Chloe Kelly has been left out of Sarina Wiegman’s squad for the Lionesses’ upcoming Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain, with the England boss saying that the winger ‘hasn’t played enough’ to justify her inclusion.
Kelly – who has started just once in the top-flight this season – left Manchester City on tense terms at the end of last month, accusing the club of trying to ‘assassinate my character’ and of spreading ‘false accusations’ after their relationship deteriorated.
She joined Arsenal on loan on deadline day until the end of the season, when her contract at City expires, and the 27-year-old said that she does not expect to return to Gareth Taylor’s side after her time in north London comes to an end.
As part of her leaving statement from City, Kelly said she is focused on getting into Wiegman’s Lionesses squad ahead of the upcoming European Championships this summer, with the England boss previously admitting that Kelly’s lack of minutes this season was a ‘concern’.
Kelly, who scored the match-winning goal against Germany in the 2022 final, said: ‘With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country.
‘Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so.’
Arsenal star Chloe Kelly has been left out of Lionesses’ squad for England’s February games
England manager Sarina Wiegman sent a clear message to Kelly to ‘show what you’re about’ after she started only one game this season
England are set to face Portugal in an away game on February 21 and Spain at home February 26
And Wiegman has said today that Kelly is ‘not out’ of making the Euros squad, but that she needs to see more from her if she is to fight her way back into the squad.
‘She hasn’t played enough, in my opinion,’ Wiegman said. ‘Start playing and show what you’re about, and then we’ll have that conversation again.’
And, she added: ‘We had a good conversation yesterday, and she’s not out for the Euros… we’ll revisit it.’
Elsewhere, Chelsea duo Lauren James and Niamh Charles have returned to the squad, while Brighton’s Nikita Parris has also received a first call-up since November 2022.
Key players Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp continue to miss out due to their respective injuries, but there is a silver lining with the return of in-form Ella Toone, who missed out on the last camp due to a calf injury.
The Lionesses will travel to the Algarve to face Portugal on Friday 21 February before the European Champions welcome Spain to Wembley on Wednesday 26 February, in what is billed to be an exciting replay of the 2023 World Cup final, which England ended up losing 1-0.
