Man Utd forward Nikita Parris targeting Lionesses recall after using yoga to get over heartbreaking World Cup snub

Manchester United star Nikita Parris is targeting a Lionesses recall after using yoga to get over her omission from the 2023 World Cup squad.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Parris didn't make plane to Australia & New ZealandBounced back at United in first half of 2023-24 seasonNot giving up on Lionesses recallGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Parris joined United in August 2022, and less than one month later, she scored a crucial goal for England in a 2-0 qualifying victory over Austria that sealed a spot at the 2023 World Cup for Sarina Wiegman's side. She went on to help United finish second in the WSL, but was not included in the final Lionesses squad for the World Cup, with Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly among those preferred in attacking positions.

AdvertisementWHAT PARRIS SAID

Parris missed out on England's historic run to the World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand as a result, and she felt Weigman's decision to leave her out was "harsh", but didn't dwell on it for too long. The 29-year-old embraced yoga in order to overcome the disappointment, as she told : "I have balance in my life now. When you’re younger, you’re always hungry and you really forget about the other side – spending time with family and friends, and trying new things. For me, it was trying yoga. It’s been massively important.

“I started it when I got told I wasn’t going to the World Cup. At Manchester United we have a new yoga teacher now who is brilliant and helps me focus on the things I can control. If anyone knows me, I hate stretching, I used to say it was pointless. But for me yoga isn’t just about stretching, it’s about clearing my mind. It’s about being able to empty all of the things out that I’m overthinking about, and things that I couldn’t control. That mindfulness really allows me to let go of things I can’t control. I couldn’t do that when I had so much in my head that I wanted to say or wanted to do. It would all get a bit too much.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Parris' new found love for yoga has also inspired her brilliant start to the new campaign at United, with the forward netting eight goals in nine games across all competitions between October and November. Getting back into the England team is now Parris' ultimate goal, although she does concede that there is intense competition for places in Wiegman's current set-up.

“I’m not just fighting for a place at Manchester United, I’m fighting for a place to get back into the England set-up,” she added. “For me, that’s still on the agenda. I’m not going to give up on it. I’m confident in myself, I’m confident in my ability. Obviously in the England squad now there is a lot of good talent, a lot of depth, and that’s who you’re competing with and I’m happy to compete.”

WHAT NEXT FOR PARRIS?

Parris and the rest of the United squad are currently enjoying a break from WSL action, but will be back on the pitch in the FA Women's Cup on January 14, with a home tie against Liverpool on the cards. The Lionesses are set to open their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign in early 2024, and Parris will no doubt give everything to force her way back into Wiegman's plans with a view to making it to the tournament in Switzerland next year.