'I like surprises' - Wiegman calls up 17-year-old Parkinson

'I like surprises' - Wiegman calls up 17-year-old Parkinson By Emma Sanders BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at St George's Park Published 1 hour ago England manager Sarina Wiegman said she "likes surprises" as she named a 23-player squad to face Spain and Iceland in April's Women's World Cup qualifiers. Among the usual star names in the Lionesses line-up was 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson - a relatively unknown talent who plays club football in Portugal. The teenager represents Portuguese first division side Valadares Gaia and has been involved in England's youth teams, most recently the under-23s. And while Wiegman does not expect Parkinson to challenge for a starting place, she looks forward to seeing the youngster make the step up. "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 Published 27 November 2025 'Big step up' to England's first team The absence of Manchester United's Ella Toone and Manchester City's Grace Clinton due to injuries has opened the door for Parkinson. The 17-year-old was born in Singapore to an English father and a Japanese mother, and is eligible to represent both nations, as well as Portugal. She was called up to England Under-23s for the first time in November, having previously played for the younger age groups, picking up 44 youth team caps. Wiegman said Parkinson was "speechless" when she was told she was se...