England boss admits ‘concern’ ahead of huge USA clash | OneFootball

England Women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman admits that Chloe Kelly’s lack of minutes is a “concern” ahead of facing the USA and Switzerland.

The 26-year-old, who scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final against Germany, has been included in the latest national team squad despite starting only once for Manchester City in the WSL this season.

“I think it’s a concern right now already, but it’s a hard situation. Competition at Manchester City is high,” Wiegman said at the squad announcement on Tuesday.

“It’s also looking at what options we have available, Lauren James is injured, Lauren Hemp is injured, Chloe knows she’s not in a great position at club right now, but she’s got enough [credit] with us.”

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Wiegman was forced to leave five England regulars out of her squad. City confirmed on Tuesday that Hemp has undergone knee surgery, while Manchester United‘s Ella Toone, West Ham defender Lucy Parker, and Chelsea pair Niamh Charles and James are all unavailable for selection.

Man City midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown and versatile Leicester City player Ruby Mace have received their first call-ups to the senior team, while Man United defender Gabby George has been included for the first time since 2022.

“Very happy for her, she’s worked so hard,” Wiegman said of George. “She’s done very well at Manchester United. She’s showed some pretty good games recently.”

Over 80,000 tickets have already been sold for the friendly against Emma Hayes’ USA side at Wembley on Saturday, 30 November. They will play their final game of the calendar year against the Swiss on Tuesday, 3 December at Bramall Lane.

Switzerland are hosting next year’s European Championship, which the Lionesses have already qualified for via the Uefa Nations League.

Wiegman said: “This is an important international window for us to continue our work to be ready for next summer. Every minute of these two games and every moment spent together at St George’s Park is to make sure we’re where we need to be when the tournament begins on 2 July.”

England squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Paris Saint-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Gabby George (Manchester United), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Ruby Mace (Leicester), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Barcelona)

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Naz (Tottenham), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

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