Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly miss out on England squad for World Cup qualifiers

England manager Sarina Wiegman has announced a 23-player squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece, with notable absences including Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly. Kelly has not yet completed a full match for Arsenal this season and has yet to start a game, while Toone has also missed out despite starting in three Women's Super League fixtures. Wiegman cited performance levels as the primary reason for their exclusion from the squad.

Wiegman explained that she had conversations with both players regarding their omission, highlighting the intense competition for places in the squad. Alongside Toone and Kelly, Chelsea's Aggie Beever-Jones, Arsenal's Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Taylor Hinds have also been left out of the selection. The manager's decisions reflect her commitment to maintaining high standards within the team.

Despite the absence of some key players, captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury, having missed previous matches against Spain and Ukraine. Lexi Potter from Chelsea receives her first senior call-up, while Grace Fisk and Erica Meg Parkinson also return to the fold after previous international appearances. Manchester City’s Niamh Charles is included after making her comeback from injury.

England will face Greece in a double-header, beginning with a match at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete on October 9, followed by a return fixture at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on October 13. The European champions, who were runners-up at the last World Cup, aim to progress to the next round of play-offs, where they could face Slovakia or Ukraine for a chance to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

Wiegman expressed confidence in her squad's ability to perform, stating that the team's expectations are clear: to win both matches against Greece. She emphasised the importance of strong performances and the excitement of reconnecting as a group. The matches will mark England's first encounter with Greece, and Wiegman looks forward to the support from fans during the upcoming fixtures.

via Sky Sports