Sarina Wiegman has called up Bay FC forward Keira Barry to the England squad for the first time, ahead of the next round of 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Following London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey’s withdrawal due to injury, the England boss has taken the opportunity to call up another new name in Barry.
The 20-year-old came through the Manchester United academy and departed in January to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club. She joins Erica Meg Parkinson as another new face in this Lionesses camp.
Who is Keira Barry?
Barry, born south of Manchester in Congleton, signed her first professional contract with Manchester United in August 2023 after progressing through the club’s youth ranks.
The Academy graduate made two appearances for United and spent time at FA Women’s National League side Derby County as well as loan spells with Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
A first #Lionesses call-up! 🙌Congratulations to Keira Barry 💪 pic.twitter.com/g9LpiecnAQApril 7, 2026
After injury setbacks during her time with Palace, a successful spell at Sunderland in 2025 saw her score three goals in 11 appearances, including a brace in an FA Cup tie against former club Derby County.
After a decade within the Manchester United system, Barry embarked on a new league and a new country in January 2026, signing a four-year deal with Bay FC in the United States. The move reunited her with former England under-23 coach Emma Coates.
Barry has made a promising start to life in the NWSL, making her debut in March and quickly opening her account with a goal against North Carolina Courage.
On the international stage, Barry has represented England at under-17, under-19 and under-23 level. In December 2025, Barry was named England’s player of the match in a loss to the United States.
Her call-up to the senior squad marks the next step in a career that has already shown resilience and determination, as she looks to make an impression ahead of England’s upcoming qualifiers against Spain and Iceland.
Off the pitch, Barry has cited watching Wayne Rooney’s famous overhead kick as a favourite football memory - a moment she tried to recreate in the garden with her brother when she was growing up.
Barry’s inclusion also means there are now two Keiras in the squad, alongside Keira Walsh, matching the number of Laurens (Hemp and James) as the most common names in the current camp.
Barry joins Wiegman’s 24-player squad who met at St George's Park this week ahead of facing Spain on Tuesday 14 April at Wembley Stadium and Iceland in Reykjavik on Saturday 18 April. England currently sit top of their qualifying group having won their two games in March, but face their toughest test yet in world champions Spain next week.
