LONDON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- England Women head coach Sarina Wiegman has called Michelle Agyemang and Lauren James into her 23-player squad as England look to defend their 2022 European Championship title in Switzerland next month.
Wiegman named her squad just two days after England lost 2-1 to Spain to miss out on the UEFA Nations League finals.
James returns after a hamstring injury and will give big-game experience to a squad that has been hit by the withdrawals of veteran defender Mille Bright, who said she was not in either the physical or mental condition to play at her best, and Fran Kirby, who announced her retirement from international football.
"They've done so much for us, so much for England's football," Weigman said of Kirby and Bright.
"They've been playing the tournaments since I've been here, so it's hard to replace [them]. But there are also other players who have done really well, and now those players get the opportunity to step up. So you have to move on," said the coach, who added that she was confident in her squad's experience.
"In the last couple of days, I found out - we were in conversation. It's sad, it's disappointing. As I said last week, it's not nice and I hope she feels well very soon," Wiegman said of Bright's absence.
Bright's decision follows last week's announcement by goalkeeper Mary Earps that she was retiring from international football after Hannah Hampton had overtaken her in the pecking order.
Earps' retirement means that the uncapped duo of Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are included in the squad.
"You always want to pick a little bit more because players in their environment have done well. But in the end, you have to make those decisions, which for 23 players is good, and for some players is disappointing," commented Wiegman.
England has a tough draw in Switzerland, in a group containing France, the Netherlands and Wales.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), 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), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Jess Park (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal). ■
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