Toone and Kelly Omitted from England Lionesses Squad for World Cup Play-offs

England manager Sarina Wiegman has omitted stars Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly from the Lionesses’ latest squad, stating that both players have failed to perform to their potential in recent weeks. The decision comes as the team prepares for a critical double-header against Greece in the Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs this October.

Toone, a 27-year-old midfielder for Manchester United, and Kelly, a 28-year-old forward for Arsenal, were instrumental in England’s back-to-back European Championship victories in 2022 and 2025, combining for 136 caps. However, both have endured inconsistent starts to the current domestic season.

Telling BBC Radio 5 Live, Wiegman expressed confidence that the players can improve despite their exclusion. “Of course, I still believe in these players. They are really good and have shown so much for us,” she said. “But that is also why I didn’t pick them this time, because they have not played to their potential in my opinion in the last couple of weeks.”

The manager confirmed that she had held difficult but constructive conversations with both athletes about their current form. Addressing speculation regarding Kelly’s absence being injury-related, Wiegman clarified that the decision was purely based on on-pitch performances.

The 23-player squad also sees the exclusion of Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones and Arsenal defenders Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds. In a positive return, captain Leah Williamson is back in contention after missing June’s matches against Spain and Ukraine.

Wiegman praised Williamson’s current fitness, noting, “I think she’s played really well in the last few weeks and at the start of the season. She is happy and you can see.”

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter has received her first senior call-up. Potter has been a standout performer in the Women’s Super League, starting three of Chelsea’s opening four games and delivering a strong display in their recent 1-0 victory over Arsenal.

Describing Potter’s qualities, Wiegman highlighted her courage and composure. “She plays with a lot of courage, a lot of understanding and her decision-making is really good… no matter who she plays against, it looks like it doesn’t bother her at all,” the manager said.

Other uncapped players included in the squad are 18-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, who has impressed since moving to the North Carolina Courage, as well as London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey and Liverpool defender Grace Fisk. Manchester City full-back Niamh Charles also returns to the fold after recovering from injury.

England faces Greece first in Crete on Friday, 9 October, followed by a return leg in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October. A victory on aggregate will advance the Lionesses to the next round of play-offs, where they will compete for a spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.