England manager Sarina Wiegman says that Chloe Kelly's hope to play on Euro 2025 is not over after the Arsenal -Loeningman from the latest Lionesses team was omitted to undergo Portugal and Spain.
The 27-year-old has only been playing football for Manchester City for 117 minutes since the last international matches of England in November, and completed a surprise loan to WSL-Rivolen Arsenal on Deadline Day, after having a farewell shot focused on frozen from his older club.
Kelly only played 15 minutes from the bank in the 0-0 friendly draw of England with the US during the final round of internationals and Wiegman explained that the lack of club football of the attacker was behind her omission.
“She didn't play enough,” said Wiegman. “She has moved clubs now, but last fall she hardly played and had built up some credit. But at that time she played fewer minutes.
“We had a good conversation yesterday (Monday) and she understands. She is not looking for the euros. She has a full training. Hopefully she will get minutes soon and then we will visit it again. There is huge competition on the course in the team. “
Of the team of 24 players, Lotte Wubben-Moy is called from the start after replacing injuries during those matches of November, while Ella Toone returns from injury and is in good shape for Manchester United, with six goals since her comeback.
Nikita Parris gets a first call-up in more than two years after her own purple patch for Brighton, after he has scored six goals in her last eight games in all matches for the club.
Chelsea Duo Niamh Charles and Lauren James return after an injury that have not played for England since July and April of last year.
England, however, is Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Fran Kirby without regulars because of injury. Wiegman said: “They will be out for a while. Fran Kirby is almost back, she's good.
“Of course it always makes you worries when someone is injured. They are all in a good place, but it will take a little longer. I just hope that their recovery is going really well and they will come a few minutes later and are fresh, fit and tone versions . “
When asked if Bayern Munich -midfielder Stanway, who underwent a knee operation in January, would return for the euros in time, Wiegman added: “I am hopeful. Georgia has a plan and she is very committed to come back. She was operated on that went well.
“I spoke with her, she is now in a good place. She knows where she wants to be at a certain moment. Let's hope it will be that way.”
England travels to Portugal for their First Nations League match of this cycle on February 21, kick-off at 7.45 pm, before they organize World Champions Spain in Wembley on 26 February, kick-off at 8 p.m.
Analysis: Kelly will have to earn her place in the hard way
Sky Sports News' Anton Toloui in Wembley Stadium:
Wiegman insists that the door is open to Kelly to make the English team for the euro, but it will be a statement.
The head coach says that the winger needs minutes and after six months on the couch in her old club Manchester City has to rediscover.
But that will not be easy, since Kelly's competing with Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord, Rosa Kafaji, Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo for playing time.
If Kelly succeeds in breaking in in Arsenal's Start XI, then her fight is still back to the English team for many barriers.
Lauren James is back from an injury, Nikita Parris has come from the international cold and Lauren Hemp is expected to be fit in the summer.
But write Kelly at your danger. She was a long chance to make the euro team in 2022 after an ACL injury, but in her five WSL matches made so much impression that she had to be included in the last 23 and we all know what happened on those famous Evening in Wembley.
Again, Kelly will have to earn her place on the big stage in the hard way.
English team full …
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride).
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya le Tissier (Man Utd), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Man Utd), Leah, Leah, Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Man City), Grace Clinton (Man Utd), Ruby Mace (Leicester), Jess Park (Man City), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Keira Walsh (Chelsea).
Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Naz (Tottenham), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
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