Kelly called on as replacement for Beth Mead in England side for the upcoming international break against Portugal and Spain.
Kelly called up to England’s squad for the Women’s Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain.
Sarina Wiegman claimed that Kelly, who scored the game-winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, “hasn’t played enough” to be included in the squad.
The 27-year-old made her debut on Sunday when Arsenal defeated Tottenham 5-0 at home in the north London derby after joining the team on loan from Manchester City on the day of the Women’s Super League transfer deadline.
After a challenging period of being out of favour at her parent club, Kelly stated last Friday she had found her grin again and was looking for a move to ensure more regular game time. “I’m smiling when I’m feeling my best,” she remarked. “I’m ready to fight again and show what I’m capable of because I’m a really resilient person.”
Despite not having any senior international caps, Parker of Aston Villa, who can also play defensive midfield, received her maiden Lionesses call-up in September 2022.
Kelly has been a consistent player for the majority of Wiegman’s tenure, which started in 2021, and has 48 caps. There is currently no information available regarding Mead’s and Wubben-Moy’s injuries. Arsenal’s head coach, Renée Slegers, stated that Wubben-Moy was awaiting a scan after the defender missed Sunday’s match due to a muscle issue. Mead was not utilised as a replacement.
The twenty-four-man England squad is scheduled to travel to the Algarve on Friday to play Portugal before facing the world champions, Spain, at Wembley on Wednesday.