Nobbs to miss Euros but Houghton and Kirby in provisional England squad

The Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs will miss this summer’s home Euros with a knee injury that has seen her omitted from the 28-player provisional England squad for the tournament, which kicks off in 50 days’ time.

Nobbs competed at the 2017 Euros but has suffered major tournament heartbreak before, having missed the 2019 Women’s World Cup because of an ACL injury and playing only one match at the 2015 edition in Canada because of an injury.

The former captain Steph Houghton is included in Sarina Wiegman’s provisional squad despite not having featured for Manchester City since 23 January. Houghton, Fran Kirby and Jill Scott face a race to prove their fitness after time out with injury or illness.

Everton’s goalkeeper Sandy MacIver, Manchester United’s Lucy Staniforth and Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly also return after being absent from recent camps primarily because of injuries.

“The Euros are getting closer, and this is a big step towards the tournament,” Wiegman said. “We have a settled squad and I know we have players in our team that will give everything to make it a summer to remember.

“It is important that the players have the chance to get some rest now after a very busy season before we get back to our work. We then have a series of prep camps coming up and it is important we use this time to build an even closer connection on and off the pitch.

“We also look forward to welcoming those who have been working individually and with their clubs on their fitness in the past few weeks.”

Goalkeepers Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Sandy MacIver (Everton), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City).

Defenders Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles