England's Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly has been omitted from the national team squad for the upcoming Women's Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain, following her recent transfer to Arsenal from Manchester City.
Kelly, who etched her name in English football history by scoring the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, has not featured in any matches since December 15, when Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Everton. Her absence from City's lineup came after falling out of favor with manager Gareth Taylor, ultimately leading to her deadline day move to Arsenal in January.
The forward's last appearance for the national team came when she was named in the squad that faced the United States in November. She subsequently had to withdraw from the Switzerland match due to a concussion and has yet to make her debut for Arsenal since completing her loan move.
England manager Sarina Wiegman's squad announcement sees the return of Lauren James and Ella Toone from injury, while Georgia Stanway will be unavailable for selection. Notable inclusion comes in the form of Brighton forward Nikita Parris, who receives her first senior England call-up since November 2022. Parris has impressed in the Women's Super League this season, netting four goals in 11 appearances for Dario Vidosic's side.
The complete England squad features Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, and Anna Moorhouse as goalkeepers. The defensive line includes Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Millie Turner, Leah Williamson, and Lotte Wubben-Moy. The midfield contingent comprises Laura Blindkilde-Brown, Grace Clinton, Ruby Mace, Jess Park, Ella Toone, and Keira Walsh, while the forward line consists of Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Jess Naz, Nikita Parris, and Alessia Russo.
Kelly's journey since her historic Euro 2022 moment has taken an unexpected turn, with the forward actively pursuing her January transfer through social media posts before securing her move to Arsenal. As England prepares for their Nations League matches scheduled for February 21 and 26, all eyes will be on how the team performs without their Euro 2022 hero in the lineup.
