Chelsea star Niamh Charles forced to pull out of Lionesses squad for Euro 2025 qualifiers as Man Utd's Maya Le Tissier steps in

The Lionesses confirmed on Monday that the Blues star will miss out on the team's upcoming Euro qualifying games against France due to a calf injury. She has been replaced in the 23-member squad by Manchester United central defender Le Tissier, who was kept on standby.

Along with Charles, Southampton goalkeeper Kayla Rendell also misses out on the upcoming games due to an ankle injury as Birmingham City custodian Lucy Thomas replaced her in the standby list. The 26-member unit - including the three standby players - started training on May 27 at St. George’s Park.

The official statement from the England Football Team read: "Maya Le Tissier has moved into the 23-player England senior women’s squad for the forthcoming UEFA Women’s EURO qualifying fixtures with France. Le Tissier joins from standby and replaces Niamh Charles who will remain with Chelsea to manage a calf injury. Birmingham City goalkeeper Lucy Thomas has also joined the squad on standby. Thomas replaces the injured Kayla Rendell who is recuperating from an ankle injury.

"Both Charles and Rendell will continue to be assessed prior to the July international window. Lotte Wubben-Moy, as previously announced, will undertake a period of recuperation during this international window because of a foot injury. The 26-players - including three on standby (Lucy Thomas, Missy Bo Kearns and Jess Naz) - arrived at St. George’s Park today as they look ahead to a double-header against Les Bleus, beginning at St. James' Park on Friday 31 May."

Sarina Wiegman's side will play back-to-back Euro 2025 qualifying matches against Les Bleus on May 31 and June 4 respectively.