England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, has unveiled a 23‑player roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play‑off against Greece, and the list notably excludes two high‑profile forwards: Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly. Both players have been regular fixtures in the national set‑up in recent years, yet they find themselves on the outside looking in as the Lionesses prepare for the two‑legged tie. Kelly’s club situation offers a clear explanation for her omission. The Arsenal striker has yet to complete a full 90‑minute spell this season and has not started a single match for the Gunners.
Her limited minutes on the pitch have raised concerns about match fitness and sharpness, prompting Wiegman to look elsewhere for attacking options. The last time Kelly was left out of an England squad was back in February 2025, making this decision all the more significant. Toone’s case is slightly different but equally compelling.
The Manchester United midfielder has started three of United’s Women’s Super League fixtures this term, yet she was absent from the 1‑1 draw with Arsenal on September 19. Wiegman cited a drop in the quality of her performances as a key factor, noting that the levels she displayed on the field did not meet the standards expected for a World Cup play‑off. "The main reason is that I think the levels weren't what I expect from them on the pitch," Wiegman explained, emphasizing that the decision was based purely on recent form. The coach added that both players were given candid feedback and that the conversation was difficult but necessary.
"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 use the setback as motivation, hoping they will return stronger and more resilient. Beyond Toone and Kelly, the squad also sees the exclusion of a few other notable names. Chelsea forward Aggie Beever‑Jones, Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben‑Moy, and Taylor Hinds are among those left out, indicating a broader reshuffle aimed at rewarding current form and depth across the roster. Returning to the fold is captain Leah Williamson, who missed the June fixtures—a 4‑0 loss to Spain and a 3‑0 win over Ukraine—due to a hamstring injury.
Her comeback adds experience and leadership to a side that will need both on the road to Crete and back in Leicester. One bright spot for the squad is the inclusion of 20‑year‑old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, who earns her first senior call‑up. Potter has started three of her club’s first four games this season and even found the net in a 2‑0 victory over Birmingham. Wiegman praised her development, stating, "Her performances have really impressed us, so she really deserves this call‑up.
She's shown at Chelsea she can start against any team." The goalkeeper department features Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool) and Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City, on loan from Orlando Pride). The defensive line includes seasoned veterans such as Lucy Bronze (Chelsea) and Leah Williamson (Arsenal), alongside emerging talents like Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United) and Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit).
Midfield options range from Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City) to the ever‑reliable Keira Walsh (Chelsea), while the attacking contingent boasts names like Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Manchester City) and Alessia Russo (Arsenal). The play‑off itself will be a two‑match series: the first leg at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete on October 9, followed by a return fixture at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on October 13. Should England prevail, they will advance to the next round of the World Cup play‑offs, where they could face either Slovakia or Ukraine in a two‑legged tie scheduled for November and December.
Victory in that stage would secure a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Wiegman stressed the team’s respect for Greece but made clear the Lionesses’ own expectations. "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 period apart, noting that the players will arrive motivated and ready for the challenges ahead. The coach also addressed her own contractual situation. While her current deal runs until the end of the next summer’s World Cup, negotiations for an extension beyond 2027 remain unresolved. When asked about progress on a new contract, Wiegman replied that her focus remains entirely on the Greece games and the goal of qualification.
She confirmed regular discussions with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham but emphasized that no new agreements have been reached yet. Analysts such as Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui have weighed in on the omissions. Toloui pointed out that Toone has struggled under Manchester United’s new head coach Eva Olid, with key midfield metrics slipping. Kelly, on the other hand, has seen limited starts at Arsenal, which ultimately impacted her selection.
Both players, however, have a history of bouncing back after setbacks, and Toloui believes they could use this episode as a catalyst for a return to form. In summary, Wiegman's squad selection reflects a balance between rewarding current performance and maintaining depth across all positions. The exclusion of Toone and Kelly sends a clear message that recent club form will heavily influence national team opportunities. As the Lionesses head to Crete and then Leicester, the focus will be on delivering the results needed to keep their World Cup dreams alive, while the omitted players will look to prove their worth in the weeks and months ahead.