"She's ready" - Wiegman explains Parkinson call-up
England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed her fondness for surprises as she announced a 23-player squad to face Spain and Iceland in the upcoming Women's World Cup qualifiers in April.
Included among the established players in the Lionesses squad was 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, a relatively unknown talent currently playing club football in Portugal.
The teenager plays for Portuguese first division side Valadares Gaia and has been involved with England's youth teams, most recently the under-23s.
While Wiegman does not anticipate Parkinson to immediately compete for a starting position, she is eager to observe the young player’s progression to senior international football.
"I think for every player that comes in for the first time that is young, it is a big step for all of them. It brings some anxiety," Wiegman told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"That's completely normal. Of course it's uncomfortable. I just hope she adapts quickly - and I hope that with everyone who comes in for the first time.
"It's normal you are a bit anxious but just go out there and enjoy yourself as much as possible and try to adapt to the level as quickly as possible too.
"It will be really good to see her. She would surprise me if we would consider her straight away to come on the pitch. But I like surprises!"
Why multilingual rising star Parkinson picked England
'Big step up' to England's first team
Parkinson represented England Under-19s at the Euros last summer.
The absence of Manchester United's Ella Toone and Manchester City's Grace Clinton due to injuries has created an opportunity for Parkinson.
Born in Singapore to an English father and a Japanese mother, Parkinson is eligible to represent England, Japan, and Portugal internationally.
She was first called up to England Under-23s in November, having previously played for younger age groups and accumulating 44 youth team caps.
Wiegman described Parkinson as "speechless" upon learning of her selection but affirmed her belief that the player is "ready."
"We're not going to force anything. She's going to come in and she's going to show [herself] and I hope she's going to enjoy it," Wiegman added.
"I don't expect her to get into the starting line-up straight away. That's not what we expect. It's a learning thing for her, but I do hope that she can adapt quickly.
"She's an attacking midfielder and is very dynamic. She is very aggressive and wants to go forward. She's pretty technical.
"I'm aware that the step from the Portuguese league and the under-23s to the England seniors is a big step, but at the same time I want to see her and give her that opportunity."
'Mature Parkinson an intriguing story' - analysis
Parkinson's abilities remain largely untested in England, having spent most of her club career abroad.
However, she has earned a reputation within the national youth teams for rapid development and high technical skill.
As an attacking midfielder, Parkinson often serves as a playmaker, noted for her composure on the ball and strength under pressure.
Her multicultural background—she speaks four languages—adds to her experience despite her youth.
Wiegman expressed anticipation for a more in-depth conversation with Parkinson during the training camp to learn about her "different story."
The teenager has already demonstrated maturity; during a media interaction in November, she conveyed a strong desire to develop.
When asked about the four possible directions her international career could take, having not yet earned a senior cap, she said she had chosen to play for England up until that point because she was impressed by their facilities, style of play and the "way they conducted themselves" as an organisation.
The Football Association has been proactive, sending scouts to observe Parkinson in Portugal and reviewing footage to assess her level.
They integrated her quickly into the youth team setup. While Wiegman insisted the senior call-up was not rushed to prevent other countries from recruiting her, this consideration likely influenced the FA's decision.
Parkinson clearly possesses high potential and professionalism, raising the question of whether she can capitalize on this opportunity.
Spain noise is 'excitement'
Wiegman intends to continue with a 23-player squad rather than expanding to 25 players as the Lionesses prepare for the 2027 World Cup, after experimenting with larger squads in last year's friendlies.
This decision means Liverpool captain Grace Fisk and London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson were not included.
"What they have brought is really positive, but at the moment there's some players in front of them," Wiegman explained.
England will face world champions Spain at Wembley on Tuesday, 14 April (19:00 BST), followed by a trip to Iceland on Saturday, 18 April (17:30 BST).
With two wins from their opening matches against Iceland and Ukraine in March, Wiegman hopes to maintain momentum.
"We had a very good camp in February and March. The team was in a very good place and there was a lot of energy," she said.
"We really stepped up in the final third and in taking out the counter-attacks. That's risky and how the game develops, the opponent is always getting one or two chances, but we made huge steps forward in that.
"There was a lot of fun and excitement. Hopefully we can bring that to these games too."
England and Spain are expected to compete for the top spot in their group, with only one automatic qualification place available.
However, Wiegman cautions against underestimating Ukraine and Iceland.
"We know where we are, and we know where Spain are. There has been a lot of talk about Spain but I think in this group we have seen we were 0-0 at half-time against Ukraine - that was a hard one - and Iceland were tough too," she added.
"We have to beat those opponents and we want to beat Spain too. We want to qualify for the World Cup as quickly as possible.
"You have to get good results against Spain but also win every other game. It's a challenge and we know that.
"We know the levels of Spain but they are also very aware of our level. The noise… it's excitement."
Full England squad
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendell (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (Valadares Gaia)
Forwards: Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Jess Park (Manchester United), Beth Mead (Arsenal)
