Greece Women’s Squad Sets Up for Key Match Against England
The women’s national teams of Greece and England will meet at Pankritio Stadium on Saturday, 17:30 BST, in a fixture that promises to be a tightly contested encounter. The match falls within the international window leading into the 2025 season and serves as a crucial warm‑up for both sides ahead of upcoming UEFA competitions.
Team News Overview
Sarina Wiegman has named a strong England starting XI despite the continued absence of injured defenders Lucy Bronze and Lucia Kendall. The squad reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, with several players making their first appearances of the campaign. Greece, meanwhile, have unveiled a balanced line‑up that showcases their versatility and determination to compete on the European stage.
England Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Ellie Hampton
- Right‑back: Maya le Tissier (Manchester United captain)
- centre‑back: Alex Morgan
- Left‑back: Millie Williamson
- Defensive midfield: Lauren Greenwood
- Central midfield: Keira Walsh
- Attacking midfield: Lauren Stanway
- Midfield: Laura Blindkilde Brown
- Forward: Alessia Russo
- Forward: Lauren James
- Forward: Lauren Hemp
Substitutes: Ann-Marie Charles, Keira Keating, Sophie Potter, Lucy Carter, Ebony Fisk, Lauren Park, Beth Mead, Georgia Parkinson, Katie Moorhouse, Sophie Godfrey, Ella Toone.
Greece Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Sofia Petaloti
- Right‑back: Maria Giannaka
- Centre‑back: Aikaterini Paterna
- Left‑back: Eleni Markou
- Defensive midfield: Christina Gkouni‑Papaioannou
- Central midfield: Anna Drakogiannaki
- Midfield: Chloe Brame
- Forward: Sofia Moraitou
- Forward: Maria Papatheodorou
- Forward: Emily Brookshire
- Forward: Orfeas Sarri
Substitutes: Vasiliki Giannakouli, Aikaterini Katerfiannaki, Elena Ntarzanou, Maria Theodoraki, Georgia Kapnisi, Maria Chalatsogianni, Evangelia Tzourtzevits, Chloe Saich, Christina Rapani, Maria Pouliou, Eleni Tsela, Aikaterini Kongouli.
Key Players and Injury Updates
England’s selection highlights Maya le Tissier’s return to the right‑back role after a period of injury‑related absence. Laura Blindkilde Brown’s inclusion signals the midfield’s renewed attacking threat. Veteran forward Lauren James continues to feature prominently, while Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp form a dynamic front three. Ella Toone, who briefly missed the squad, has been recalled to replace the injured Lucy Bronze, who remains sidelined along with fellow defender Lucia Kendall.
Greece will rely on experience across the backline, with Petáloti providing reliable goalkeeper duties and Markou offering solidity at left‑back. The Greek midfield, anchored by Drakogiannaki, is expected to dictate tempo, while the forward line of Moraitou, Papatheodorou and Sarri will look to exploit any gaps in England’s defence.
“Both teams are eager to impress ahead of the forthcoming international window. It’s a chance for new players to stake a claim and for the established stars to reinforce their positions ahead of the season’s key fixtures.” – Emma Sanders, BBC Sport Women’s football news reporter, Pankritio Stadium.
Match Context and Outlook
This encounter is part of the Frauen-Weltmeister’s ongoing preparation for the 2025 UEFA Women’s Championship qualifiers. Both nations are seeking to build momentum after recent fixtures, with England looking to consolidate their top‑of‑group status and Greece aiming to secure a solid foothold in their qualification group. The match will also serve as a showcase for emerging talents, many of whom are battling for senior squad spots.
Supporters can expect a high‑energy contest, with England’s firepower likely to be a key factor. However, Greece’s disciplined defending and counter‑attacking flair pose a genuine threat. The result may influence seeding in upcoming European competitions, adding an extra layer of importance to what appears to be a competitive and evenly matched encounter.
The fixture underlines the growing parity in European women’s football, where depth, tactical versatility and individual skill are increasingly defining the sport’s highest levels.
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