Nobbs called up to England squad as Kirby replacement for Arnold Clark Cup

11 February 2023 , 19:26

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Jordan Nobbs of England reacts during a training session at St George's Park (Image: Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Jordan Nobbs has been called up to the England squad for the upcoming Arnold Clark Cup tournament following Fran Kirby 's injury.

The former Arsenal star, who completed the switch to Aston Villa last month in search of more regular game time, missed out on a spot in Sarina Wiegman 's initial squad which was announced earlier this week. However, a recent injury to Chelsea star Kirby means the 30-year-old will now be a part of the squad for the tournament.

The Lionesses are reigning champions in the Arnold Clark Cup after they won the inaugural tournament last year. They begin their defence on Thursday evening against Korea Republic at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.

Nobbs was one of two stand-out absentees in the squad announcement this week as both she and Tottenham star Beth England completed moves in January to better their chances of forcing their way into Wiegman's thinking. However, the England boss confirmed in her press conference on Tuesday it doesn't necessarily mean players will automatically make the sqaud.

"Those players are all competing for selection," said Wiegman at St George's Park. "I think they are in a good place if they move clubs to play a lot now. They can improve their game and I think that is good for competition.

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"But you can't control your competition. It is good they get minutes but it doesn't guarantee you will be selected, they have to compete with other players in their position too. We can at least see where they are at now and how they are improving."

Fran Kirby of Chelsea holds her knee during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Semi Final match against West Ham United (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Kirby was part of the Chelsea team that beat West Ham 7-0 on Thursday evening to book their place in the final of the Conti Cup. However, her involvement was cut short after she picked up a knee injury.

Blues boss Emma Hayes confirmed post-match the 29-year-old had an impingement in her knee that could rule her out of the upcoming international break, although it required further assessment. It has now been confirmed Kirby will miss the Arnold Clark Cup as she looks to make a swift recovery.

Nobbs has 70 caps in total for the Lionesses but has only played three times under current manager Wiegman. She will hope to make an impact at this month's tournament as the Villa star targets a spot in the World Cup squad this summer.

Hannah Pinnock