Toone and Kelly omitted from England squad for Greece qualifiers
Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone were omitted from England's 23-player squad announced on 29 September 2026 for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Greece in Crete on Friday, 9 October and in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October.
Toone, 27, and Kelly, 28, have a combined 136 England appearances and both missed out amid selection changes that also left Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones and Arsenal defenders Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds outside the squad. Toone was omitted after what the report describes as an inconsistent start to the season, while Kelly was also left out. Captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad after missing England's June 4-0 defeat by Spain and 3-0 win over Ukraine.
Speaking about Toone and Kelly, manager Sarina Wiegman said: "The main reason is that I think the levels weren't what I expect from them on the pitch. "There is big competition going on and that is basically what it is. Of course, it has been a very hard decision for both of them. "I really believe in them. We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more. That was the message - I'm convinced they can be better. "I hope they respond really well. Where needed, we will support them too. I hope they can come back even better than they were before."
On reports suggesting Kelly's absence may have been linked to an injury, Wiegman added: "I had the conversation with Chloe and for me, it was just what I saw on the pitch. I kept that with football with her."
There is a first senior call-up for Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, 20, who has impressed alongside Keira Walsh in the Women's Super League; she has started three of Chelsea's opening four matches and was a standout performer in their 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday. Wiegman said: "She has grown a lot. Last season we kept a close eye on her," added Wiegman. "She has started the season so well and her performances have really impressed us. She really deserved this call-up."
The squad also includes uncapped midfield returnee Erica Meg Parkinson, 18, who the report says has excelled since joining North Carolina Courage in the summer. Manchester City full-back Niamh Charles, who returned from injury as a substitute in their 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday, is included, while London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey and Liverpool defender Grace Fisk are the other two uncapped players named.
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool), Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City on loan from Orlando City)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Manchester City), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
England play a double-header against Greece, first in Crete on Friday, 9 October (17:30 BST) and then in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October (19:30 BST). If they win the two-legged tie, they progress to round two of the play-offs where they can compete for a place in next summer's Women's World Cup in Brazil.
