Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone has been called up to the England squad for their forthcoming World Cup play-off games with Greece.
The 27-year-old was originally left out of Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad which was announced last week but will now join up with the group following a minor injury to Lucy Bronze.
Toone was omitted alongside fellow England regular Chloe Kelly and Wiegman later stated she “expected more” from the pair.
Speaking at St George’s Park at the time of the initial squad announcement, Wiegman told a press conference: “The levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch and I’ve had a conversation with them and there’s big competition going on too.
“It has been a really hard decision for both of them. I really believe in them and we follow them really well and we expect a bit more and know they can bring more.
Ella Toone has completed 90 minutes only once for Manchester United this season (PA Wire)
“I hope they can step up and show what they can do because I’m convinced they can do better. They took the feedback well, in a positive way, but it is also hard to take. It is not a nice message.
“I hope they respond on it really well. I hope they come back even better than they were before.”
Toone has only completed 90 minutes for Manchester United once this campaign under new boss Eva Olid.
Bronze played for Chelsea in their 3-0 victory over West Ham but sustained an injury which means she will now return to her club for further assessment.
The Lionesses arrived in Crete on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s first leg play-off with Greece at the Pankritio Stadium. The second leg is at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday.
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