Fran Kirby Returns to England Lionesses Squad for Crucial Nations League Clash Against Belgium

England Lionesses recall Fran Kirby for decisive Nations League matches against Belgium as injuries reshape Sarina Wiegman's squad selection.

Key Players Return for England's Nations League Campaign

Brighton forward Fran Kirby has earned a recall to Sarina Wiegman's 25-player England squad for their upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League double-header against Belgium in April. The 31-year-old Chelsea legend last featured in November's 0-0 draw with the United States before injury sidelined her from February's fixtures.

Squad Updates and Rising Stars

Notable inclusions:

  • Beth Mead (Arsenal) returns alongside fellow Gunners forward Chloe Kelly
  • Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds (22) receives her first senior call-up
  • Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating keeps her place

Key absences: ❌ Lauren Hemp & Alex Greenwood (Manchester City) ❌ Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich)

Tactical Configuration

Kirby appears listed as a midfielder in the squad sheet, suggesting Wiegman may deploy her in a creative #10 role. This selection signals England's intent to control midfield battles against a physical Belgian side.

Upcoming Fixtures (April 2024)

  1. Home: 4 April @ Ashton Gate (20:00 BST)
  2. Away: 8 April @ Leuven (19:30 local time)

Tournament Context

England currently sit 2nd in their Nations League group after:

  • 1-1 draw vs Portugal
  • Historic 1-0 win over world champions Spain at Wembley

Complete Squad List

Goalkeepers

  • Mary Earps (PSG)
  • Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
  • Khiara Keating (Man City)
  • Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)

Defenders

  • Millie Bright (Chelsea)
  • Lucy Bronze (Barcelona)
  • Jess Carter (Gotham FC)
  • Niamh Charles (Chelsea)

Midfielders

  • Grace Clinton (Man Utd)
  • Fran Kirby (Brighton)
  • Ella Toone (Man Utd)
  • Keira Walsh (Barcelona)

Forwards

  • Lauren James (Chelsea)
  • Chloe Kelly (Arsenal)
  • Beth Mead (Arsenal)
  • Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Note: This represents key selections from the full 25-player roster

What to Read Next

Michelle Agyemang: England's Rising Star Ready to Shine at Euro 2025
Football

Michelle Agyemang: England's Rising Star Ready to Shine at Euro 2025

Discover how Michelle Agyemang's unique skills and determination are set to make a significant impact for England in Euro 2025.

Chelsea Secures Australian Star Ellie Carpenter in a Major Transfer Move
Football

Chelsea Secures Australian Star Ellie Carpenter in a Major Transfer Move

Chelsea signs Australian defender Ellie Carpenter from Lyon, enhancing their squad with a seasoned international player.

Switzerland's Euro 2025 Journey: A Rocky Start with High Hopes
Football

Switzerland's Euro 2025 Journey: A Rocky Start with High Hopes

Switzerland's Euro 2025 campaign began with a tough loss to Norway, but coach Pia Sundhage remains optimistic about the team's chances in the tournament.

Olivia Smith's Record-Breaking £1m Transfer to Arsenal: A New Era in Women's Football
Football

Olivia Smith's Record-Breaking £1m Transfer to Arsenal: A New Era in Women's Football

Olivia Smith's historic £1m move to Arsenal marks a new milestone in women's football, showcasing her immense talent and potential.

Sophia Poor Secures Permanent Move to London City Lionesses Ahead of WSL Debut
Football

Sophia Poor Secures Permanent Move to London City Lionesses Ahead of WSL Debut

London City Lionesses sign goalkeeper Sophia Poor permanently as they gear up for their Women's Super League debut.

England's Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory Captivates 7.4 Million Viewers in Euro 2025 Quarter-Final
Football

England's Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory Captivates 7.4 Million Viewers in Euro 2025 Quarter-Final

England's dramatic penalty shootout win against Sweden in the Euro 2025 quarter-final drew a peak TV audience of 7.4 million, setting up a semi-final clash with Italy.

Beth Mead's Strategic Shift: From Golden Boot Winner to England's Key Finisher at Euro 2025
Football

Beth Mead's Strategic Shift: From Golden Boot Winner to England's Key Finisher at Euro 2025

Explore Beth Mead's transition from England's star player to a crucial substitute role at Euro 2025, highlighting her adaptability and team spirit.

Chloe Kelly Returns to Arsenal: A New Chapter for the Gunners
Football

Chloe Kelly Returns to Arsenal: A New Chapter for the Gunners

Chloe Kelly rejoins Arsenal, aiming to bring more trophies to North London after a successful loan spell.

Rangers Kick Off Sky Sports Cup Defense Against Stirling Uni or St Johnstone
Football

Rangers Kick Off Sky Sports Cup Defense Against Stirling Uni or St Johnstone

Rangers begin their Sky Sports Cup defense at home against Stirling Uni or St Johnstone, following the Scottish Women's Premier League knockout draw.

Spain's Dominance in Euro 2025: Four Key Players Leading the Charge
Football

Spain's Dominance in Euro 2025: Four Key Players Leading the Charge

Discover the four standout players driving Spain's perfect start in Euro 2025, showcasing their exceptional skills and contributions on the field.

Hibernian Kicks Off SWPL Title Defense Against Aberdeen in Season Opener
Football

Hibernian Kicks Off SWPL Title Defense Against Aberdeen in Season Opener

Hibernian begins their SWPL title defense with a home game against Aberdeen, marking the start of an exciting season in Scottish women's football.

Ellie Roebuck Joins Aston Villa: A New Chapter for the England Keeper After Barcelona Exit
Football

Ellie Roebuck Joins Aston Villa: A New Chapter for the England Keeper After Barcelona Exit

England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck signs with Aston Villa after her stint at Barcelona, bringing her experience and skills to the Women's Super League.

Ultimate Combined XI: England vs Wales Clash at Euro 2025
Football

Ultimate Combined XI: England vs Wales Clash at Euro 2025

Discover the ultimate combined XI featuring top players from England and Wales as they face off in the crucial Euro 2025 Group D match.

England's Euro 2025 Journey: A Comparative Analysis with Euro 2022
Football

England's Euro 2025 Journey: A Comparative Analysis with Euro 2022

Explore how England's performance in Euro 2025 compares to their triumphant Euro 2022 campaign, with insights into their strategies and key players.

Spain's Dominance at Euro 2025: A Five-Star Performance Without Bonmati
Football

Spain's Dominance at Euro 2025: A Five-Star Performance Without Bonmati

Spain showcased their depth and talent in a commanding 5-0 victory over Portugal at Euro 2025, even without key players like Aitana Bonmati.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.