Wiegman explains Kelly and Toone omissions as England prepare for Greece play-off

Sarina Wiegman left Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone out of the England squad she announced on 29 September for October’s Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece, saying their performances had fallen below her expectations. The decision removes two established tournament contributors from the 23-player group for matches in Heraklion and Leicester, while giving other players a chance to press for places.

NewsJaws previously reported the call-ups and omissions. Wiegman’s explanation now makes the selection issue clearer: she said she still believes in Kelly and Toone, but wants to see more from them on the pitch. Neither player’s absence from this squad settles whether she will select them again.

Why Wiegman left Kelly and Toone out

‘The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch,’ Wiegman said, according to the Guardian’s report of her squad announcement. She also pointed to talent, playing minutes and competition when discussing selection. Her explanation was about what she had seen from the players, rather than their standing in England’s past tournaments.

Wiegman said she had spoken to both players and hoped they would respond. ‘We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more,’ she said. She described the feedback as hard to receive, but added that England and their clubs would support them. Her stated hope was that they would return stronger.

Kelly’s fitness is a separate uncertainty. Arsenal coach Renée Slegers said Kelly was unavailable for the club’s 30 September Champions League match against Paris FC while managing a hamstring issue; Slegers also said scans had shown nothing they could see from an injury perspective. Asked about Kelly, Wiegman said she had based her decision on what she saw on the pitch. The available accounts do not establish that the hamstring issue caused the England omission.

Who has an opportunity in England’s Greece squad

Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter has received her first senior England call-up. Wiegman said Potter’s performances at the start of the season had impressed her and that she deserved the place. The Guardian reported that Potter had starred in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on the Sunday before the announcement, a recent example of the club form Wiegman highlighted.

The squad also includes London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey and uncapped midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson. Captain Leah Williamson returns after missing England’s June fixtures with injury, according to the Football Association. The listed forwards include Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Jess Park and Alessia Russo alongside Godfrey. The selection gives Wiegman alternatives across the squad as England approach two matches that determine whether they advance.

Kelly and Toone’s omissions stand out because of their history with England. Both scored in the 2022 European Championship final, and the Guardian reported that they have played important roles during the team’s run to three consecutive major tournament finals. Wiegman’s latest comments acknowledge their ability while making clear that previous contributions have not secured places for this tie.

England’s route from Greece to the 2027 World Cup

England travel to the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion for the first leg on 9 October and host Greece at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on 13 October, according to the Football Association. UEFA’s draw puts the teams in a two-legged first-round tie. If England advance, the FA says they will meet either Slovakia or Ukraine in a second-round tie later this year, with a place at the 2027 finals in Brazil at stake.

England are in the play-offs after finishing behind Spain in their qualifying group. The Guardian reported that England won five of their six group matches but lost out on first place on the head-to-head record. That leaves the Greece tie as the team’s immediate task, rather than a direct place in Brazil. Wiegman has said her focus is on Greece and qualification.

The squad announcement establishes who is available for this round, but the matches have yet to be played. England’s progress, the effect of the new call-ups and any return for Kelly or Toone remain open. Wiegman’s stated test for the omitted pair is whether they can raise their performances while competition for places continues.