Lionesses squad announced: Chloe Kelly misses out as Parris, Toone, Charles and James return | OneFootball

Sarina Wiegman has named her 24-player England squad for this month’s UEFA Women’s Nations League matches against Spain and Portugal.

Chloe Kelly, who moved to Arsenal from Manchester City in the recent transfer window after a heartfelt social media post, has been dropped from the team. She has only one Women’s Super League start to her name this season.

Brighton’s Nikita Parris returns to an England squad for the first time in almost two-and-a-half years, after missing out on the 2023 World Cup side.

Chelsea duo Niamh Charles and Lauren James both return following injury, having not played for England since July and April of last year respectively, while Ella Toone’s brilliant form since her return from a calf injury sees her in the squad.

Georgia Stanway’s recent knee surgery sees her sidelined, alongside the injured Man City duo Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp.

These matches mark the first in 2025 for the Lionesses, as they prepare to defend their crown at EURO 2025.

Team 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 (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), Jess Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

England head to the Algarve to face Portugal on Friday 21 February (KO 7.45pm GMT), before the European champions welcome the FIFA World Cup holders Spain to Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 26 February (KO 8pm GMT).

Ahead of the matches against Portugal and Spain, Wiegman said: “These are two big games to start 2025. It is exciting that we have the chance to write a new chapter in our story in the months ahead, especially with the Euros this summer, but we will focus first on what is right in front of us and a very important Nations League campaign.

“Portugal are getting stronger all the time and it will be good for us to get a week’s training together in what we hope will be great conditions, both on and off the pitch before we play. I am expecting a high-level game, and it is also good to experience a different environment in our first match abroad since last summer.

“We then have another special occasion at Wembley against Spain. I am sure we will get great support, and we can’t wait to see our fans again. Hard work during the week and our performances in these two matches can give us a strong foundation for a big year ahead.”