In Video: Sarina Wiegman names her Lionesses squad to face Belgium in the UEFA Women’s Nations League

England Women’s Squad Announced: Beth Meade and Khloe Kelly Team Up, Frank Kirby Returns

In a surprise move, England Women’s national team coach, Sarah Potter, has announced a 25-player squad, featuring a mix of new call-ups and veterans returning from injury. The squad includes Beth Meade, who pulled out of the last squad due to injury, and Khloe Kelly, who will partner with Meade in midfield. Frank Kirby also makes a comeback after missing several months due to a knee injury.

Goalkeepers:

• Kiara Katon of Manchester City is back in the squad for the first time since July 2022.

Defense:

• Lucy Parker, who was initially called up as a replacement in the last squad, now earns a full squad place.
• Macy Simons, a first senior call-up, joins the team from Brighton.

Midfield:

• Frank Kirby returns to the squad after a long absence, bringing her wealth of experience and playing intelligence to the midfield.
• Grace Clinton, who recently scored a stunning goal for Manchester United, earns her first senior call-up.
• Jess Park and Laura Blinkill Brown, who both had to pull out of the last squad due to injury, are replaced by new call-ups.

Forwards:

• Beth Meade and Khloe Kelly team up in midfield, providing a strong dynamic duo.
• Jez Naz, who had to withdraw from the last squad, is absent from the team.

Coach’s Thoughts:

"We want to see our players enjoying their football and getting game time. It’s crucial for their development and the team’s success. I’m eager to work with this talented group and prepare them for the Nations League and Euro 2023."

Pitch Concerns:

"We’ve seen some disappointing pitches recently, including the Real Madrid game. We need better pitches for our players to show their skills and minimize the risk of injury."

Senior Manager’s Comments on the Squad:

"We’ll be focusing on both short-term and long-term goals. We want to do well in the Nations League and use this camp to assess our players’ readiness for the Euros. Injuries are a concern, but I hope our players will be back in good shape for the tournament."

On the World Seven’s Football Tournament:

"I’m not sure how we can fit this new tournament into an already crowded schedule. In the short term, some players might benefit from a break, but in the long term, I worry about the impact on our schedule and players’ well-being."

On Player Workload:

"Players need to keep going, but we also need to ensure they get the rest they need. We’re working with clubs to ensure our players stay fresh and injury-free. I worry about the calendar gaps between tournaments, which can lead to fatigue and injuries."

On the Rumored Dispute with the FA Over Euro Bonuses:

"We’re in conversations with the players and clubs to ensure our squad members come back fresh and ready to perform at the Euros. I’m optimistic we’ll reach an agreement soon, and this will bring calmness to the team before the tournament."