Nikita Parris joins England Women’s squad as Lionesses look to build on ‘enjoyable’ training camp
The Lionesses face two fixtures having played only once since last March
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Your support makes all the difference.Nikita Parris has been called up to the England Women’s squad, joining Hege Riise’s group ahead of the upcoming internationals against France and Canada.
The FA confirmed that the Lyon forward had taken and returned a negative Covid test already and would join up with the rest of the squad at St. George’s Park.
Interim head coach Riise noted that this would be a first chance to “work with Nikita in person”.
“It is a good opportunity to watch her closely like I have been with all the other players who have joined up on camp and to have her available for selection against two tough opponents,” the boss added.
Meanwhile, Jordan Nobbs hopes England can build on the “enjoyable camp” created by Hege Riise during the first match of her temporary role.
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The former Norway international became interim England head coach in January and, in March, was also announced as manager of the Great Britain squad for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
The Lionesses face a trip to France on Friday before tackling Canada in Stoke next Tuesday, and midfielder Nobbs wants England to build on the 6-0 win over Northern Ireland in a behind-closed-doors friendly at St George’s Park in February.
“I thought it was a really enjoyable camp,” Nobbs told the PA news agency.
“I think it was just a perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other and see what we could build on. I think we showed that in the game against Northern Ireland, so (I’m) just looking forward at what is to come.”
Nobbs’ England and Arsenal teammate Beth Mead was also part of the squad under Riise and is looking forward to the upcoming internationals.
The England squad is due to travel for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 with the France match being played at the Stade Michel D’Ornano in Caen.
“I think they (France and Canada) have played games in the last few windows so they’ve had a few more matches than us right now,” said Mead.
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“They’re two top world-class teams and, as an England team, we want to be playing against the best.
“Both teams are going to give us different challenges but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to and I think the girls are super excited to be playing more games for England.”
England’s players are lending their backing to the FA and Nationwide’s Coin for Respect campaign.
“I think for myself, when I was younger, there was a lack of respect when I played for a boys team by, not only the boys I was playing against but the parents as well,” recalls Mead.
“We know how important parents can be in having an affect on young kids and I think the nationwide campaign is hopefully going to help promote that.
“It starts from somewhere that respect, and within your four walls at home is the best place to start, so hopefully the campaign can stop the likes of the experiences I had as a young kid.”
Additional reporting by PA
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