England’s senior women’s team will take the field against Greece in a World Cup qualifying play‑off without two of its most recognizable attacking talents, Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, as head coach Sarina Wiegman announced a 23‑player roster for the two‑leg tie. The decision, which surprised many fans and pundits, reflects the coach’s assessment of recent form and the intense competition for places within the squad. Kelly’s situation at Arsenal has been particularly stark. The forward has yet to complete a full 90‑minute spell in any competition this season and has not earned a starting berth in any of the club’s matches.
The last time she missed an England call‑up was back in February 2025, making her omission this time a notable departure from her usual involvement. Wiegman explained that the primary factor was the level of performance she observed on the pitch, stating, "The main reason is that I think the levels weren't what I expect from them on the pitch." She added that the decision was difficult for both players, but emphasized that she still believes in their potential and expects them to respond positively to the feedback. Toone’s case is similarly nuanced. The Manchester United midfielder has started three of her side’s Women’s Super League games this season, yet she was not involved in United’s 1‑1 draw with Arsenal on 19 September.
Wiegman noted that despite Toone’s experience and previous contributions, the current standards she displayed did not meet the threshold required for selection. "I have had a conversation with them and there is big competition going on and that is basically what it is," the Dutch manager said, underscoring the depth of talent available to England. The coach’s remarks highlighted a broader theme: the need for players to translate training ground progress into tangible match‑day impact. "I hope they can step up and show what they can do because I'm convinced they can do better," Wiegman added, praising the duo’s professionalism in accepting the critique.
She expressed confidence that both Kelly and Toone would return stronger, noting that they had taken the feedback in a constructive manner. In addition to the two forwards, several other names were left out of the squad. Chelsea’s rising striker Aggie Beever‑Jones, Arsenal’s versatile Lotte Wubben‑Moy, and midfielder Taylor Hinds also missed the cut. Conversely, veteran captain Leah Williamson, 29, rejoined the group after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept her out of the June 4‑0 loss to Spain and the subsequent 3‑0 win over Ukraine.
One of the most encouraging stories from the selection is the inclusion of 20‑year‑old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, who earned her first senior call‑up. Potter has started three of her club’s first four league fixtures and even found the net in a 2‑0 triumph over Birmingham City earlier this month. 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." The squad also features a mix of seasoned internationals and newcomers.
Goalkeepers Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool) and Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City, on loan from Orlando Pride) guard the posts. 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 Leah Williamson (Arsenal). In midfield, 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) provide creativity and stability.
Up front, the attacking options consist of Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United) and Alessia Russo (Arsenal). The play‑off will be contested over two legs, with the first match scheduled for 9 October at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete, followed by a return fixture on 13 October at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium.
A victory would see England advance to the next round of the play‑offs, where they would face either Slovakia or Ukraine in a two‑legged tie later in November and December. Success in that round would secure a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Wiegman remained realistic about the challenge posed by Greece, acknowledging the Greek side’s pedigree as the reigning European champions and 2023 World Cup runners‑up. "We have great respect for Greece but our expectations of ourselves are clear," she said. "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 also expressed enthusiasm about re‑uniting the squad after a period of isolation caused by the international calendar.
"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," Wiegman added. The coach highlighted the support of English fans, noting that the team would play in front of a passionate crowd both in Crete and back home in Leicester.
Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, the article touched on Wiegman's contractual situation. The 56‑year‑old manager remains under contract until the end of the 2027 World Cup, but a new agreement extending her tenure beyond that point has not yet been finalized. When questioned about a potential extension, Wiegman emphasized that her focus remains entirely on the upcoming Greece matches and the ultimate goal of World Cup qualification.
She mentioned regular conversations with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, but confirmed that no concrete decisions have been made at this stage. Analyst Anton Toloui of Sky Sports offered a concise summary of the selection dilemma.
He noted that while Wiegman would not have wanted to exclude two of her most trusted players, the statistical evidence regarding Toone’s recent form under United’s new coach Eva Olid and Kelly’s limited playing time at Arsenal made their omission understandable. Toloui pointed out that Toone’s key midfield metrics have declined, and Kelly’s lack of starts has hindered her rhythm, despite both having previously played pivotal roles in England’s Euro 2025 triumph. Looking ahead, both Toone and Kelly will have the opportunity to prove their worth in club competition, with the hope of earning a recall for future England fixtures. Their exclusion serves as a reminder that even established internationals must continually demonstrate high‑level performance to retain their places in a highly competitive national team environment.
Overall, the squad announced by Sarina Wiegman blends experience, youthful vigor, and tactical flexibility, positioning England to approach the Greece play‑off with confidence while also acknowledging the fine margins that separate selection from omission in elite sport.