Ellie Roebuck, the England goalkeeper, has been named to Sarina Wiegman's squad for the first time since 2023, marking a significant milestone in her recovery from a stroke that occurred roughly 18 months prior. This call-up follows a challenging period for the Aston Villa player, who feared she might never play football again after the health scare.
In early 2024, Roebuck's world was "rocked" when doctors informed her that she had suffered a stroke. The diagnosis came after she experienced a series of symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, fatigue, imbalance, and impaired vision with black dots. These symptoms initially emerged around Christmas of 2023. A ball striking the back of her head during training with her former club, Manchester City, led to an initial diagnosis of concussion. However, Roebuck knew it was more than a concussion and insisted on a head scan. The scan revealed an infarct in her left occipital lobe, a type of stroke.
The news was particularly devastating because the occipital lobe is responsible for visual processing, raising concerns about her ability to continue her career. Roebuck's immediate concern was whether she would ever be able to play football again. Adding to the difficulty, the diagnosis came just two weeks after she had signed a pre-contract with Barcelona. Following the diagnosis, she was told not to train for 12 weeks while doctors worked to determine the cause of the stroke.
Roebuck, who earned 11 caps for England, has described the stroke as something that has altered her perspective and allowed her to appreciate different aspects of life. She noted that as a footballer, life moves at an incredible pace, leaving little time for reflection. In February 2025, Roebuck said she was fortunate to keep her vision, stating that she "should have lost" her peripheral vision. She also recounted the surreal experience of being in a stroke ward with older patients, highlighting the unexpected nature of her condition at a young age.
After nearly a year away from the field, Roebuck made her comeback in December and joined Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer after it was confirmed that she would make a full recovery. In October 2025, she made her first appearance for Barcelona, marking a remarkable return to professional football 19 months after her last game. Roebuck expressed her gratitude and joy on Instagram, stating that playing the game she loves again for Barcelona was a dream come true.
Roebuck's return to the Lionesses squad replaces Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who is out due to injury. This call-up also means that Anna Moorhouse is in line to make her England debut against China. Moorhouse received her first call-up in July 2024 but has been behind other goalkeepers in the pecking order.
As she returns to the England squad, Roebuck brings a wealth of experience, including her time training alongside Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas at Barcelona. She looks forward to contributing to the team and continuing to grow the women's game.
