Chloe Kelly left out of Lionesses squad after January transfer drama as Nikita Parris earns first call-up in two years and Lauren James and Ella Toone return after injury

Kelly hasn't played since January 12, having left Manchester City to join Arsenal on loan on deadline day in the winter transfer window. That's because the Gunners' first two fixtures after that move were against City, and the winger could not face her parent club. Their third was in the FA Cup, with Kelly unable to play as she is cup-tied. She can play again before England meet-up, and she is likely to feature against Tottenham this weekend, but with Sarina Wiegman able to welcome back a number of others, the 27-year-old hasn't made the cut on this occasion.

James' return boosts the wide areas, while Toone's return to fitness, and her electric form, could see her bolster the attack from the No.10 position. Niamh Charles, the Lionesses' regular left-back, is also back from injury. Nikita Parris, meanwhile, has earned a first call-up since November 2022 and will provide necessary competition for Alessia Russo in the No.9 role. Parris has nine goals in all competitions for Brighton this term.

Speaking about her team selection for the Women's Nations League games against Portugal and Spain this month, 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 European Championships 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."

Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace both made debuts in England's last game of 2024 and the two young midfielders keep their place in this squad, which is particularly notable after Georgia Stanway's recent surgery. She is not the only Lioness to drop out from the December squad due to a knee problem, with Alex Greenwood also set to be a key absentee in defence.

The Lionesses' first fixture of 2025 is away to Portugal on February 21, before they return to England to face Spain at Wembley five days later. These are the first games of the new Nations League campaign.