England’s senior women’s team, under the stewardship of head coach Sarina Wiegman, has announced a 23‑player roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play‑off against Greece. The selection has sparked considerable discussion because two of the nation’s most recognizable attacking talents, Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, have been omitted from the list.
Kelly’s situation at Arsenal this season has been far from ideal. She has not yet completed a full 90‑minute spell for the club and has yet to earn a starting berth in any of the league fixtures. The last occasion she missed an England call‑up was back in February 2025, making her exclusion this time particularly noteworthy.
Midfielder Ella Toone also finds herself on the outside despite having started three of Manchester United’s Women’s Super League matches. She was an unused substitute in United’s 1‑1 draw with Arsenal on 19 September, a game in which she did not make an impact on the scoreline. When asked to explain the decision, Wiegman was candid: “The primary factor was that the performances I observed on the pitch did not meet the standards I expect from these players.” She added that she has spoken with both athletes, emphasizing the intense competition for places and the difficulty of the choice.
“It has been a tough call for both of them. I have a lot of belief in their abilities and we have monitored them closely. However, we need a higher level of output, and I know they are capable of delivering it,” she said. Wiegman continued, “I hope they respond positively to this feedback and come back stronger.
They took the criticism constructively, which is encouraging, but it is never easy to receive such a message.” She also noted that her conversation with Kelly centered on what she observed during matches, stressing that the decision was based purely on footballing criteria. The squad list includes three goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool) and Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City, on loan from Orlando Pride). The defensive line features a blend of experience and youth, with 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).
In midfield, the selections are 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). The attacking contingent comprises Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United) and Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
Beyond Toone and Kelly, a few other notable names missed out. Chelsea’s rising forward Aggie Beever‑Jones, Arsenal’s versatile Lotte Wubben‑Moy and Taylor Hinds were also left out of the final roster. On a brighter note, captain Leah Williamson, 29, returns after missing the June fixtures—a 4‑0 loss to Spain and a 3‑0 win over Ukraine—due to a hamstring problem. Her experience will be vital as England prepares for the two‑legged tie.
A significant development 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 triumph over Birmingham. Wiegman praised her progress, saying, “We have been monitoring her for some time. She has taken a big step forward this season, showing composure and confidence on the ball.
Her performances have convinced us that she belongs in this group.” 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 came off the bench in the champions’ 1‑0 win over Charlton Athletic, is also back after recovering from injury. England’s play‑off schedule pits them against Greece in a double‑header.
The first leg will be held at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete on 9 October, followed by a return fixture at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on 13 October. Should the Lions triumph, they will move on to the second round of the World Cup play‑offs, where they will face either Slovakia or Ukraine over two legs in the final international window of the year, scheduled for November and December. Victory at that stage secures a spot in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Wiegman underscored England’s mindset: “We have great respect for Greece, but our own expectations are crystal clear. Our goal is to win both matches, deliver strong performances and move one step closer to World Cup qualification.” She added, “It’s always exciting to reconvene as a group, and the players will arrive motivated and ready for the challenges ahead.” She expressed enthusiasm about the travel plans, noting, “We look forward to playing in Crete for the first time in our history, and then returning to Leicester, a venue where we have enjoyed many positive moments. Our supporters will be behind us, and it will be wonderful to play in front of them after a few months away.” In a separate note, the article reminds readers that a Chrome browser provides a more accessible video player for any accompanying footage. Contractually, Wiegman remains under agreement until the conclusion of the next summer’s World Cup.
While discussions about an extension beyond 2027 have not yet resulted in a new deal, she emphasized that her focus remains on the immediate task at hand. When questioned about contract progress, she replied, “We have regular conversations about the future, but right now my priority is Greece and securing our place at the World Cup.” She also mentioned routine check‑ins with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, stating that the dialogue continues but there are no new developments.
Analyst Anton Toloui of Sky Sports weighed in, noting that while Wiegman would not have wanted to drop two of her most trusted players, the statistics were compelling. He highlighted that Toone has struggled to recapture her form under Manchester United’s new head coach Eva Olid, with several key midfield metrics declining.
This dip in performance was evident in her omission from the United‑Arsenal WSL clash, where she failed to produce the moments of brilliance fans have come to expect. Toloui also pointed out Kelly’s limited starts for Arsenal—only in a 0‑0 draw against Crystal Palace and a narrow win over HB Koge, where she was substituted while the score remained level. He recalled that Kelly was left out of the squad four months before Euro 2025, fought her way back, and became a key figure in England’s successful campaign.
Now, she will be hoping to replicate that resurgence, and the same applies to Toone. The piece concludes with a promotional note encouraging readers to join the "Play Super 6" competition for a chance to win £1 million, emphasizing that entry is free.