Wiegman drops Kelly and Toone from England squad for World Cup play-off against Greece

Sarina Wiegman has left Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone out of England’s squad for the Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs against Greece, with the two-legged tie scheduled for 9 and 13 October. Both players were key figures in England’s back-to-back European Championship finals, but a lack of club form has cost them their places.

Kelly, who joined Arsenal, is yet to start a league game or complete 90 minutes for her club this season. The winger has not been dropped from an England squad since February 2025. Her omission is a significant call from Wiegman given Kelly’s record on the biggest occasions — she scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final against Germany at Wembley and converted the decisive penalty as England defended their title against Spain at Euro 2025.

Toone has fared slightly better at Manchester United, starting three Women’s Super League matches, but she played no part in United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal on 19 September. Like Kelly, she also scored in the 2022 Wembley final, putting England ahead before Germany forced extra time.

England captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad after missing June’s fixtures against Spain and Ukraine through a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old Arsenal defender is back for the October double-header as the Lionesses look to secure their place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter earns her first senior call-up, while Liverpool defender Grace Fisk is also included as an uncapped player. Erica Meg Parkinson, who is yet to make her debut, receives another call-up having previously been named in the squad for April’s internationals.

England face Greece in the first leg at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete on 9 October, before hosting the return at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on 13 October. The winners of the tie will meet either Slovakia or Ukraine in the second round, with the overall victors booking their place at Brazil 2027.