Kelly keeps place in England squad

England's Euro 2022 final match-winner Chloe Kelly has been included in the Lionesses' squad for the friendlies with Germany and South Africa despite falling out of favour at Manchester City.

Kelly, 26, scored the extra-time winner in the 2-1 victory over Germany as Sarina Wiegman's side were crowned European champions at Wembley.

The winger has struggled for game time at Manchester City this season and was an unused substitute for last week's 2-0 Champions League win over European champions Barcelona, as well as the 2-1 Women's Super League win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Aston Villa's uncapped defender Lucy Parker is also in the 25-player squad, while Lotte Wubben-Moy and Lauren James return after missing July's Euro 2025 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden because of injury.

Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse retains her place in the squad, and Aggie Beever-Jones and Jessica Naz remain after impressing in the summer having moved across from the under-23 squad.

There is no place for defender Millie Turner or goalkeeper Khiara Keating, while injured defender Niamh Charles also drops out.

England play Germany at Wembley on 25 October (19:30 BST) before hosting South Africa in Coventry on 29 October (19:45 GMT).

The Lionesses have not played since a draw in Sweden on 16 July secured their place at Euro 2025.

The friendlies with Germany and South Africa mark the countdown to the start of Euro 2025 when Wiegman's side will defend their European crown in Switzerland from 2-27 July.

England also face Olympic champions the United States, the number one team in the world in Fifa's rankings, at Wembley on 30 November and Switzerland at Bramall Lane on 3 December.

"Qualifying directly for the finals provides us with a very valuable opportunity to play four friendlies this autumn and lay the foundations for next summer," said Wiegman.

Kelly has 'built credit' - Wiegman

Kelly has started just one WSL game for the leaders this season - their 2-0 win over West Ham on 6 October.

But Wiegman said she had "built credit" with England and deserved her place in the squad amid "huge competition at Manchester City.

"She's in a hard position," added the England boss.

Wiegman also said she was "keeping an eye" on Kelly's City team-mate Naomi Layzell, who scored a goal and assisted another on her Women's Champions League debut against Barcelona.

Layzell, 20, is injured but Wiegman was asked about her during her news conference on Tuesday.

"I just hope she gets fit quickly," she added. She did really well [against Barcelona]. She was in football paradise."

Who is in the England squad?

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Paris St-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride).

Defenders: Mille Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Lucy Parker (Aston Villa), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).