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

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