England women: Chloe Kelly left out of Nations League squad

Chloe Kelly has been left out of England’s squad for the Women’s Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain this month.

The forward moved to Arsenal from Women’s Super League rivals Manchester City on transfer deadline day in January after falling out of favour at Joie Stadium.

Kelly, who scored the winner for England in the final of Euro 2022, has not been selected by England manager Sarina Wiegman for the team’s opening Nations League games on 21 and 26 February.

Lauren James and Ella Toone return to the squad following injury but Georgia Stanway has been ruled out.

Nikita Parris is also called up by the senior England squad for the first time since November 2022, as the Brighton forward is rewarded for a strong start to the Women’s Super League (WSL) season.

The 30-year-old has scored four goals in 11 WSL games for Dario Vidosic’s side.

But there is no room for Kelly, who was named in the previous England squad that faced United States in November before having to withdraw before the following game against Switzerland because of concussion.

She has not played since 15 December, when Manchester City were beaten 2-1 by Everton, after falling out of City manager Gareth Taylor’s plans.

Kelly pushed for a move in January, including posting messages on her social media, and joined Arsenal on loan but is yet to make her debut for the Gunners.