SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s position in the Lionesses squad was not in doubt with the winger facing a battle to start for Manchester City.
Today the forward, 26, was named in Wiegman’s 25-strong group before the team’s friendly duels with Germany and South Africa.
But her club and country goalkeeper team-mate Khiara Keating has been left out following her inclusion in the squad that qualified for next year’s Euros.
In July the reigning Euros champions secured automatic qualification for the tournament in Switzerland.
They did so via a 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland and a 0-0 draw with Sweden.
Kelly, who scored the winning goal for England in their Euros final defeat of Germany at Wembley two years ago, has faced a fight to start for City this season.
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The forward, who reportedly attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain this year, has made one start in her two top-flight appearances this term.
City’s summer swoops for Japan ace Aoba Fushino along with the impressive form of Mary Fowler and Jess Park, has cranked up the battle for starting spots in Gareth Taylor’s side.
They are top of the WSL and a point ahead of title rivals Chelsea and beat Barcelona 2-0 in the Champions League group stage on October 9.
However, Wiegman insists Kelly, who has seven senior caps, has earned enough credit for national selection.
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The England boss, 54, said: “Chloe is in a hard position. There is huge competition going on there at the very highest level.
“She’s competing for that too, not getting the minutes that of course she hopes for and we do.
“But she built credit for us that she wasn’t in doubt for us to bring her in.”
The Lionesses are due to face Germany at Wembley on October 25 for the first time since beating them there in the Women’s Euros finals in 2022.
The match will be preceded by a special tribute to former England and Man City skipper Steph Houghton who retired at the end of last season.
Wiegman’s side will also take on South Africa at the CBS Arena in Coventry four days later.
Both matches will serve as warm-up preparations ahead of their attempt to win a second successive Euros trophy.
The England chief added: “We’re really happy that we’ve qualified for the Euros because now we can play four friendlies this Autumn and have very good games.
“Facing Germany, the USA, South Africa and Switzerland over two camps – that’s challenging, it’s really good and it will show us where we are.
“With bringing in 25 players, we can see a few more players and how they relate to each other in our environment and training sessions.
“But we can also try out some more things in the game and see different connections.”
Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker has been recalled into England’s squad for the first time this year.
However, City starlet Keating, 20, misses out.
The shot-stopper, who won last year’s WSL Golden Glove, is yet to start in the league this term.
Her club pal Ayako Yamashita is currently preferred between the sticks having played four league games for City so far this season.
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Wiegman adds: “We all know Khiara is a very talented goalkeeper. We want her to get fitter and sharper.
“That’s the message she got and it’s better to do that in her own environment.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
