SARINA WIEGMAN hinted the door is still open for Chloe Kelly to win an England squad spot again despite the forward being dropped.
Kelly, 27, was among the high-profile omissions from the group named ahead of their Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain.
This followed the WSL star forward struggling for game time at Manchester City this season before sealing a January loan move to Arsenal.
So far this term Kelly has made one start in six top-flight appearances.
The lack of match action was followed by the player leaving City after issuing a bombshell statement.
In it described her “dreams being crushed” by her “disappointing” situation.
Read More Football Stories
The 48-capped scorer of England’s tournament-winning goal at the 2022 Euros mentioned her wish “be in a position to give it” her “best shot” to represent her country.
Earlier today Wiegman revealed she had a good conversation with the forward
The England boss, 55 said: “Chloe hasn’t played enough in my opinion. She’s moved clubs now.
“Last autumn she hardly played but, as I said (then), she built some credit, but over that time she’s made less minutes.
Most read in Football
“Now she (needs to) get started at Arsenal, get some minutes in, get playing and showing what she’s about and (then) we can revisit.
“We had a good conversation (on Monday) and she understands. She’s not out for the Euros.”
This Sunday’s North London derby could see Kelly make her debut for Arsenal when they host Tottenham at the Emirates.
Last term the 48-capped England star made 21 top-flight appearances.
This included 18 WSL starts for the team, helping them run Chelsea close in a fierce title battle, with the latter winning on goal difference.
Wiegman added: “She’s in full training (with Arsenal). Hopefully she’ll get the minutes and she can show again. There’s a huge competition going on within the team.”
England’s latest squad included a recall for Nikita Parris, 30, for the first time since November 2022.
The 71-capped forward’s return to international duty follows her impressing for Brighton this season with four goals and two assists in 13 top-flight games.
Her recall comes with the Lionesses battling with injuries to some of their senior players, including forwards Lauren Hemp and Fran Kirby.
Along with Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood the duo are currently working their way back to fitness.
The quartet will miss England’s clashes with Portugal and World Cup holders Spain on February 21 and 26.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Wiegman said: “We’ve talked about the competition that’s going on and Lauren Hemp being injured.
“Nikita knows what’s needed in international football and I want to see her in our environment. Hopefully she can take this opportunity.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
