England manager Sarina Wiegman has named a 23-player squad for the two-legged Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece but notable absences include forwards Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone. Wiegman told reporters their recent performances had not reached the standards she expects.
- Sarina Wiegman left Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly out of a 23-player England squad for World Cup play-offs against Greece, citing sub-standard recent performances.
- Lexi Potter earned her first senior call-up; Leah Williamson returns to the squad.
- England must win the two-legged tie (9 and 13 October) to progress to the next play-off round in their path to the 2027 Women's World Cup.
What was announced
Wiegman left both Kelly and Toone out of the selection for fixtures scheduled for 9 October in Crete and 13 October at Leicester’s King Power Stadium. The manager said she had discussed her decision with each player and that it was based on what she had seen from them on the pitch in recent weeks. Multiple outlets report Wiegman described their recent levels as below expectation and added she still believes in the players’ quality.
Who is in the squad
The 23-player squad named across reports includes a mix of experienced internationals and younger names. Goalkeepers named were Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool) and Anna Moorhouse (on loan at Orlando Pride). Defenders listed across sources include Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Grace Fisk, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan and Leah Williamson, who returns to the squad after missing June’s fixtures.
Midfield selections include Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Lucia Kendall, Lexi Potter and Erica Meg Parkinson. Forwards named across reports are Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Jess Park, Alessia Russo and Freya Godfrey.
New call-ups and returns
Chelsea teenager Lexi Potter, 20, received her first senior England call-up after establishing herself as a starter at club level, while Erica Meg Parkinson, who has been playing in the NWSL for North Carolina Courage, returned to the group after earlier involvement in April. Liverpool centre-back Grace Fisk and Manchester City full-back Niamh Charles were also named after recent club involvement and/or recovery from injury. Sources indicate Aggie Beever-Jones, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds were omitted from the 23.
Why the omissions matter
Toone and Kelly have been regular contributors to the Lionesses in recent years and were important figures in England’s European Championship campaigns. Their absence reduces immediate selection depth in attacking and creative roles, while opening opportunities for younger midfielders and forwards to stake a claim in a crucial international window.
Context: the qualification route and stakes
England failed to secure automatic qualification from their qualifying group and must win this two-legged play-off against Greece to advance to the next stage of European qualification. If they progress, reports say they would face either Slovakia or Ukraine in the second round of play-offs later in the year, with winners at that stage qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Manager’s reasoning and handling
Wiegman told media she had spoken privately with both Toone and Kelly and framed the decision around levels of performance rather than fitness; she said she kept the conversations “with football” when asked about reported injuries. Sources record she made clear she still believes in both players and expects they can respond to the feedback.
What comes next
- England travel to Crete for the first leg on 9 October and return to Leicester for the second match on 13 October.
- Wiegman’s selection suggests the Lionesses will rely on a mix of experienced internationals and form-based selections; performances in the two fixtures will determine whether omitted players are recalled for subsequent windows.
- Club form over the coming weeks is likely to be decisive for Toone and Kelly if they are to force their way back into contention.
Timeline of the key announcements (from sources)
- 29 September 2026 – Sarina Wiegman names a 23-player squad for the Greece play-offs; Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly omitted. (BBC, Sky Sports, Goal.com)
- 29 September 2026 – Wiegman explains omissions were due to recent performances not meeting expected levels and confirms she had discussed the decision with both players. (BBC, Sky Sports)
Notes on sources and outstanding questions
This article is based on reporting from BBC Sport, Sky Sports and Goal.com, which published the squad details and Wiegman’s explanations. Outlets agree on the core facts — the squad list, the omitted players and the manager’s stated reason — though some headlines use stronger language than Wiegman’s quoted explanation. There is no confirmed information in these sources about injuries being the reason for the omissions or about any contract or fee-related matters.
The immediate implications are clear: Toone and Kelly will need to respond with consistent club performances if they are to be recalled for future windows; England must focus on getting past Greece to keep control of their World Cup qualifying route.