England’s latest squad selection has delivered a message that goes beyond two notable omissions. For the first time in a while, reputation alone is not enough to guarantee a place in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad. Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone have been left out of England’s 23-player squad for the upcoming 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece, while Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter has earned her first senior call-up. Captain Leah Williamson also returns after missing England’s June fixtures through injury.
The decision is particularly significant because Kelly and Toone have been central figures in England’s recent success. Both were part of the squad that won UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and EURO 2025, while both also scored in England’s memorable 2-1 victory over Germany in the 2022 European Championship final. Now, with a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake, Wiegman has opted for what she described as a selection based on what she has seen on the pitch.
Wiegman: “The levels were not what I expected” Kelly’s omission comes despite her status as one of England’s most influential attacking players in recent years. The Arsenal forward has started only one of the club’s opening four Women’s Super League matches this season and has played 124 minutes. She was also a substitute in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.
Asked about Kelly’s absence, Wiegman said: “It’s just what I saw on the pitch. We kept it to football.” When asked whether the same reasoning applied to Toone, Wiegman replied: “Yes.” The England manager expanded on the decision, saying: “The levels were not what I expected from them on the pitch. I’ve had a conversation with them, and there’s a big competition going on too.” Wiegman also made clear that the door to England remains open for both players.
“That has been a very hard decision for both of them. I really believe in them. They’re not in the squad but I still believe in them. We follow them really well, and we expect a bit more, and we know they can bring more. I hope they can step up and show what they can do. Because I’m convinced that they can do better and I think they are convinced about that too. I think they took the feedback well, in a positive way. But it’s hard to take at the same time, of course, it’s not a nice message.”
Her representatives said the Arsenal winger has been managing a hamstring injury since the start of the season and will use the international window to rehabilitate. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers also confirmed that Kelly is currently unavailable. “Chloe Kelly is not available. She’s had some issues with her hamstring.” Slegers added: “She’s been managing something and at the moment not available to play. Sarina had a press conference this morning and that’s between England and player of course. That’s their decisions.”
Kelly’s previous England omission came in February 2025, when Wiegman cited limited playing time at Manchester City as a factor. The Manchester United midfielder has started three league matches this season but missed United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal before returning to the starting XI for the 2-1 win over West Ham. She also scored in United’s 10-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Subway Players Cup. Her international career has similarly been interrupted by injury. Toone returned to the England squad in June after missing the second half of the previous season because of a hip problem.
The 27-year-old remains an important figure in England’s recent history, having scored in the EURO 2022 final and the 2023 Women’s World Cup semifinal against Australia. Wiegman is choosing the present over the past. Kelly and Toone’s omissions are significant because of what they have already achieved for England. But Wiegman’s message is equally clear: past contributions do not automatically guarantee future selection. England are now entering a crucial stage of their qualification campaign. UEFA’s 2027 Women’s World Cup play-offs feature two-legged ties, with England drawn against Greece in the opening round.
The first leg is scheduled for October 9, followed by the return leg in England on October 13. The winners will advance to the second round, where they could face either Slovakia or Ukraine. Seven of the eight second-round winners will qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup, while the remaining winner will enter the inter-confederation play-offs. While two established names have been left out, Wiegman has opened the door to fresh talent. Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter receives her first senior England call-up, while Erica Meg Parkinson returns after previously receiving her first selection in April.
Captain Leah Williamson also returns to the squad after missing the June international window through injury. The wider squad continues to contain significant experience, including Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Beth Mead and Alessia Russo. England therefore head into the Greece tie with a mixture of established tournament winners and players looking to establish themselves at international level.
For Kelly and Toone, the next chapter will now be written away from the national team camp. For Wiegman, the message is already on record. England’s past may have been built by familiar names, but their route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup will be decided by what happens on the pitch now.
