Arsenal defender Leah Williamson is back in the England squad for the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup, but captain Steph Houghton is not fit enough to return.
Williamson has been enjoying an outstanding season for the Gunners and captained the Lionesses in Houghton’s absence during the October international break but then missed the November fixtures with a hamstring problem.
Manchester City duo Ellie Roebuck and Lucy Bronze also return after injuries but the tournament, which starts on February 17, has come too soon for club teammate Houghton.
Chelsea forward Beth England is also left out after missing Sunday’s WSL win over City with a calf strain.
The invitational tournament will see matches played at Norwich’s Carrow Road, Wolves’ Molineux and Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium and forms a crucial part of new coach Sarina Wiegman’s preparation for this summer’s European Championships on home soil.
England have won all six of their matches since Wiegman took charge in September by an aggregate scoreline of 53-0 but games against Germany, Spain and Olympic champions Canada will provide a much sterner test and a better indicator of the side’s progress.
“I’m looking forward to playing against three world-class teams,” Wiegman said. “It will be the perfect way to begin a big year, and we will get a lot of important information from training and the matches ahead of the Euros.
“The rhythm of three games in ten days will also help us, offering more opportunity for rotation, to understand more about our squad and the way we want to play. I know the players will be excited to test themselves against strong opponents.
"This tournament can only help us on our way to being ready for the opening match of the EUROs. That is what we are all working towards. It will also be special to go to three top stadiums in different parts of the country and I am sure the fans will give us great support once again."
