While the senior squad prepare to end a year in which they lifted the Euro 2025 title, Emma Coates’ under-23s are hoping to impress Wiegman and put themselves in contention for a call-up.<\/p>\n
For friendly matches against China and Ghana this month, Wiegman brought in young West Ham defender Anouk Denton and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey.<\/p>\n
They are the latest in a long list of players who have made the jump, following Arsenal teenager Katie Reid and Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall in October.<\/p>\n
Seven players have been given the nod by Wiegman this year, including Brighton’s Maisie Symonds, who started in midfield for the under-23s against Norway.<\/p>\n
“It’s such an important part of the Lionesses’ DNA. We depend on that DNA coming through,” England’s two-time European champion Lotte Wubben-Moy told BBC Sport.<\/p>\n
“We need young players who are competitive and are pushing not just myself, but the older players too. That’s really positive. <\/p>\n
“When you have that competition, it allows for so much growth. We’ve seen that in the past four or five years – not just in terms of silverware.”<\/p>\n
Coates and her coaching staff work closely with Wiegman, having regular meetings and conversations about players’ development.<\/p>\n
The youth teams, including England’s under-17s and under-19s, try to mirror the senior side with their preparation routines, match tactics and squad culture. <\/p>\n
Wiegman also watched an under-23s training session at St George’s Park this week. <\/p>\n
Those who have moved up to the senior team have had huge success as a result, including Agyemang, who was one of the stars of Euro 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n