Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly omitted from England squad for World Cup qualifiers
England manager Sarina Wiegman has left high-profile stars Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly out of the Lionesses' squad for next month's crucial Women's World Cup qualifying matches. The decision marks a significant shift in the team's composition as England prepares for a high-stakes double-header against Greece.
Performance standards and squad competition
The exclusion of Manchester United midfielder Toone and Arsenal forward Kelly comes amid intense competition for places within the national setup. Wiegman cited a dip in performance levels as the primary driver behind the selection, emphasizing that the current squad environment demands peak consistency.
"The main reason is that I think the levels weren't what I expect from them on the pitch," Wiegman stated. "There is big competition going on and that is basically what it is. I really believe in them. We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more. I hope they respond really well."
Addressing speculation regarding potential injury concerns for Kelly, Wiegman clarified that the decision was based strictly on footballing observations. Other notable omissions from the 23-player roster include Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones and the Arsenal duo of Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds.
New faces and returning veterans
While established names have been sidelined, the squad features fresh talent and the return of key leadership. Captain Leah Williamson is back in the fold after missing the team's previous international fixtures in June. Additionally, Manchester City full-back Niamh Charles has been included following her recovery from injury.
The squad also highlights the rise of emerging prospects, most notably 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, who earns her first senior call-up. Wiegman praised Potter’s rapid development and standout performances in the Women's Super League, noting that her inclusion was well-deserved. Other new faces include 18-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, alongside Freya Godfrey and Grace Fisk.
Path to the 2027 World Cup
The upcoming fixtures against Greece are vital for England's aspirations to reach the next Women's World Cup in Brazil. The team will face Greece in Crete on Friday, 9 October, followed by a return leg in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October.
Success in this two-legged tie is essential for the Lionesses to advance to the second round of the play-offs. For more information on the qualification process, visit the BBC Sport football portal.
