Nikita Parris returns to Lionesses squad after two years but Chloe Kelly left out

Nikita Parris has been included in the England squad for the first time in two years, while Chloe Kelly has been left out by Sarina Wiegman for the Nations League games against Portugal and Spain.

Parris has scored nine goals in 19 games across all competitions this season following her move from Manchester United to Brighton in the summer in search of regular game time.

The 30-year-old, who was a part of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 winning side has not received an England call-up since November 2022, when she started in a 1-1 draw with Norway.

Meanwhile, Chloe Kelly, who scored the winner in the final of the Euros, has been omitted after only starting one game this season for Manchester City, prompting her deadline-day loan to Arsenal in January to keep her Euro 2025 ambitions alive.

Kelly was included in Wiegman’s last squad but withdrew due to concussion protocol following an injured suffered in a 0-0 draw with the USA at Wembley. The manager had previously expressed her “concern” at the forward’s lack of minutes.

The Lionesses play Portugal in the Algarve next on 21 February to kickstart their Nations League campaign before they welcome World Cup holders Spain to Wembley on 26 February.

Lauren James, Ella Toone and Niamh Charles have all returned having previously been unavailable due to injury. The influential centre-back Alex Greenwood and the Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway both missing due to knee injuries while Manchester United defender Gabby George has been omitted.

“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 Euro this summer, but we will focus first on what is right in front of us and a very important Nations League campaign,” Wiegman said.

“Portugal are getting stronger all the time … 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.”