Chloe Kelly Missing from Lionesses Squad but Remains Hopeful for Euros.

Image: Lioness manager Sarina Wiegman at a past press conference. Credit: The Times

Sarina Wiegman has named a 24-player squad for the start of England’s Nations League campaign. During this window the Lionesses will travel to Portugal, before facing Spain at home, hoping to start their year on a high.

The squad features several changes from the last one that drew 0-0 against USA and beat Switzerland 1-0 in friendlies last year, with one notable omission being Chloe Kelly.

Kelly misses out on selection, as Wiegman states that Kelly “hasn’t played enough” and the competition in the team is huge. After starting only 1 league game for Manchester City this season, Kelly made a last minute deadline day transfer, moving to rivals Arsenal on loan for the rest of the 24/25 season. She is due to make her debut for the Gunners on Sunday at the North London Derby.

“She’s not out for the Euros,” Wiegman clarifies. “Hopefully she gets the minutes soon and can show (her worth) again. Then we’ll revisit it”

Brighton and Hove Albion forward Nikita Parris has returned to the squad for the first time since 2022. Parris moved to Brighton in the summer and has scored 4 goals and 2 assists in the Women’s Super League this season.

“She’s in good form and knows what’s needed in international football,” said Wiegman. “I want to see her in our environment and she can take this opportunity.”

While Lauren James, Ella Toone and Niamh Charles all return to the squad after missing out due to injury, Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, and Fran Kirby are the latest additions to the injury list.

Stanway sustained an injury to her lateral collateral ligament (LCL), undergoing surgery just 2 weeks ago. When asked about Stanway’s position in the squad this summer, Wiegman replies “I’m hopeful. Georgia has a plan and she’s very committed and motivated to be back.”

England will begin their campaign in Algarve, where they face Portugal on 21 February, before hosting Spain at Wembley Stadium on 26 February.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Ruby Mace (Leicester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Nikita Parris (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)