Erica Parkinson Earns First England Call-Up at 17, Wiegman Explains Decision
Parkinson’s Surprise Call-Up at 17
England announced a surprise senior call‑up for 17‑year‑old attacking midfielder Erica Parkinson ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Iceland and reigning champions Spain. Parkinson, who plays regularly for Valadares Gaia in Portugal’s top‑flight, is a new name to many Lionesses fans.
Wiegman’s Reasoning: Depth and Potential
Sarina Wiegman explained the decision: "We called her up because we are a little bit low in depth midfield with the injuries to Ella Toone and Grace Clinton, so of course, then we're going to look at who's next." She praised Parkinson’s pathway, noting she has played in Portugal, done well with the England U23s, and is a very dynamic attacking midfielder who wants to go forward and is also very aggressive and pretty technical.
Wiegman added that the step up is big but Parkinson will get the opportunity to show where she stands, and while she is not expected to start straight away, she should adapt quickly to the senior level.
Eligibility and Choice: Why England?
Parkinson is eligible for four nations: she was born in Singapore to an English father and a Japanese mother, has lived in Portugal since age ten, and therefore qualifies for England, Portugal, Japan and Singapore. She speaks four languages and has more than 70 senior appearances for Valadares Gaia, having debuted at 15.
She was named Liga BPI’s best young player last season and, this term, has already recorded four goals and two assists in 14 league appearances. When asked why she chose England, Parkinson said it was "the first country that invited me into the national training centre" and that a scout had seen her games in Portugal, realised she was half‑English, and she liked the culture, ambition and style of play.
- More than 70 senior appearances for Valadares Gaia
- Four goals and two assists in 14 league appearances this season
- Three seasons in Portugal’s top‑flight
- England U23s experience
- Liga BPI best young player award (last season)
- Eligible for England, Portugal, Japan and Singapore
Debut Prospects: Spain, Iceland and Beyond
Wiegman admitted it is unlikely Parkinson will make her senior debut in the April 14 home match against Spain at Wembley. However, a few days later England face Iceland, offering a chance if she impresses in training. The Lionesses will conclude this qualifying window in June with a trip to Spain and a home game versus Ukraine.
"We called her up because we are a little bit low in depth midfield with the injuries to Ella Toone and Grace Clinton, so of course, then we're going to look at who's next." – Sarina Wiegman
