Kelly out of England Squad

footballgirl.eu

Dutch England coach Sarina Wiegman has explained her decision to leave Chloe Kelly out of the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain, citing a lack of playing time. However, Nikita Parris has been recalled for the first time in two years.

Kelly, who famously scored the winning goal in the 2022 Euros final, has struggled for game time this season, starting just one match for Manchester City. In a bid to revive her chances of making the Euro 2025 squad, she secured a deadline-day loan move to Arsenal in January. The 27-year-old was named in Wiegman’s previous squad but had to withdraw due to concussion protocols following an injury during England’s goalless draw with the USA at Wembley. Wiegman had previously voiced concerns over Kelly’s limited minutes on the pitch.

“In my opinion, she hasn’t played enough,” Wiegman stated. “She has now moved clubs, but she played very little last autumn. She had built up some credit, but after such limited game time, she needs to establish herself at Arsenal, gain minutes, and show her abilities. Then we can reassess.”

Addressing Kelly’s loan move, Wiegman added: “She was struggling and worried about her mental health. I don’t have the full context, but I’m just pleased she has secured a move and, as she said, can find happiness again.”

Meanwhile, Lauren James, Ella Toone, and Niamh Charles have returned to the squad after recovering from injuries. However, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway will miss out due to knee injuries, and Manchester United defender Gabby George has also been omitted.

Wiegman emphasized the importance of the upcoming fixtures, saying: “It’s an exciting time as we prepare for the Euros this summer, but our immediate focus is on the Nations League. Portugal continues to improve, and then we have a special occasion at Wembley against Spain. We’re looking forward to the support from our fans.”

She also voiced her support for Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw, who was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following City’s 4-3 defeat to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League. “I stand with her and with everyone who has faced abuse or racism,” said Wiegman. “It’s completely unacceptable, and we need to do more to address it.”

Parris has earned her recall after an impressive season, scoring nine goals in 19 appearances across all competitions for Brighton following her move from Manchester United in the summer. The 30-year-old, a key member of England’s Euro 2022-winning squad, last played for the Lionesses in November 2022 in a 1-1 draw with Norway.

“We always monitor a lot of players, and over the past two years, I’ve chosen others,” Wiegman explained. “But Nikita is performing well and in good form. She understands what is required at the international level, and I want to see her in our environment. This is an opportunity for her.”

England will open their Nations League campaign against Portugal in the Algarve on February 21 before facing World Cup champions Spain at Wembley on February 26.