When Sarina Wiegman originally named her England squad for the Lionesses’ Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece, the biggest talking point was not who had been selected. It was more of who had been left out.
Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, two players who played important roles in England’s European Championship successes in 2022 and 2025, were both omitted from the original squad. Wiegman was clear about why, explaining both players have not been performing at the level she expects at club level, despite insisting that she still believes in them and expects them to respond positively to the decision.
However, with Lucy Bronze withdrawing from the squad because of a minor injury, Toone has been called up as her replacement.
Why were Toone and Kelly initially left out?
At the time of the announcement, Toone had started three of Manchester United’s opening four WSL matches but was yet to score or provide an assist in the league this season. She did score in United’s 10-1 League Cup victory over Sheffield United, but Wiegman’s assessment has been based on the wider picture of her performances.
Kelly’s situation was slightly different. The Arsenal forward started just one of the club’s opening four league games and had made three appearances from the bench. Wiegman also specifically dismissed suggestions that Kelly’s omission was injury-related, making it clear that the decision was based on what she has seen from the player on the pitch.
For two players with such strong England credentials, their initial omission shared a significant message at the beginning of the World Cup cycle: reputation will not be enough. Wiegman acknowledged that the decision was difficult bur maintained that she believed in both players and expected more from them.
Toone’s recall
Toone’s subsequent recall proves that when a player works hard it will be rewarded. Rather than allowing her disappointment to derail her preparations, the Manchester United midfielder took matters into her own hands, planning an individual training camp in Spain to work on her game and put herself back in contention.
Wiegman was particularly impressed by Toone’s response to the original decision, praising both her attitude and her determination to continue working towards an England return.
“That answer in the game, also the way she spoke about it, I thought that was really good. And then getting everything ready to go to Spain instead, but go for training there, I think that really impressed me. Well done, I would say,”
Toone’s determination was followed by an encouraging performance for Manchester United, who secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool last weekend, with the midfielder starting and making an impact. Her response appears to have reinforced Wiegman’s confidence in her, with the manager also recognising the value of Toone’s experience when deciding to call her up following Lucy Bronze’s withdrawal.
Although her recall came as a result of Bronze’s absence, Wiegman’s praise highlights how Toone has responded to being challenged. With England preparing for their World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece, the midfielder now has an opportunity to turn that determination into performances on the international stage.
A warning to the rest of the squad:
The omissions also send a message beyond Toone and Kelly. England have won major trophies with Wiegman, and there is a group of players who have built up considerable credit over the last few years. But this squad selection suggests that credit has limits. If players are not performing regularly for their clubs, there are younger or less established players waiting for an opportunity. That is particularly relevant with a World Cup approaching. England cannot afford to simply rely on the same group because of what they have achieved previously. The competition for places has to remain genuine, and this squad selection provides evidence of that.
Lexi Potter gets her opportunity:
One of the clearest examples is Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, who has received her first senior England call-up. The 20-year-old has started three of Chelsea’s opening four WSL matches and caught the eye during their 1-0 victory over Arsenal. Wiegman said Potter has been closely monitored since last season and praised her courage, understanding and decision-making.
Her inclusion is significant because England’s midfield is already packed with established international players. Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh remain in the squad, while Laura Blindkilde Brown, Lucia Kendall and Erica Meg Parkinson are also included. Potter therefore arrives not simply as a promising youngster, but as another player being given the opportunity to challenge for a place in an area where England have considerable depth. It will be interesting to see whether she gets minutes against Greece and, if she does, how quickly she can adapt to senior international football.
Leah Williamson’s return is equally important:
There is also an important return to the squad, with captain Leah Williamson back after missing England’s June fixtures through injury. Wiegman has been pleased with Williamson’s performances and start to the season, and her return restores another experienced figure to the group. Williamson’s presence matters beyond her experience.
England are entering a new World Cup cycle and still need to balance the players who have delivered success with those who can take the team forward. Having Williamson back gives Wiegman another established leader while the likes of Potter and Parkinson are introduced into the senior environment.
What does this mean for the Lionesses?
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this squad is the balance. There is plenty of experience: Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Alessia Russo are all included.
But there is also movement around that established core. Potter receives her first call-up. Parkinson returns to the squad. Freya Godfrey and Grace Fisk are included as uncapped players, while Williamson returns. The squad therefore feels like a mixture of continuity and competition. That is something Wiegman will need as England move towards the 2027 World Cup. The Lionesses have already shown they can win major tournaments, but the next challenge is building a squad capable of doing it again while continuing to develop new options.
Greece provides a different test:
The immediate task, however, is Greece. England face Greece over two legs, with the first meeting taking place in Crete on Friday 9th October before the return fixture at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday 13th October. It will be the first senior meeting between the two nations. England come into the play-offs after winning five of their six qualifying matches, but they finished second behind Spain and therefore have to navigate the play-off route to Brazil. The prize is significant. If England progress against Greece, they will face either Slovakia or Ukraine in the second round of the play-offs later in the year. Winning that tie would secure their place at the 2027 World Cup.
A new cycle, but the same expectations:
There is still plenty of continuity around Wiegman’s England. The core of the team that won EURO 2025 remains, and Wiegman is not suddenly rebuilding the Lionesses from scratch. But the latest squad does suggest that the manager is willing to make difficult decisions when she feels performances have dropped below her standards.
For the players coming into the squad, the message is equally clear: there are opportunities available. That makes this international break about more than simply getting past Greece.
It is the beginning of another stage in the development of Wiegman’s England, with established players still trusted, new faces being introduced and places in the team having to be earned, with a place at the World Cup on the line.
Full England squad:
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool), Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City, on loan from Orlando City)
Defenders: Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Manchester City), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal), Keira Walsh (Chelsea) Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
