Lionesses goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has been recalled to the England squad by Sarina Wiegman for the first time since 2023. This marks a remarkable comeback for the Aston Villa player, who suffered a stroke six months after the 2023 World Cup.
The 26-year-old suffered a left occipital infarct, a type of stroke, after being hit in the back of the head with a ball during training with Manchester City. Initially treated for a concussion, further tests revealed the more serious condition. Roebuck said she knew it wasn't a concussion, despite having had one before, and insisted on a head scan for peace of mind. The scan revealed the infarct in her left occipital lobe.
Roebuck expressed disbelief at suffering a stroke at her age, stating she associated strokes with older people. She also recounted being told by nurses that she couldn't carry shopping or exercise for six weeks, a difficult restriction for a professional footballer. Roebuck feels lucky to have not lost her vision, as that is a common result of the type of stroke she had.
After a year in Spain, Roebuck signed with Aston Villa for the 2025-26 season. However, she has only made two appearances for the Villans in the Women's Super League this season, due to Sabrina D'Angelo's strong position as the team's first-choice goalkeeper.
Roebuck's return to the Lionesses squad comes as a result of Khiara Keating's withdrawal due to a groin injury sustained in training. With Hannah Hampton also injured, this opened the door for Roebuck to rejoin the national team.
Sarina Wiegman has named an uncapped Sophie Baggaley from Brighton as the other goalkeeper in the squad. Anna Moorhouse of Orlando Pride is also in the squad and is in line to make her England debut against China. She received her first call-up in July 2024 but found herself behind Keating, the retired Mary Earps, and the currently injured Hampton in the pecking order.
England is set to face China and Ghana in upcoming friendly matches. These games will round out what has been a memorable year for the Lionesses.
