England Women: Sarina Wiegman leaves out Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly for Greece play-off

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Written By Nicole Powell

England Women manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece.

However, there are two notable omissions, with Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly both missing out.

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Wiegman explains decision

Kelly has struggled for regular starts at Arsenal this season, while Toone has also found it difficult to produce her best form for Manchester United.

Wiegman explained that their performances were the main reason behind the decision.

"The main reason is that I think the levels weren't what I expect from them on the pitch," Wiegman explained her decision regarding leaving Toone and Kelly out.

"I have had a conversation with them and there is big competition going on and that is basically what it is.

"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."

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Lexi Potter earns first England call-up

There is some positive news elsewhere in the squad, with Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter receiving her first senior England call-up.

The 20-year-old has started three of Chelsea's first four games this season and scored in the 2-0 win over Birmingham.

Wiegman was impressed by Potter's performances and believes she deserves her opportunity.

"Her performances have really impressed us, so she really deserves this call-up. She's showed at Chelsea she can start against any team.

"What I've seen from her is she comes out on the pitch and just plays, she is comfortable, so I hope to see that next week."

Leah Williamson also returns after missing England's June fixtures with a hamstring injury.

England will face Greece in Crete on October 9 before the return fixture at Leicester City's King Power Stadium on October 13.

Wiegman is targeting two wins as England look to move closer to qualifying for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

"We have great respect for Greece but our expectations of ourselves are clear," said Wiegman. "We are here to win these two games, deliver strong performances, and move one step closer to securing our place at the World Cup."

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Nicole Powell

Nicole is a sports writer and editor specialising in motorsport and football, currently managing the Last Word On Sports affiliate site Extra Time Talk.

She joined Sip Media Solutions in late 2024 and now serves as Content Editor for Transfer News Blitz, alongside her role as sub-editor for various News Blitz brands, including Sports News Blitz.

She creates engaging, high-quality content across WordPress and Squarespace, combining creativity with strong editorial standards and attention to detail.

A Chelsea and Ferrari fan, Nicole brings the same passion and perspective into her sports writing.

A perfectionist at heart (and mildly allergic to typos), she approaches every project with professionalism and her signature enthusiasm for all things sport.

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