Aggie Beever-Jones, Michelle Agyemang & Six Lionesses Who Deserve a Chance to Shine as England Take on Australia

Why Wiegman Must Rotate, Experiment and Trust England’s Next Generation

Saturday’s homecoming was supposed to be a celebration — the Lionesses’ return to English soil as European champions, facing Brazil in front of a buzzing crowd. Instead, it turned into a frustrating 2–1 defeat, marked by a sluggish start, missed opportunities, and a nagging sense of déjà vu. Within 18 minutes, England were 2–0 down. Even after Brazil went down to 10 players, Sarina Wiegman’s side couldn’t turn the tide.

It wasn’t just the scoreline that stung. What really frustrated fans and pundits alike was the lack of experimentation. Wiegman had promised new ideas and fresh faces — a chance to “see players, see different combinations.” Yet the team sheet looked like something from last summer’s Euro 2025 final. Reliable, yes. But fresh? Not quite.

And while Wiegman’s logic makes sense — Brazil are South American champions and hardly the team against whom you’d throw a dozen debutants — this international window, and the next in November, might be her last real opportunity for bold experimentation before the World Cup qualifiers begin in February.

With that in mind, Tuesday’s clash with Australia is the perfect chance for rotation. Here are eight Lionesses — from rising stars like Aggie Beever-Jones and Michelle Agyemang to experienced squad players still waiting for their chance — who deserve time to shine against the Matildas.

Anna Moorhouse – A Debut Long Overdue

It’s almost surprising that Anna Moorhouse still hasn’t earned her first senior cap. The 30-year-old goalkeeper has been in and around the squad for over a year, part of the team that lifted the Euro 2025 trophy, and a reliable presence in training camps.

With Hannah Hampton still recovering from a minor knock and Khiara Keating earning her debut against Brazil, this feels like the right time to give Moorhouse a long-overdue taste of senior action.

Moorhouse’s CV speaks for itself — she’s the reigning NWSL champion with Orlando Pride, boasting experience, composure, and leadership. She’s not one for the headlines, but she’s a steady pair of hands who could easily step up if called upon in a major tournament.

Tuesday’s friendly is the ideal low-pressure environment to get her that first cap. Because if injuries hit the goalkeeping ranks later in the season, England can’t afford to have uncapped options waiting in the wings.

Laura Blindkilde Brown – The Missing Piece in Midfield

Laura Blindkilde Brown England Women 2024

It’s hard to overstate just how well Laura Blindkilde Brown has started the season. The Manchester City midfielder has been one of the Women’s Super League’s standout performers — calm under pressure, strong in possession, and tactically intelligent beyond her years.

England’s midfield depth behind Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway has often been questioned, and Blindkilde Brown looks like a natural solution. Yet she was left unused against Brazil — a curious choice given her recent form.

At just 22, she already plays with the authority of a seasoned pro. She keeps the ball moving, links defence and attack effortlessly, and reads the game beautifully. Her inclusion against Australia would not just be deserved — it would be practical.

If England want to prepare for the long term, it’s time to give her minutes and start imagining a midfield trio where she plays a central role.

Lucia Kendall – The Versatile Newcomer

Lucia Kendall England training 2025

Another name deserving of a debut is Lucia Kendall, one of the most exciting young midfielders to emerge from England’s youth setup. Now in her first full WSL season with Aston Villa, Kendall’s rise has been steady and deserved.

Wiegman has spoken about wanting to “see how newcomers adapt” to the senior environment. Well, Kendall’s adaptability is one of her strengths. She’s capable of operating in central midfield, out wide, or even at right-back — a position England continue to lack depth in.

At 21, she’s confident but grounded. Those who’ve watched her for the U19s will recall her technical sharpness, aggressive pressing, and calmness in tight spaces. She might not be ready for a full 90 minutes just yet, but a 20-minute cameo against Australia would be a valuable test — both for her and for Wiegman.

Aggie Beever-Jones – The Natural Finisher England Need

Aggie Beever-Jones is in the form of her life. The Chelsea striker has scored more WSL goals this season than any other England international, yet she remains firmly behind Alessia Russo in the pecking order.

Beever-Jones got a half-hour runout against Brazil, but it was mostly spent out wide — a role she’s capable of filling, but not her natural position. The 20-year-old thrives centrally, leading the line, finding pockets of space, and finishing instinctively.

Friendlies like this one are tailor-made for players like her. Russo’s starting spot is safe when competitive games return, but Beever-Jones deserves a start to build chemistry with the creative players around her.

And while her opportunities at club level might fluctuate due to Chelsea’s stacked attack, her minutes for England could prove crucial in the long-term succession plan for the No.9 role.

Michelle Agyemang – The Teen Sensation Ready to Step Up

England Women Training & Press Conference

At 19, Michelle Agyemang has already shown flashes of brilliance. Her brief appearance against Brazil — just seven minutes — was enough to glimpse her pace, directness, and willingness to press defenders.

But seven minutes isn’t nearly enough to judge potential. Against Australia, she deserves a more meaningful chance, perhaps even as part of a different formation.

During Euro 2025, Wiegman experimented with a 3-5-2 system — and it worked. Deploying Beever-Jones and Agyemang together up front, with Ella Toone or Chloe Kelly behind them, could give England a new dimension in attack.

With several natural wingers (Lauren James, Lauren Hemp, Jess Park, Grace Clinton) unavailable, a more central setup could not only suit the current squad but also give Agyemang the platform to thrive.

Taylor Hinds England training 2025

Taylor Hinds – England’s Left-Back Answer?

The decision to start Alex Greenwood at left-back against Brazil was, to put it kindly, surprising. Greenwood did the job — as she always does — but using your best centre-back out wide in a friendly doesn’t exactly scream experimentation.

Enter Taylor Hinds.

The Arsenal defender, who switched her international allegiance from Jamaica, was called up by Wiegman this month — a clear signal that she’s in England’s long-term plans. Quick, intelligent, and technically sound, Hinds offers exactly what England have lacked on the left side: width, pace, and a natural overlapping option.

If England are serious about solving their full-back problem before the next tournament cycle, Hinds needs minutes now — not in 2026.

Maya Le Tissier – Deserves a Consistent Role

Maya Le Tissier has become one of the most consistent defenders in the WSL, yet her international role remains uncertain. Against Brazil, she was deployed at right-back — a position she handled admirably, but not her natural one.

Still, her versatility is invaluable. Le Tissier’s positional intelligence and reading of the game make her a strong option across the back line. With Lucy Bronze still recovering from injury and Wiegman needing defensive flexibility, giving Le Tissier another run-out, perhaps alongside Greenwood at centre-back, could be an important step forward.

Sophie Baggaley – The Quiet Contender

With Hampton injured and Keating debuting, Sophie Baggaley quietly joined the squad as backup, but she’s another player who deserves recognition. Her form for Manchester United has been quietly excellent — agile, reliable, and a brilliant communicator.

While Moorhouse might be the senior option, Baggaley represents the next in line. Even a few minutes in a friendly would help establish her as part of the long-term plan.

Why Rotation Matters Now

This international break — and the next in November — are rare opportunities for Wiegman. Once the World Cup qualifying campaign begins, the room for experimentation disappears. Every fixture becomes about results, rankings, and rhythm.

So these friendlies aren’t just about winning; they’re about building the next generation. England have already proven they can beat the world’s best. Now, they must prove they can evolve — blending their established stars with hungry young talents like Beever-Jones, Blindkilde Brown, and Agyemang.

As the Lionesses prepare to face Australia — a team known for their energy, pressing, and tactical discipline — Wiegman has the perfect stage to test her depth and adaptability.

Because if England want to stay at the top of world football, they’ll need more than just their Euro-winning core. They’ll need fresh blood, bold ideas, and belief in the next wave of Lionesses ready to roar.