Ella Toone heads a group of five players who have been recalled to the England Women’s squad for UEFA Women’s Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain.
Midfielder, Georgia Stanway has been ruled out of this month plus April’s UEFA Women’s Nations League’s (UWNL) group matches with a knee injury, which has meant that Toone has been recalled to the squad after finding her form again at Manchester United.
Brighton’s Fran Kirby meanwhile has been snubbed in midfield with manager, Sarina Wiegman instead opting to strengthen her forward selection, as Lauren James replaced Chloe Kelly who recently joined Arsenal on loan from Manchester City in search for more game time.
Brighton’s Nikita Parris is also back in the forward selection after registering nine goals in 19 appearances for Brighton in all competitions this season.
Alex Greenwood misses out in defence due to a MCL injury and has been replaced by Chelsea’s Niamh Charles, whilst Gabby George has been omitted with Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy called up in her place.
Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton and Anna Moorhouse have retained their spots in the goalkeeping selection which remained unchanged.
This summer will see England seek to defend their Women’s Euro title in Switzerland but Wiegman is first focused on the group phase of the UWNL, as she explained that the immediate focus is on Portugal and Spain.
“These are two big games to start 2025. 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.”
England will open their 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign with an away trip to Portugal in Portimão on Friday 21 February (7:45pm GMT), followed by a home clash against reigning world champions – Spain on Wednesday 26 February at Wembley Stadium, London, in a 8pm kick-off.
Both matches will be broadcast live on ITV1 for UK-based fans with coverage getting underway from 7:30pm on both 21 & 26 February.
Goalkeepers – Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defence – Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (NJ/NY Gotham), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfield – 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), Jess Naz (Tottenham), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessio Russo (Arsenal)
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