England Women: Lauren James withdraws from Lionesses squad due to injury as Lucy Parker and Lotte Wubben-Moy return

England's October camp includes international friendlies against Germany and South Africa; the last time the Lionesses faced Germany was the Euro 2022 final; Sarina Wiegman has named a 25-player squad, including Aston Villa's Lucy Parker and Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse

Image: Chelsea forward Lauren James will not feature in England's upcoming friendlies against Germany and South Africa

Lauren James has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury ahead of the Lionesses' upcoming October friendlies.

The Chelsea winger will stay with the Women's Super League club to continue her recovery from a calf issue, with no replacement currently planned.

The 24-player squad will meet at St George's Park on Monday as they look ahead to fixtures against Germany at Wembley on Friday and South Africa at the home of Coventry City on October 29.

Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker earned a recall to Sarina Wiegman's squad with Lotte Wubben-Moy fit again to be selected.

Chelsea's Aggie Beever-Jones and Tottenham's Jessica Naz remain after first joining the senior squad in the summer.

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Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse retains her place as her record-breaking NWSL season continues in the US, meaning Manchester City's Khiara Keating misses out.

Image: Man City forward Chloe Kelly is included despite not scoring a WSL goal since February

England squad in full

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride).

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

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

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

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Earps continues to start, Kelly never in doubt

Following the announcement, Wiegman confirmed that PSG's Mary Earps will continue to be first choice in goal while Chloe Kelly's lack of minutes did not put her position in the Lionesses squad at risk.

"You bring this message as if she isn't a starting player," Wiegman said when questioned about Earps' role "But she is. She is the starting goalkeeper but there is competition there.

"Moving to France which is a new situation...it isn't the start she hoped for, but we know what she brings for us. We also know there is huge competition with Hannah [Hampton]."

Sarina Wiegman explains why she has included Chloe Kelly in her England squad despite her lack of minutes with Manchester City

On Kelly, she added: "She [Kelly] is in a hard position, but City are in a very good one. They stepped up in the quality and the start of the season.

"There is huge competition, and it is the highest level. She is not getting the minutes we hope for, but she built credits with us, she wasn't a doubt."

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor insists Chloe Kelly has been training well and that reports that she has fallen out with him over a new contract are false

Wiegman excited for upcoming tests

Ahead of the clashes against Germany and South Africa, Wiegman outlined how "excited" she is for her side to face different types of opponents in the next two international breaks.

She said: "Of course it is nice to bring in 25 players. We can play very good games - Germany, USA, South Africa and Switzerland.

"The challenge is good. We can see how they relate to each other in this environment and try out some things in the game. I'm excited.

"I'm excited for that and we picked our opponents too, so we play different styles, which is exciting. We must be at a top level to win those games."

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