Lotte Wubben-Moy gets England call-up after Champions League triumph | OneFootball

Lotte Wubben-Moy’s post-Champions League celebrations have been cut short after she was called up to the England squad to replace the injured Millie Bright.

Lotte Wubben-Moy’s season is not quite over yet. Days after helping Arsenal lift their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title, the defender has been called into the England squad for this week’s Nations League fixtures, stepping in for Millie Bright, who will undergo “an extended period of recovery.”

The 26-year-old had been in the middle of celebrations with her club teammates following Saturday’s 1–0 win over Barcelona, but she’ll now report back for national duty as the Lionesses prepare to face Portugal at Wembley on Friday and Spain in Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium next Tuesday.

She will join club colleagues Leah Williamson, who captains England, and Beth Mead in the squad.

Michelle Agyemang, who spent the season on loan with Brighton, also keeps her place, while Chloe Kelly, whose loan spell at Arsenal ended with that Champions League win, has also been included.

Bright’s absence was confirmed by the FA on Monday afternoon. No timeline has been given for her return, but her exclusion offers Wubben-Moy a significant opportunity to reassert her international credentials ahead of this summer’s Euro qualifiers.

Arsenal’s England players will join the squad on Tuesday, having been granted an extra few days to celebrate.

In other England news, Mary Earps, who was included in the squad, has announced her retirement from international football with immediate effect. The Euros start in 36 days.

“I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally,” Earps said in a statement released by the Football Association on Tuesday. “It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.

“I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”

In response to the surprise news, Wiegman said, “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed. Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.

“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”