England manager Sarina Wiegman has left out Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly from her latest Lionesses squad, explaining that both players have not been performing at the level she expects.
England are preparing for a two-legged Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece in October, but Manchester United midfielder Toone and Arsenal forward Kelly will not be involved.
Toone, 27, and Kelly, 28, have experienced inconsistent starts to the new season. Both players played important roles in England’s European Championship triumphs in 2022 and 2025, but Wiegman believes they can produce more.
Wiegman said she continues to have confidence in both players but felt their recent performances did not justify selection.
The England boss has spoken directly with the two players about her decision. According to Wiegman, the conversations were difficult, but both Toone and Kelly accepted the decision and are focused on improving.
There had also been speculation that Kelly’s omission could have been connected to an injury. However, Wiegman clarified that her decision was based on what she had seen from the forward on the pitch rather than an injury concern.
Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones is another notable absentee, while Arsenal defenders Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds have also been left out of the 23-player squad.
Leah Williamson Returns to England Squad
There is positive news for Leah Williamson, who returns to the England squad after missing the team’s June fixtures against Spain and Ukraine.
The Arsenal defender has impressed during the early stages of the season, and Wiegman believes her recent form has earned her recall.
Williamson’s return adds further experience to an England squad preparing for an important stage of World Cup qualification.
Lexi Potter Earns First England Call-Up
Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter has received her first senior England call-up after making a strong impression in the Women’s Super League.
The 20-year-old has started three of Chelsea’s first four league matches and produced an impressive display during the club’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
Wiegman has been monitoring Potter since last season and praised her confidence, technical ability and decision-making.
One of Potter’s biggest strengths has been her willingness to play with confidence against high-level opposition. Her performance against Arsenal demonstrated that she can handle the pressure of facing experienced players.
The England manager will now have the opportunity to assess Potter at international level.
More Young Players Included
Midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, 18, has also returned to the squad despite being uncapped at senior international level.
Parkinson has impressed since moving to North Carolina Courage during the summer.
Manchester City defender Niamh Charles is another player returning to the squad after injury. She recently came off the bench during City’s 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic.
London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey and Liverpool defender Grace Fisk are the other uncapped players selected.
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England’s World Cup Play-Off Against Greece
England will face Greece twice in October as they continue their route towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The first meeting will take place in Crete on Friday, 9 October, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 BST.
The second leg will be played in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October, starting at 19:30 BST.
England must win the two-legged tie to advance to the second round of the play-offs. A successful campaign would keep their hopes of reaching next summer’s Women’s World Cup alive.
Full England 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
England’s decision to leave out Toone and Kelly will attract attention given their previous importance to the Lionesses. However, Wiegman’s latest selection also provides opportunities for emerging players such as Potter and Parkinson as England begin their next stage of World Cup qualification.