“I absolutely understand why [Canada manager] Casey [Stoney] didn’t pick her, because Casey wants to pick players that are playing, but it was just a circumstantial one with Simi.
“I hope now in this next block and the one beyond, we see Simi get right back up to those levels. Whether she starts or not, we should be able to see a little bit more of her in this next block.”
Brighton will be without England international star Michelle Agyemang on Sunday.
The on-loan Arsenal striker, who scored memorable goals in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals and semi-finals, has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury.
“I’m an Englishman and proud to be, so I just want to wish her all the best,” said Skinner. “She’s an extremely talented player so it’s a sad situation for club and country.
“What I’m hearing about her as a character, it will build and make her stronger, no doubt.
I wish her all the best on her recovery and I hope she’ll be back soon.”
