England’s senior women’s team will take the field without two of its most recognizable forwards, Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, as manager Sarina Wiegman announced a 23‑player roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play‑off against Greece. The decision sparked a wave of discussion among fans and pundits, given the stature of both players in the national set‑up.
Wiegman explained that the primary factor behind the exclusions was a perceived shortfall in performance levels during recent club matches, a sentiment she expressed candidly in the pre‑match press conference. 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.
Her last omission from an England squad dates back to February 2025, making this the first time in over a year that she finds herself on the outside looking in. While she has contributed in limited minutes, the lack of consistent game time has evidently influenced the coach’s assessment.
Toone, who plies her trade with Manchester United, also missed the cut despite featuring in three Women’s Super League fixtures for the club. She was an unused substitute in United’s 1‑1 draw with Arsenal on September 19, a match that highlighted her reduced impact compared to previous seasons. Wiegman noted that the midfield’s output did not meet the standards she expects, prompting a tough decision that she described as “hard for both of them.” The manager emphasized that competition within the squad is fierce and that each player must demonstrate the quality required at the international level.
“I have spoken with both Chloe and Ella,” Wiegman said. “The conversation centered on what I observed on the pitch. They took the feedback positively, but it’s never easy to receive a message like this.” She added that she hopes the two will respond constructively and return stronger in future selections. In addition to Toone and Kelly, several other players were left out of the 23‑man list.
Chelsea’s rising striker Aggie Beever‑Jones, Arsenal’s versatile Lotte Wubben‑Moy, and midfielder Taylor Hinds also did not make the squad. Conversely, captain Leah Williamson, who missed the June fixtures due to a hamstring injury, is back in contention and will bring her experience to the midfield.
The squad that will travel to Crete on October 9 includes a blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers. Goalkeepers Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool) and Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City, on loan from Orlando Pride) guard the posts.
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 Leah Williamson (Arsenal). Midfield options comprise 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 attacking unit consists 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).
One of the notable inclusions is 20‑year‑old Lexi Potter, who earns her first senior call‑up after a string of impressive performances for Chelsea, including a goal in a 2‑0 win over Birmingham. Wiegman praised Potter’s development, saying, “She’s grown a lot.
Her recent displays have convinced us she deserves this opportunity. She’s comfortable on the ball and I expect to see that confidence on the field next week.” The roster also welcomes back Grace Fisk, who returns after a period out of the squad, and Erica Meg Parkinson, who made her debut for the national side in April. Niamh Charles, who recovered from an injury and featured as a substitute in Manchester City’s 1‑0 victory over Charlton Athletic, is also included. England’s fixtures against Greece will be played as a two‑legged tie.
The first leg takes place at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete on October 9, followed by a return match at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on October 13. Should England prevail, they will move on to face either Slovakia or Ukraine in the final round of the World Cup play‑offs later in the year, with the ultimate prize being a spot at the 2027 tournament in Brazil. Wiegman underscored the team’s mindset ahead of the games: “We respect Greece, but we know what we are capable of. Our aim is to win both matches, deliver strong performances and edge closer to World Cup qualification.” She added that the squad is eager to reunite, stating, “It’s always exciting to get back together.
The players will arrive motivated and ready for the next steps.” The manager also touched on her own contractual situation. Currently under contract until the end of the next World Cup, Wiegman has not yet signed a new deal that would extend her tenure beyond 2027. When asked about a possible extension, she said her focus remains on the Greece play‑offs and the forthcoming World Cup campaign, noting that regular discussions with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham continue but that no new agreement has been reached.
Analyst Anton Toloui of Sky Sports echoed the sentiment that Wiegman’s decision, while painful, reflects the data. He highlighted that Toone’s metrics under Manchester United’s new head coach Eva Olid have dipped, and Kelly’s limited starts for Arsenal have hindered her rhythm. Both players, however, have previously demonstrated resilience, returning to the squad after previous exclusions and playing pivotal roles in England’s recent successes, such as the Euro 2025 campaign. Looking ahead, the England women’s team will travel to Crete with a clear objective: to secure a victory that propels them into the next phase of qualification.
The blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent offers a balanced approach, and the coaching staff hopes that the players left out will use the experience as motivation to improve and fight for future inclusion. The upcoming matches promise to be a decisive test of depth, determination, and the strategic vision of Sarina Wiegman as she steers England toward another World Cup appearance.