Sarina Wiegman explains Chloe Kelly omission from England squad | OneFootball

Arsenal forward set target to reach Euro 2025 squad

Sarina Wiegman has explained why she has left Arsenal forward Chloe Kelly out of her latest Lionesses squad.

Her last start came in October in a match against West Ham.

Kelly was an integral part of the England squad which reached the final of the 2023 World Cup, and she scored the winning goal in the final of Euro 2022.

“She hasn’t played enough, in my opinion,” Wiegman said.

“She’s moved clubs now, but last autumn she hardly played. She built some credit but over that time she made so few minutes.”

Wiegam explained what Kelly must do to return to the England fold in time to be in contention to make the Lionesses squad for Euro 2025.

“Start at Arsenal, get some minutes, show what you’re about, and then we can revisit that again,” Wiegman said.

“We had a good conversation yesterday [Monday]. And she understands. She’s not out for the Euros. Hopefully she gets the minutes she needs. We’ll revisit it. There is huge competition going on in the team.”

Wiegman was asked for her view on the statement which Kelly released, criticising Manchester City, on the day she joined Arsenal.

“She was hurt,” the Dutchwoman explained. “She was worried about her mental health.

“That’s what her statement was. I don’t have the full context. We all hope she shows good performances and gets her level back.”

Parris, who has earned 71 England caps, is back in the squad for the first time in nearly three years after a strong first half of the season with new club Brighton.

“We always watch a lot of players,” Wiegman said. “I’ve chosen other players over the last two years, but she’s doing well and is in good form. She knows what is needed at international football.

“It is so valuable that we can try out things and see many things. You have to find balance — you always want to win.”