Toone and Kelly miss out on Lionesses squad
Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly left out of England's 27 squad for World Cup qualifiers, while Chelsea youngster Lexi Potter receives her first senior call-up.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly omitted from England's upcoming World Cup qualifier squad
- Manager Sarina Wiegman cites performance levels below expectations as the main reason
- Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter earns her first senior call-up after impressive form
- England face a double-header against Greece in October during the qualifying campaign
England women's football manager Sarina Wiegman has made the tough decision to leave several high-profile players out of her 23-player squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, most notably Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal forward Chloe Kelly.
Toone, 27, misses out following an inconsistent start to the domestic season, while 28-year-old Kelly has also been omitted alongside Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones and the Arsenal defensive duo Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Speaking about the notable omissions, Wiegman explained that the players' performance levels simply did not meet the high standards expected on the pitch, noting that fierce competition for places played a major role in her final selection.
"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."
Sarina Wiegman
On a brighter note for the Lionesses, captain Leah Williamson returns to the fold after missing the fixtures in June. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter has been rewarded with her first senior call-up after a string of stellar performances in the Women's Super League, having started three of Chelsea's opening four matches.
Wiegman's ruthless squad selection highlights the incredible depth and competitive nature within the England setup ahead of the journey to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Dropping established names in favor of red-hot in-form youngsters demonstrates a clear merit-based approach for the national team.
England are set to play a crucial double-header against Greece, traveling to Crete on Friday, October 9 before hosting the return fixture in Leicester on Tuesday, October 13 as they target a spot in next summer's World Cup.
Source: BBC Sport
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