Sarina Wiegman has left out Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly and Manchester United’s Ella Toone from her England squad for the upcoming against Greece.
Kelly is yet to start a game or complete 90 minutes for Arsenal during the current campaign, and has now been dropped from an England squad for the first time since February 2025.
Toone also misses out despite starting three Women’s Super League matches for United, though she played no part in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal on 19 September.
Speaking at St George’s Park, Wiegman told a press conference: “The levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch and I’ve had a conversation with them and there’s big competition going on too.
“It has been a really hard decision for both of them. I really believe in them and we follow them really well and we expect a bit more and know they can bring more.
“I hope they can step up and show what they can do because I’m convinced they can do better. They took the feedback well, in a positive way, but it is also hard to take. It is not a nice message.
“I hope they respond on it really well. I hope they come back even better than they were before.
“I had the conversation with Chloe and it was just about what I saw on the pitch. I kept with football with her (and Toone).”
Kelly’s omission is a big call from Wiegman given the winger’s ability to produce on the big stage. Kelly famously scored England’s winning goal at Wembley when the Lionesses beat Germany in the final of the Euros back in 2022.
Toone also scored in that game as England went ahead before being taken to extra time by Germany. It was Kelly who had the final say as she fired home from close range to seal England’s triumph on home soil.
Three years later, Kelly took centre stage once more when England made it to the final of the Euros again, where they faced Spain.
The game went to penalties, and Kelly stepped up to fire home the winning spot-kick as England defended their crown.
England captain Leah Williamson is set to make her return for the Lionesses after being named in the 23-player squad. The 29-year-old was absent from June’s fixtures against Spain and Ukraine due to a hamstring injury, but is back for October’s double-header as England aim to secure a place at next year’s tournament in Brazil.
Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter has earned her maiden senior call-up, while Liverpool defender Grace Fisk has also been included as an uncapped player. US-based Erica Meg Parkinson, who is also yet to make her debut, receives another call-up following her inclusion in the squad for April’s internationals.
England travel to face Greece in the first leg at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete on 9 October, before hosting the second leg at Leicester’s King Power Stadium four days later.
Should the Lionesses progress, they will meet either Slovakia or Ukraine in the second round, with the overall winners advancing to Brazil 2027.