Fran Kirby recalled to England squad for Belgium double-header
Brighton forward Fran Kirby has been recalled to the England squad for their upcoming Women’s Nations League matches against Belgium next month.
The 31-year-old came on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with the United States in November but missed February’s matches through injury.
The Euro 2022 winner – listed as a midfielder in the squad list – is joined by Arsenal forwards Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly, but Tottenham’s Jess Naz has not been selected.
There is also a first senior call-up for Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds, 22, who steps up from the under-23 squad, alongside Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating.
However, England are still without several key players through injury, including Manchester City duo Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, and Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway.
“[Kirby] brings of course lots of experience and good vision,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman.
“There is lot of competition going on in her position but she knows exactly what to bring at this level.
“[Mead and Kelly bring] quality. What you have seen at Arsenal is that they swap around a bit. They are totally different wing players.
“We have opportunities up front that we can use to hopefully harm the opponent.”
Wiegman’s 25-player squad host Belgium at Ashton Gate on Friday, 4 April (20:00 BST kick-off), before travelling to Leuven on Tuesday, 8 April (19:30).
They began their Women’s Nations League campaign with a draw in Portugal before beating world champions Spain 1-0 at Wembley last month.
Full England squad:
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Paris St-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride).
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Lucy Parker (Aston Villa), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Jess Park (Manchester City), Maisie Symonds (Brighton), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea).
Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
