Sarina Wiegman has confirmed that there was never any doubt about including Chloe Kelly in her England squad, despite the Manchester City winger's limited playing time this season. The 26-year-old, who scored the decisive goal in the European Championship final over two years ago, has played less than 90 minutes of Women's Super League football this term, starting just one of City's four fixtures. Kelly was also an unused substitute in their recent victories over Barcelona and Liverpool.
Reports suggest that Kelly might leave City due to her reduced playing time, and Wiegman addressed Kelly's situation on Tuesday. "She's in a tough spot," England's head coach said. "City is performing very well, which indicates they've improved their quality. This was evident last week and in their match against Barcelona. The competition there is at the highest level.
"She's not getting the minutes she desires, but she's built up credit with us. She was never in doubt for us to include her." Kelly is part of a 25-player Lionesses squad that also features Brighton forward Fran Kirby and a recall for Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker, who replaces Manchester United's Millie Turner. Chelsea left-back Niamh Chelsea has been omitted as expected after dislocating a shoulder during pre-season.
Wiegman has selected three goalkeepers – Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, and Orlando Pride's Anna Moorhouse – and noted the "huge competition" for the No 1 jersey. Neither City's Khiara Keating nor Barcelona's Ellie Roebuck has been included. Wiegman expressed hope that the "talented" Keating would "get fitter and sharper" and commented on Roebuck: "I'm really pleased she's back on the pitch. She was with the squad last Wednesday. She had a tough time returning, but she's still far from ready. We need to see her play again."
The Lionesses will host Germany at Wembley on October 25, followed by a friendly against South Africa on October 29 in Coventry. These are the first two of four friendlies before Christmas, as Wiegman's team prepares for next summer's European Championship in Switzerland, where they aim to defend their title won on home soil in 2022.
