Kirby and Mead recalled to England squad for Nations League

Fran Kirby and Beth Mead have been recalled to England's squad for their upcoming Women's Nations League doubleheader against Belgium.

The pair missed the last international break in February, in which England drew 1-1 with Portugal before defeating world champions Spain 1-0, through injury.

Kirby, who has scored five goals and registered two assists since her move to Brighton, has not played for England since a substitute appearance against the United States in December.

Chloe Kelly, who was left out of that initial squad before getting called up to replace Mead, retains her place, as does Nikita Parris, whose call-up last month was her first since November 2022.

There is also a first senior call-up for Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds, who has impressed in the Under-23s, with Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating also returning to the squad, despite not playing regularly for her club.

Lucy Parker is also in the squad from the start, but there is no place for Tottenham's Jess Naz.

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This international break is the final opportunity for Sarina Wiegman to see her players before selecting her squad for Euro 2025, where England will be defending their title.

The Lionesses host Belgium at Ashton Gate on April 4 before travelling to Leuven on April 8 for the return leg.

England currently sit second in Group A3, behind Portugal.

Full England squad: Mary Earps (Paris Saint-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), 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), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Jess Park (Manchester City), Maisie Symonds (Brighton), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).