‘The levels weren’t what I expect’ – Toone and Kelly omitted from England squad

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly have both been omitted from England’s squad for next month’s Women’s World Cup qualification play-offs, with Sarina Wiegman saying both players have fallen short of their usual levels this season.

The Lionesses will take on Greece across two legs on October 9 and 13, with the winner of that tie progressing to a play-off final against either Slovakia or Ukraine.

England have not failed to qualify for the Women’s World Cup since 2003, having reached at least the semi-finals at the last three editions, finishing as runners-up to Spain in 2023.

Toone and Kelly have been key members of Wiegman’s England setup since she took charge in 2021, helping the Lionesses win back-to-back European Championships. 

Both players scored in the 2022 showpiece, a 2-1 win over Germany at Wembley, while Kelly converted the decisive penalty in a shoot-out triumph over Spain in the 2025 final.

Aggie Beever-Jones and Lotte Wubben-Moy are among the other big names to be left out of Wiegman’s squad, though captain Leah Williamson returns after missing the end of England’s group-stage campaign with injury.

“The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch,” Wiegman said of her decision to exclude Toone and Kelly.

“There is big competition going on and that is basically what it is. Of course, it has been a very hard decision for both of them.

“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.

“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.”

Sarina Wiegman has named her squad for our upcoming #FIFAWWC play-off games against Greece 

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) September 29, 2026

Toone has won 69 senior caps since making her debut in February 2021, though she has made an inconsistent start to the domestic season, with Manchester United only taking four points from their first four matches in the Women’s Super League.

Kelly, who has only two caps fewer than Toone, has only started one of Arsenal’s opening four games, tallying just 124 minutes of WSL action with the Gunners on five points.

Twenty-year-old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter has won her first senior call-up, having impressed during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, while Erica Meg Parkinson, Freya Godfrey and Grace Fisk are the other uncapped players to be included.

England squad: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool), Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City); 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); Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal), Keira Walsh (Chelsea); Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

Women’s Football

‘Bring it on’ – Bright sets sights on glory after Chelsea’s Champions League comeback

Premier League News

‘Best is yet to come’ for Fulham, says Silva

UEFA Conference League News

‘Chelsea fans have to trust us’ – Maresca issues rallying cry to Blues’ faithful

UEFA Conference League News

‘Chelsea are back’ if they win Europa Conference League, Maresca insists

Nations League

‘Every Portugal player’ wants to see Ronaldo win World Cup – Dalot

Premier League News

‘Every point is expensive’ in the Premier League, says Iraola

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.