NIKITA PARRIS has been called up to the England squad for their upcoming internationals against France and Canada.

Parris had initially been left out of the squad due to a number of positive coronavirus cases at her club Lyon, but has since tested negative and been cleared to join her teammates.

Interim head coach Hege Riise said: “It is the first opportunity I have had to work with Nikita in person and I am delighted to have her on camp with us.

“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.”

Midfielder Jordan Nobbs told the PA New agency today that she hopes the team can build on the “enjoyable camp” atmosphere Riise has created since her first match in temporary charge.

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 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 said.

“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.

“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.”