Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly have been left out of England's squad by Sarina Wiegman because of their performance levels, with Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter earning a first call-up at the age of 20.
Toone and Kelly have been integral to England's run of three consecutive major tournament finals, but Wiegman made clear on Tuesday, when announcing her selection for the Women's World Cup qualifying playoff against Greece, that she expects more from them at club level.
Wiegman explains decision
“The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch,” Wiegman said. The head coach said she “still believes in them” but added: “We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more. That was the message. There is also competition going on. It’s about talent, it’s about playing minutes and it’s about the competition going on. I hope they can step up and show what they can do.”
“I’m convinced they can do better, I think they are convinced about that too. I think they took the feedback in a good and in a positive way but it’s hard to take at the same time of course; it’s not a nice message. I hope they respond to it really well. We will support them and of course they get the support at club too. I hope they come back even better than they were before.”
Recent form and squad changes
Neither Toone nor Kelly has scored or provided an assist in the Women's Super League this season, although Toone did score in Manchester United's 10-1 League Cup win over second-tier Sheffield United last week, after being left out of their draw at Arsenal. Toone has started three of United's four WSL games, while Kelly has started one of Arsenal's league games and their Champions League victory over Køge, along with three WSL substitute appearances.
There was also no place for Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones. Wiegman has called up the uncapped 18-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson and London City Lionesses winger Freya Godfrey, while captain Leah Williamson returns after injury.
Potter's rise and upcoming fixtures
Potter's inclusion follows growing calls this season after her strong form for Chelsea, including a starring role in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Arsenal. “She’s grown a lot,” Wiegman said. “Last season we kept a close eye on her because she was getting into the squad and playing really well. But I think she’s started the season so well. Her performances have really impressed us so she really deserves this call-up.”
“She’s shown at Chelsea that she can start against any team. The last game I thought she did very well against a top Arsenal [team]. What I’ve seen from her is that she comes out on the pitch and no matter who she plays against, she’s just going to play and she’s comfortable. I hope to see that next week.”
The Lionesses face Greece in the first leg at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion, Crete, on Friday 9 October, before the return at Leicester's King Power Stadium the following Tuesday, needing victory to reach December's second, decisive round of the playoffs.
England are contesting the playoffs despite winning five of their six qualifying group matches, having missed out on top spot to world champions Spain on head-to-head record from their meetings in April and June, which were repeats of the 2023 World Cup final. England are heavy favourites to progress to next summer's finals in Brazil.
That tournament could be Wiegman's last with England, as her contract expires after the World Cup. When asked about contract discussions, she said: “We have regular conversations together, and we talk about the future at moments, but at this point I’m just focusing on Greece. We want to get through and qualify for the World Cup. Of course I talk to Mark [Bullingham], every two weeks, and we speak about what’s happening now, what’s in the future, but there’s nothing new now.”
