England’s senior women’s team will take to the field for a crucial World Cup qualifying play‑off against Greece, but manager Sarina Wiegman has made the difficult decision to leave two of the squad’s most recognizable names on the sidelines: Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly. Both players have been regular fixtures for their clubs and have featured prominently for England in recent tournaments, yet they will not travel to Crete for the first leg on October 9 or to Leicester for the return match on October 13. The omission of Kelly, who has yet to complete a full 90‑minute spell for Arsenal this season and has not started a league game, marks the first time she has missed an England call‑up since February 2025.
In a similar vein, Toone, a midfielder who has started three of Manchester United Women’s Super League fixtures, was also left out despite her club’s recent 1‑1 draw with Arsenal on September 19. Wiegman explained that the primary factor behind the selections was performance level: “The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch,” she said, adding that the competition for places is intense and that she has spoken candidly with both players about the decision. Wiegman emphasized that the choice was painful for everyone involved.
“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,” she noted.
She expressed confidence that the two will respond positively to the feedback, saying, “I hope they can step up and show what they can do because I’m convinced they can do better. They took the feedback well, in a positive way, but it is also hard to take. It is not a nice message.
I hope they respond on it really well. I hope they come back even better than they were before.” The rest of the 23‑player roster reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent. Goalkeepers selected are Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool) and Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City, on loan from Orlando Pride). The defensive line includes 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), who returns after missing the June fixtures due to a hamstring injury.
In midfield, the squad features 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). Up front, the forwards are Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United) and Alessia Russo (Arsenal). Notably, Chelsea forward Aggie Beever‑Jones, Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben‑Moy and Taylor Hinds were also omitted from the list.
One bright spot for the squad is the inclusion of Lexi Potter, a 20‑year‑old Chelsea midfielder who earns her first senior call‑up. Potter has started three of her club’s first four games this season and even got on the scoresheet in a 2‑0 win over Birmingham. Wiegman praised her development, saying, “I think she’s grown a lot. Last season we kept a close eye on her because she was already getting into the squad but I think she has started this season really well.
Her performances have really impressed us, so she really deserves this call‑up. She’s shown at Chelsea she can start against any team. What I’ve seen from her is she comes out on the pitch and just plays, she is comfortable, so I hope to see that next week.” The squad also sees the return of Liverpool defender Grace Fisk and uncapped North Carolina Courage midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, who made her England debut in April.
Manchester City full‑back Niamh Charles, who recovered from an injury and featured as a substitute in the WSL champions’ 1‑0 win over Charlton Athletic, is also back in the mix. England will face Greece in a two‑legged tie. The first match will be played 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 the Lionesses prevail, they will move on to the next round of the World Cup play‑offs, where they could be drawn against either Slovakia or Ukraine in November‑December. The winner of that tie will secure a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Wiegman stressed the team’s respect for their opponents while reaffirming England’s own ambitions: “We have great respect for Greece but our expectations of ourselves are clear.
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 added that the squad is eager to reunite after a short break: “It’s always exciting to reconnect as a group and we are looking forward to getting back together. The players will arrive motivated and ready for the next steps.” The manager also highlighted the emotional pull of playing in front of supporters again after a few months away. “We know our supporters will get behind the team again, and it will be great to play in front of them after a few months away,” she said, looking ahead to the atmosphere at both Crete and Leicester.
Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, Wiegman’s contract situation was touched upon during the press conference. Her current deal runs until the end of the 2027 World Cup, and while there have been ongoing discussions about an extension, she insisted her focus remains squarely on the upcoming Greece fixtures. “We have regular conversations together and talk about the future at moments, but at this moment I’m just focusing on Greece and want to get through and qualify for the World Cup,” she explained.
She also confirmed routine communication with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, noting that “there is nothing new, we are focusing on Greece and then hopefully the World Cup.” Analysts, such as Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui, have weighed in on the rationale behind the exclusions. Toloui pointed out that Toone has struggled to rediscover her form under Manchester United’s new head coach Eva Olid, with several key midfield metrics declining. He observed that her lack of impact in the recent WSL clash against Arsenal was a clear indicator of her current challenges.
Regarding Kelly, Toloui noted that her limited starts for Arsenal—only in a 0‑0 draw with Crystal Palace and a narrow win over HB Koge—have hindered her rhythm, ultimately contributing to her omission. Both players, however, have a history of bouncing back. Kelly was left out of the squad four months before Euro 2025, yet she fought her way back in and became a pivotal figure in England’s successful campaign.
Toone, too, has the experience of overcoming setbacks and could use this moment as motivation to regain her place. In summary, England’s squad for the Greece play‑offs blends seasoned veterans, promising youngsters, and a few surprising exclusions. The team will aim to deliver the performances Wiegman expects, while Toone and Kelly will look to use the feedback as fuel for a future return to the national side. The upcoming matches promise high stakes, and the Lionesses are determined to secure their ticket to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.