Lauren Smith has revealed a 23-player England under-23 squad featuring talent across the country, including Ipswich’s Natalia Negri, for fixtures on 2 March 2026 and 6 March 2026
England’s women’s under-23s have named a 23-player squad for two March fixtures under interim head coach Lauren Smith. The young Lionesses head to Clairefontaine to face France at 12:00 GMT on Monday 2 March in a WU23 European tie, then return home to Croud Meadow, Shrewsbury, for a friendly against the Netherlands at 19:00 GMT on Friday 6 March.
Goalkeepers in the group are Katie Cox (Aberdeen, on loan from Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City) and Natalia Negri (Ipswich Town). The rest of the roster is made up of defenders, midfielders and forwards drawn from across the English pyramid — including several players currently out on loan — offering a mix of up-and-coming talent and those pushing for the next step toward the senior Lionesses.
Why these games matter
– The trip to Clairefontaine isn’t just another fixture: it carries European competition consequences and will influence England’s standing in Group A. – The Shrewsbury friendly gives players a low-pressure, home-soil chance to show how they cope with matchday routines, crowd energy and tactical tweaks.
– For the coaching staff, both matches are live auditions. Minutes on the pitch, tactical adaptability and how players handle the occasion will shape future call-ups to the WU23s and, for the standout performers, the senior squad.
What the coaches will be watching
Fitness and recent club form, especially for those returning from loan spells, are obvious factors. But adaptability — can a player switch system or role mid-game? — and mentality under pressure will be just as important. These matches are as much about development as results: giving minutes to the right people now can speed up their pathway to the Lionesses.
Bigger-picture benefits
Smaller clubs that have nurtured these players will get a spotlight, and academies can benchmark their progress against international standards. Locally, the Shrewsbury fixture brings the game to the community and gives fans a chance to see England’s next generation in person.
What comes next
A good result in France would boost England’s hopes in the group stage, but more crucially, coaching assessments after both fixtures will decide who stays in the frame for upcoming camps and selections. Strong individual displays could propel players into senior consideration — so these two matches are a real opportunity for anyone hoping to take the next step.
