By ESPN FC | Created at 2025-03-25 13:06:53 | Updated at 2025-03-25 23:03:53
9 hours ago
Emily KeoghMar 25, 2025, 07:30 AM ET
Fran Kirby and Beth Mead returned to the England squad on Tuesday as Sarina Wiegman named her 25-player squad for next month's Nations League double header against Belgium.
The pair were absent due to injuries for England's last camp where the Lionesses drew 1-1 with Portugal and defeated the world champions, Spain, 1-0 in the opening games of their Nations League campaign.
Chloe Kelly, who was absent from the initial squad but called up to replace Mead, retains her place as does Nikita Parris who earned a recall to the team last month for the first time since November 2022.
England are facing a handful of injuries, with veterans Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway all still absent following knee injuries. Youngsters Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown are both ruled out as well.
Parris and Kirby's Brighton teammate Maisie Symonds has earned her maiden call-up to the senior squad in place of the injured midfielders.
England face a familiar foe in Belgium, having been drawn against them in the previous Nations League competition last year.
They will first be in action on April 4 at Ashton Gate, Bristol, and then travel to Leuven to face the Red Flames on April 8.
