Chioma Ubogagu Left Out of England Squad Amid Orlando Pride Call-Ups

Orlando Pride forward Chioma Ubogagu has been left out as Phil Neville named his Lionesses squad for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup, which starts later this month.

The former United States U-23 international received her first England call-up late last year, grabbing a debut goal against Austria in what has so far been her sole senior international appearance. She was also drafted into the 28-player January training camp held in Qatar, but hasn’t made the final 23 that will travel to the States next week.

Coming off the back of a two-goal campaign in Australia with Brisbane Roar, for whom she also tallied two assists, her omission may have a silver lining as Ubogagu will now get a full preseason to impress new Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner and it’s an early indication that the Englishman may also still have her available when several other squad members take off for the World Cup in June.

Elsewhere in the England squad, there are two representatives of the NWSL by way of Houston Dash’s Rachel Daly and Jodie Taylor of Seattle Reign FC, while Skinner will no doubt be happy to have two of his former Birmingham cohorts, Lucy Staniforth and Ellen White, retain their places.

Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan have already had their participation in the 2019 edition of the SheBelieves Cup confirmed, with Brazil stars Marta and Camila also looking likely to feature. Meanwhile, defender Shelina Zadorsky will be away with Canada at the Algarve Cup from the end of the month while Alanna Kennedy could be called up by newly-appointed Matildas boss Ante Milicic for the inaugural Cup of Nations tournament set to begin in Australia next week. Compatriot Emily van Egmond, who would likely also make the squad under normal conditions, remains sidelined with an injury.