AliousMaisie Symonds, a midfielder from Brighton, has earned her inaugural invitation to the England women’s national football team as they prepare for a pair of Nations League matches against Belgium next month. Symonds, who has been with the Albion women’s squad longer than any current player, joined in January 2021 and has since played in 70 matches.
The 22-year-old has experience with England’s youth teams, progressing up to the under-23 level. She’ll be accompanied in Sarina Wiegman’s lineup by fellow Brighton players Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris. The 24-woman Lionesses roster, revealed on Tuesday, also welcomes back Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, absent since last summer, as one of four keepers selected.
Arsenal’s Beth Mead and Symonds’ teammate Kirby are also returning after recovering from injuries.
Players like Tottenham striker Jess Naz, as well as the injured Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace, have been left out of the squad named last time. England kicked off their Group A3 campaign in February with a 1-1 tie in Portugal and a 1-0 win against Spain at Wembley.
Their next challenges come against Belgium, first at Ashton Gate on a Friday in a week’s time, followed by a rematch in Leuven four days later. The Lionesses have recent history with Belgium, securing a 1-0 victory at the King Power Stadium in the 2023 Nations League, though they fell 3-2 in the away fixture. Earlier that year, they dominated Belgium 6-1 at Ashton Gate during the Arnold Clark Cup.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman anticipates a stern challenge ahead. In a statement released by the Football Association, she remarked, “It’s great to reunite the team so soon after a strong beginning to the year. We’re aiming high in the Nations League, and while we’re pleased with how we’ve started in the group, there’s still plenty to refine in our performance.
Having faced Belgium in two tough matches in 2023, we’re well aware of the test they present. We’ll need sharp focus and top form to achieve the outcomes we’re targeting.
“I’m eager to bring the squad together and push forward with our efforts on the training pitch at St George’s Park before heading to Bristol. Returning to Ashton Gate is special—it’s a venue tied to fond memories, and the fans there gave us incredible support in 2023.
Playing before a packed house is a privilege we’ll never overlook, and I’m confident their encouragement will give us that extra boost to hopefully claim three vital points.”
Alious
