aware of our level. The noise… it's excitement."
Full England squad
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendell (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (Valdares Gaia)
Forwards: Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Jess Park (Manchester United), Beth Mead (Arsenal)
