James back in England women's squad for Nations League games

LONDON : Forward Lauren James is back in Sarina Wiegman's England squad for Women's Nations League matches in Portugal and at home to Spain after injury had kept the Chelsea player out of international action since April last year.

Nikita Parris of Brighton & Hove Albion was named in Wiegman's 24-player squad on Tuesday for the first time since November 2022, while Chelsea's Niamh Charles also returns, having not played for England since July.

The Lionesses, who will defend their European Championship title in Switzerland in July, play Portugal on February 21, then host world champions Spain five days later at Wembley Stadium.

"These are two big games to start 2025," Wiegman said. "It is exciting that we have the chance to write a new chapter in our story in the months ahead, especially with the Euro this summer, but we will focus first on what is right in front of us and a very important Nations League campaign.

"Portugal are getting stronger all the time. I am expecting a high-level game, and it is also good to experience a different environment in our first match abroad since last summer."

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse

Defenders: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Millie Turner, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown, Grace Clinton, Ruby Mace, Jess Park, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Jess Naz, Nikita Parris, Alessia Russo