"You Have to Work For Your Place." Sarina Wiegman Names First Lionesses Squad of 2025.

Earlier today, Sarina Wiegman announced the England squad that will face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League later this month.

The most notable inclusion is Nikita Parris, who rejoins the Lionesses after a two-year absence – the last time she was called up was in November 2022. In the 2023-24 season for Manchester United, Parris was often relegated to the bench for big games such as the FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur (United ran out 4-0 winners). A move to Brighton followed last summer, and since then she has been a major player for the Seagulls, starting every game and scoring 9 goals. On her inclusion, Wiegman stated that England had kept tabs on the player, that “she’s doing well” and “knows what is needed in International football”. 

Parris’ inclusion means that there is no space for Chloe Kelly. Kelly has recently made a much-publicised loan move to Arsenal after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City. The move was surrounded by extensive media coverage – with statements released by Kelly discussing her treatment by City and its impact on her mental health. She has not been able to play since joining Arsenal (who have either faced parent club Manchester City or participated in games where Kelly is cup-tied). Wiegman’s assessment was similar: “she hasn’t played enough in my opinion”, adding that she has “had good conversations” with Kelly and that “she understands”.

Another notable exclusion is Beth England. The forward has been in reasonable form for Tottenham Hotspur this season, scoring 3 goals in the last 5 games. Her form has been more inconsistent, however, although this likely has to do with Spurs missing key parts of the link-up that was successful last season (Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet, who both made the move to Manchester United last summer). Wiegman was pragmatic in simply stating that others had performed slightly better in the first half of the season, meaning England misses out on a place.

On those exclusions, Wiegman was clear that there is still the potential for a spot at this summer’s Euros. The suggestion is that the players in question – Kelly, England, George among others – should use the time remaining in this WSL season to prove their worth. It is arguably a very good thing that a manager who has been accused of favouritism and not selecting based on form has chosen to make players like England and Kelly work for their places – just as Nikita Parris has successfully done.