Sarina Wiegman ends 27-month exile as England Women's squad announced for Nations League

The reigning European champions - who have been drawn to face France, the Netherlands and Wales in this year's Euro 2025 group stage - kick off the New Year with a trip to Portimao to face Portugal on February 21 in League A Group 3 of the Nations League.

The Lionesses will then welcome Spain to Wembley five days later in a rematch from the 2023 World Cup final, and Wiegman's first squad of 2025 was confirmed on Tuesday lunchtime.

For the first time since late 2022, Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Nikita Parris is included, as the 30-year-old is rewarded for her strong form for the Seagulls in the 2024-25 Women's Super League.

Parris has conjured up four goals and two assists in 13 top-flight matches for Brighton this season and is now in line to make her first England appearance since November 2022, a 1-1 friendly draw with Norway.

Parris called up to England squad as Chloe Kelly left out

The former Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United attacker is one of a few notable returnees for the European champions, as Chelsea pair Niamh Charles and Lauren James are also back in the national team ranks.

The Blues duo have not turned out for their country since April and July respectively due to injury, while Manchester United's Ella Toone also makes an expected return to the camp.

However, there is no space in Wiegman's ranks for Euro 2022 final hero Chloe Kelly, who rejoined Arsenal on loan on transfer deadline day after an acrimonious exit from Manchester City.

The 27-year-old had slipped down the pecking order at Man City, whom she subsequently accused of trying to "assassinate" her character before her return to North London.

Kelly has only managed one assist and no goals from nine appearances across the WSL and Women's Champions League this season, and the Arsenal loanee has been snubbed in favour of the likes of Parris, Jessica Naz and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Wiegman looks forward to 'special occasion' against Spain

"These are two big games to start 2025," Wiegman told englandfootball.com. "It is exciting that we have the chance to write a new chapter in our story in the months ahead, especially with the EURO 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'm 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'm 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."

Following February's fixtures, England return to action in April with a double-header against Belgium, before reuniting with Portugal and Spain once again in late May and early June respectively.

England Women's squad in 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 (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Ruby Mace (Leicester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Nikita Parris (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Written by

Ben Knapton