Chloe Kelly, whose match-winner sealed Euro 2022 victory for England, has been dropped by Sarina Wiegman for her latest squad to face Portugal and Spain.
The 27-year-old has played only 117 minutes of football for Manchester City since England’s last international fixtures in November, and completed a surprise loan move to WSL rivals Arsenal on Deadline Day, after aiming a parting shot over being frozen out by her parent club.
Kelly played only 15 minutes from the bench in England’s 0-0 friendly draw with the USA during the last round of internationals.
Of the 24-player squad, Lotte Wubben-Moy is called up from the off after coming in to replace injuries during those November games, while Ella Toone returns from injury and is in fine form for Manchester United, with six goals since her comeback.
- Women’s Euro 2025 draw: England to face Wales in group stage
- Women’s Euro 2025: Dates, venues and fixture schedule
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺
Nikita Parris is handed a first call-up in more than two years following her own purple patch for Brighton, having scored six goals in her last eight games in all competitions for the club.
Chelsea duo Niamh Charles and Lauren James return following injury having not played for England since July and April of last year respectively.
England travel to Portugal for their first Nations League game of this cycle on February 21, kick-off 7.45pm, before hosting world champions Spain at Wembley on February 26, kick-off 8pm.
Analysis: Hard for Wiegman to include Kelly after lack of minutes
Sky Sports News’ Anton Toloui at Wembley Stadium:
“She was the talk of the January transfer window in the WSL. Kelly got her late Deadline Day move to Arsenal, but she’s been dropped for this squad.
“Sarina Wiegman challenged her to get more minutes and that’s what she was hoping to achieve at her new club. It’s an interesting squad with 24 players listed.
“Moving to Arsenal in January was all about solidifying and keeping her place going into the Euros. But the fact of the matter is, Wiegman said after the last squad the time for experimentation is over – she wants to try to figure out who her best 23 players are.
“At the moment, Kelly has only started one WSL game this season. That’s not her fault necessarily that she’s been cup tied or ineligible to play for Arsenal since her move, and she’ll be desperate to turn that around, but, at the moment, Wiegman’s going with the hot hand. And that’s Nikita Parris.”
England squad in full…
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 (Man Utd), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Man Utd), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Man City), Grace Clinton (Man Utd), Ruby Mace (Leicester), Jess Park (Man City), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Keira Walsh (Chelsea).
Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Naz (Tottenham), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
