England’s senior women’s team will take the field against Greece in the upcoming World Cup qualifying play‑off with a 23‑player squad selected by head coach Sarina Wiegman, and the list notably excludes forward Ella Toone and striker Chloe Kelly. Both players have been regular fixtures in recent England squads, but Wiegman explained that their recent form and minutes on the pitch did not meet the standards she expects for this crucial tie. Kelly’s situation at Arsenal has been a key factor in the decision.
The forward has not completed a full 90‑minute match this season and has struggled to break into the starting eleven. In fact, she has not started a single game for the Gunners this campaign, a stark contrast to her usual role as a regular starter for England. The last time Kelly was omitted from an England call‑up was back in February 2025, making this omission particularly significant for the 27‑year‑old. Toone’s case is similar, albeit for different reasons.
The Manchester United midfielder has started three of her club’s Women's Super League fixtures, but she was not involved in United’s 1‑1 draw with Arsenal on 19 September. Wiegman said that Toone’s performances have not reached the level she expects, noting a dip in several key metrics that are essential for a midfielder in the modern game. "The main reason is that I think the levels weren't what I expect from them on the pitch," Wiegman said when addressing the media. The coach added that she has spoken directly with both players, acknowledging the intense competition within the squad and the difficulty of the decision.
"It has been a really hard decision for both of them. I really believe in them and we follow them really well and we expect a bit more and know they can bring more," Wiegman said. She expressed confidence that the two will respond positively to the feedback, improve, and return stronger in future selections. In addition to Toone and Kelly, a handful of other names were left out of the roster.
Chelsea’s promising forward Aggie Beever‑Jones, Arsenal’s versatile defender Lotte Wubben‑Moy, and midfielder Taylor Hinds also missed the cut. Their exclusions highlight the depth of talent available to England and the fine margins that separate those who make the squad from those who do not. The squad that does travel to Greece includes a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Goalkeepers Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool) and Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City, on loan from Orlando Pride) will guard the net.
The defensive line features Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Niamh Charles (Manchester City), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit) and captain Leah Williamson (Arsenal). Williamson, who missed the June fixtures due to a hamstring injury, returns to lead the back line. The midfield options consist of Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal) and Keira Walsh (Chelsea). Notably, 20‑year‑old Lexi Potter earns her first senior call‑up after a strong start to the season with Chelsea, including a goal in a 2‑0 win over Birmingham.
Wiegman praised Potter’s development, saying, "She comes out on the pitch and just plays, she is comfortable, so I hope to see that next week." Up front, the attacking contingent includes Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United) and Alessia Russo (Arsenal). This group provides a mix of pace, creativity and finishing ability that Wiegman hopes will unlock the Greek defence. The two‑legged tie will begin at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete on 9 October, with the return fixture scheduled for 13 October at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium. If England prevail, they will move on to the final round of the play‑offs, where they could face either Slovakia or Ukraine in November‑December.
The winner of that encounter will secure a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Wiegman emphasized the team’s respect for Greece while reaffirming England’s own ambitions. "We are here to win these two games, deliver strong performances, and move one step closer to securing our place at the World Cup," she said. She also highlighted the excitement of re‑uniting the squad after a short break, noting the motivation and readiness of the players.
The coach also touched on her own contract situation. While she remains under contract through the next summer’s World Cup, negotiations for an extension beyond 2027 have not been concluded.
When asked about a possible new deal, Wiegman stressed that her focus remains on the upcoming matches, adding that regular conversations with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham continue but that no new agreement has been reached yet. Analysts such as Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui have weighed in on the omissions. Toloui pointed out that Toone has struggled to replicate the form that made her a key figure for England under previous management, citing a decline in several performance indicators under United’s new coach Eva Olid.
Kelly, on the other hand, has not been able to translate her club minutes into starts, which ultimately impacted her selection. Both players have a history of bouncing back from setbacks.
Kelly, for instance, was left out of the squad four months before Euro 2025 but fought her way back to become a pivotal part of England’s successful campaign. Toone will be hoping for a similar resurgence, using this exclusion as motivation to regain her place. Overall, Wiegman’s squad reflects a balance of experience and youthful energy, with a clear message that selection is merit‑based and performance‑driven.
The upcoming matches against Greece will test the depth of England’s talent pool and set the tone for the final push toward World Cup qualification. The team will travel to Crete with confidence, intent on delivering the results required to keep their World Cup dreams alive.