Sarina Wiegman explains controversial decision to snub Man Utd star from England squad

Seven goals in six games in 2024… but no call-up (Picture: Getty Images)

England women’s boss Sarina Wiegman has defended her decision not to pick in-form Manchester United forward Nikita Parris, while she is delighted to welcome skipper Leah Williamson back.

The Lionesses take on Austria and Italy in friendlies later this month, with both matches played in Spain and preceded by a warm-weather training camp.

Parris, who has netted seven goals in her last six games for United since the turn of the year, had been widely tipped to earn a recall to the national team after an excellent campaign so far.

But she was a surprise absentee from the 23-strong squad despite Wiegman having the option to call up additional players given that both upcoming matches are friendlies.

Wiegman has now defended her decision and highlighted the abundance of high-level attacking options already at her disposal, also revealing that she has spoken to Parris to explain her thinking.

Asked about Parris’ non-selection, Wiegman explained: ‘Of course, the competition up front is really high and in autumn she didn’t play that much. Because of the competition too we made other decisions.

‘Now since the new year she’s played in the nine position and she’s done really well. Of course we have noticed that too.

‘So I had a little chat with her and I hope she shows consistency because we are talking about her again.

Parris has 15 goals in all competitions this season (Picture: Getty)

Williamson is back in the fold after her ACL injury (Picture: Getty)

‘But I made some other choices now for this camp, with the players we have – who have done really well too. So it was a hard decision!’

Williamson, meanwhile, has returned to the England setup for the first time since April last year after recovering from an ACL injury and Wiegman is thrilled to have her skipper back.

Asked how nice it is to be able to call upon Williamson again, Wiegman replied: ‘Yeah, of course it’s really nice, especially for her.

‘She’s back, she’s gaining minutes at Arsenal and doing well. She’s happy at Arsenal and the people are happy there too [with her progress].’

Wiegman continued: ‘It’s really nice to have her back because she’s a very good player, we’ve seen that too.

‘Even though she has been out for months, she’s coming back now, her decision-making is really good. Yes, she’s still building.

‘I think the team picked up the last year very well, players stepped up, but it’s really nice to have her back.’

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