England look to the future by giving their fringe an outing against Ireland

As England prepare to take on Ireland in an ODI series, what can we learn from who is playing and who is not? There have been a number of changes since England’s last ODI squad was named, for the series against New Zealand in May, and even more since the World Cup semi final loss to South Africa 10 months ago.

England – a team in transition…

England line up v South Africa – 29th October 2025	England line up v New Zealand – 16th May 2026	Possible England line up v Ireland – 1st September 2026
Amy Jones †	Emma Lamb	Maia Bouchier
Tammy Beaumont	Jodi Grewcock	Jodi Grewcock
Heather Knight	Heather Knight	Alice Capsey †
Nat Sciver-Brunt (c)	Alice Capsey	Sophia Dunkley
Alice Capsey	Freya Kemp	Dani Gibson
Danni Wyatt-Hodge	Dani Gibson	Freya Kemp
Sophia Dunkley	Amy Jones †	Charis Pavely
Charlie Dean	Charlie Dean (c)	Charlie Dean (c)
Sophie Ecclestone	Sophie Ecclestone	Grace Potts
Linsey Smith	Lauren Bell	Ryana McDonald-Gay
Lauren Bell	Lauren Filer	Tilly Corteen-Coleman

Rested players for the Ireland series: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell and Amy Jones.

Retired players: Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont

Centrally contracted players who are on their way out

It is difficult to see a way back for several centrally contracted players who have not been named in the squad for the Ireland series. 

Sarah Glenn has only played one game for Charlotte Edwards (against West Indies at Taunton in June 2025). She took three wickets and was named player of the match, but has not been picked since. She has not made the squad for the Ireland series.

Emma Lamb was brought in by Charlotte Edwards for her first squad on the basis of her domestic form. She has failed to replicate that form, unfortunately, top scoring with 55 against West Indies at Leicester, but failing twice against New Zealand this season. She too has not made the squad for the Ireland series.

Em Arlott was also brought in by Edwards for the West Indies series last year. She had to withdraw from the squad to play New Zealand earlier this year following a serious concussion she picked up playing for Warwickshire. Not picked for the Ireland series, she seems to have been overtaken by Grace Potts in the pecking order.

Centrally contracted players with much to prove

Mahika Gaur has not played for Lancashire since May because of a fractured foot. She has not played for England since their tour of Ireland two years ago. It seems difficult to justify her having a central contract.

Issy Wong has done really well to get herself back into the England frame. Her last ODI was also two years ago in Ireland. Her last T20i was against India on 28^th May. Her three overs went for 41 runs. Still has much to prove at the top level.

Lauren Filer needs some more convincing performances in an England shirt if she is not to drop down the pecking order. She rarely features in T20 internationals, as England tend to prefer their spin options and in ODIs there are a number of players challenging for her place in the team.

Ryana McDonald-Gay has not represented England since the notorious Ashes Test match of February 2025. She needs to re-launch her international career during this Ireland series if she has any chance of retaining her skills contract with England.

Players who can cement roles in the England team during this Ireland series

Charlie Dean. It’s surely a matter of time before she is given the captaincy full time. This series is a chance to enhance her burgeoning reputation.

Alice Capsey the wicketkeeper is a completely unknown quantity. A good series against Ireland could provide serious competition to the previously unremovable Amy Jones.

Dani Gibson had a good World Cup and captained SunRisers Leeds to the Hundred final. A chance to pitch for the vice captaincy.

Freya Kemp. Can she and Gibson become the all-rounders needed in ODI as well as T20 cricket?

Maia Bouchier has been in and out the side for far too long. This is her chance to pitch for the long term opener’s slot following Beaumont’s retirement.

Sophia Dunkley. Another player who has been in and out of ODI squads, but whose excellent Hundred and good World Cup performances should give her confidence to fill in the gap left by Heather Knight.

Tilly Corteen-Coleman is still England’s third choice left arm spinner. She needs to move up the pecking order ahead of Linsey Smith if she is to be guaranteed a slot in the ODI team.

Players being given a rare chance

Kira Chathli. Given that Capsey will keep wicket, this could be another series when Chathli carries the drinks. It’s questionable whether she is good enough to play as just a batter.

Charis Pavely. An exciting opportunity for the Warwickshire all-rounder having previously played two T20 internationals for England on the Ireland tour in 2024.

Grace Potts. I hope she doesn’t suffer too much from imposter syndrome because her numbers this season don’t seem to stack up to merit an England call. Clearly Lottie sees something in her.

Mady Villiers played well in the test match against India. Her only previous ODIs were against Ireland in 2024. A great opportunity to show her all round skills.

Unlucky not to be called up

Pace bowlers Grace Ballinger and Charley Phillips are both having great seasons for the Blaze and would have been imaginative call-ups. Given that England are most deficient in batting, top run-scorer in The T20 Blast Grace Scrivens would have been a good call at the top of the order. Thinking of another left-hander, nobody has scored more runs in the Metro Bank One Day Cup than Eve Jones. Katie George is having an excellent season with Warwickshire and must have been close to selection as well. Hannah Baker, last selected in that 2024 Ireland tour would have been a good leg spin option. And, getting slightly more rogue now, why not mention Sophie Luff – having a brilliant season at Somerset? If England selection is open to anyone she surely should be under consideration.