Nikita Parris has released a statement of hurt and support for her fellow Lioness teammates after she missed out on Sarina Wiegman’s 2023 Women’s World Cup selection.
The 29-year-old was part of Wiegman’s European winning side, seeing out the dying minutes of the latter stages of the tournament. The problem? She was waiting in line behind Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly for country, and battling with Lucia Garcia for a spot on the right flank at United.
But, she misses out on the 23-player selection to the likes of Lauren James, Katie Robinson, Kelly and Hemp who have all seen more Women’s Super League action.
With a four-goal tally in 21 appearances, Parris drops way below the top-scorer leaderboard, same with only one assist all season. None of her performance stats breach the top ten of the top tier while her competition, Kelly and Hemp occupy top spots in key passes, crosses, assists, statistically expected assists and progressive ball carries to name a few.
She Tweeted: 'In life, things will go against you but it's how you react that makes you. After the disappointment of the Lioness announcement, I am even more determined to reach new heights.
'I’ll still be wearing an England jersey all summer'
The forward was also left out of the previous international break, with clashes against Brazil in the Finalissima and Australia in support of the Alzheimer’s Society in April. But, she bounced back into sensational club performances for Manchester United with an assist and two goals in the following three league games against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Her runs don’t always convert as does Hemp and Kelly, often the United forward will run into trouble clinching a corner or applying pressure over actual scoring and attacking prowess. Perhaps this is why she was a “hard one” for Wiegman to leave out.
“She has a very good end to the season but her competitors also had a very good season too so sometimes someone doesn't get picked not because she didn't perform but others performed really well and we make other choices,” was Weigman’s response.
For me, it’s the forward's energy that cannot go unnoticed, nor can it be quantified. Her passion and drive against Manchester City were unparalleled - it was the best game I had seen from her in a Red Devils shirt. The sheer hunger to prove herself was profound and I’m excited to see how she reacts to this one next season.
