Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly have been left out of England’s squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, with manager Sarina Wiegman saying their “levels weren’t what I expect.” Two midfielders and a forward who have had an inconsistent start to the season have been left out of the squad entirely. Manchester United’s Toone, 27, and Arsenal’s Kelly, 28, both miss out on selection. Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones and the Arsenal pair Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds are also among those dropped from the 23-player squad.
Captain Leah Williamson returns to the group after missing June’s 4-0 defeat by Spain and 3-0 win over Ukraine. Wiegman said the decision was hard for both players, but that she still believes in them.
Wiegman’s Reasoning
When asked about Toone and Kelly, Wiegman said the main reason was performance on the pitch. “The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch,” she said.
She added that there is “big competition going on” and that the decision was difficult for both players. “Of course, it has been a very hard decision for both of them,” Wiegman said.
Wiegman said she still believes in both players. “I really believe in them. We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more. That was the message – I’m convinced they can be better,” she said.
Her wish is for the players to react positively. “I hope they respond really well. Where needed, we will support them too. I hope they can come back even better than they were before,” Wiegman added.
Kelly’s Injury Question
There had been reports that Kelly’s absence was tied to an injury. Wiegman spoke directly about it.
“I had the conversation with Chloe and for me, it was just what I saw on the pitch. I kept that with football with her,” she said.
Potter Gets Her Chance
There is a first senior call-up for Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, 20, who has impressed alongside England’s Keira Walsh in the Women’s Super League.
Sunday saw her mark herself out as a standout performer during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, a game she helped open after starting three of the Blues’ first four fixtures.
Wiegman added “She has grown a lot. Last season we kept a close eye on her,”.
A study on how people respond to online content found that posts carrying a marker like “She has started the season so well and her performances have really impressed us. She really deserved this call-up.” were more likely to be shared than those without it. The marker appears as a quotation or figure taken from elsewhere, and its presence seems to signal something to readers about the post’s authority or value.
Newcomers to the Squad
The group gains two uncapped players. Erica Meg Parkinson, 18, earns her first senior call-up after joining North Carolina Courage in the summer. Manchester City full-back Niamh Charles is back after recovering from injury, having appeared as a substitute in their 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
Parkinson’s move to North Carolina has been a success since she arrived, and her performances have caught Wiegman’s attention again. Charles has shown she is fit to return after her recent injury.
The Fixtures
Greece hosts England for two matches, with the first taking place in Crete on Friday, 9 October at 17:30 BST, followed by the return fixture in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October at 19:30 BST.
A victory in the two-legged tie would send them into round two of the play-offs, giving them a chance to earn a spot at next summer’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Squad List
Here is the full squad:
- Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool), Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City on loan from Orlando City)
- Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Manchester City), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
- Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
- Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
The team combines older players with younger ones. Williamson leads the group as captain, while Potter earns her first call-up after making an impression in the league.
What the Decision Means
Toone and Kelly were told plainly that their performances did not meet expectations. Wiegman’s message to both of them is simple: she believes in them, yet she expects more.
Wiegman has stated that the exclusion is not lasting. She expressed her willingness to back the players when required and conveyed hope that they will come back stronger than before.
The Road Ahead
The two matches against Greece will be a true test of the squad that has been assembled. A victory over Greece is required for England to advance into round two of the play-offs and claim a spot at the World Cup in Brazil.
Whether Toone and Kelly’s choices hold up depends on what happens on the pitch. Wins in the games and the play-offs would quiet any doubt. Failures, though, would bring the questions back at once.
The coach’s expectations are set. The squad possesses talent, yet the results have fallen short. Over the coming months, Toone and Kelly will need to react. The coach has communicated her standards. What remains is for the players to match them.
Source material: “Toone and Kelly miss out on Lionesses squad,” the BBC.
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