Chloe Kelly has been dropped by Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman with Nikita Parris making a stunning return to the England squad in a major shake-up ahead of Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain this month.
The 27-year-old sealed a deadline day move from Manchester City to Arsenal after an unhappy spell out of the team under previous manager Gareth Taylor, and has paid the price for a lack of action this season despite making Wiegman’s squad again of friendlies against the United States and Switzerland late last year.
There is no room for Fran Kirby as Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace retain their places in a 24-player squad after making their England debuts in December, while Jess Naz and Aggie Beever-Jones also keep their spots ahead of Kelly in the forward line.
Chelsea’s James has not featured for England since April last year, while club team-mate Charles last appeared for the Lionesses last July.
The Lionesses have landed another tricky group and travel to the Algarve to face Portugal in the opening game of their campaign on Friday 21 February, before playing world champions Spain in a blockbuster clash at Wembley on Wednesday 26 February.
