Brief

England omit Kelly and Toone from World Cup play‑off squad

England’s manager Sarina Wiegman left out two key players as the Lionesses prepare to face Greece in the first leg of the play‑off.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:16:09 GMT

Sarina Wiegman has left Arsenal winger Chloe Kelly and Manchester United striker Ella Toone out of the England squad for the World Cup play‑offs against Greece, according to the Independent. Kelly has yet to start a game or complete 90 minutes for Arsenal this season, while Toone has started three Women’s Super League matches for United but did not play in their 1‑1 draw with Arsenal on 19 September.

Both players were part of the squad that won the 2022 Euros, with Kelly scoring the decisive goal against Germany and Toone scoring in the final. England captain Leah Williamson is set to return after a hamstring injury, and new call‑ups include Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter and Liverpool defender Grace Fisk.

The first leg will be played at Pankritio Stadium in Crete on 9 October, with the second leg at Leicester’s King Power Stadium four days later. A win would see England face either Slovakia or Ukraine in the next round before a place in Brazil 2027.

Key facts

• Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone omitted from England squad for World Cup play‑offs (independent.co.uk)
• Leah Williamson returning after hamstring injury (independent.co.uk)
• First leg at Pankritio Stadium, Crete on 9 October (independent.co.uk)
• Second leg at King Power Stadium, Leicester on 13 October (independent.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] independent.co.uk
• [2] standard.co.uk
• [3] independent.co.uk