Nikita Parris gets Lionesses recall as Chloe Kelly left out of squad for Nations League games

Evening Standard

·11 February 2025

Nikita Parris gets Lionesses recall as Chloe Kelly left out of squad for Nations League games

The striker’s form for Brighton has earned her an England recall, as Lauren James also returns

Nikita Parris has been named in the England squad for the first time since November 2022.

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The 30-year-old forward has four goals and two assists for Brighton in the WSL since signing from Manchester United in September, and will now look to add to her 71 England caps.

Chloe Kelly, who moved to Arsenal from Manchester City on transfer deadline day in January, has been left out of the squad.

Chelsea duo Niamh Charles and Lauren James are also back in the fold after returns from injuries. But Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp all miss out with fitness issues of their own.

There is no Chloe Kelly, who has been dropped less than a month after she left Manchester City in sour circumstances to join rivals Arsenal on loan until the summer.

Lionesses manager has named 24 players in her squad for matches against Portugal and Spain in the UEFA Nations League later this month.

England face Portugal in the Algarve on February 21 before hosting their 2023 World Cup Final conquerors Spain at Wembley on February 26.

Laura Blindkilde Brown of Manchester City and Leicester’s Ruby Mace have both retained their places after Wiegman handed the two 21-year-olds their senior international debuts in December’s 1-0 win over Switzerland.

Ella Toone missed the last camp with injury but is now back fit and returns.

In April, England face a double-header against Belgium as their Nations League campaign continues. The group concludes with return fixtures against Portugal and Spain on May 30 and June 3 respectively.

Attention then turns to Euro 2025, where the Lionesses are the defending champions in Switzerland. They are in Group D and face France, the Netherlands and Wales.

England women squad in full

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Paris Saint-Germain), 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 Blinkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Ruby Mace (Leicester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)