England duo dropped as Wiegman demands more

Men’s Football / 29 September 2026 Fifa accuses Uefa of ‘misinformation campaign’ over Infantino’s World Cup proposal 29 September 2026 Men’s Football / 29 September 2026 Hallgrimsson says Irish squad are ‘all uncomfortable’ ahead of Israel tie 29 September 2026 Women’s Football / 29 September 2026 Aston Villa sack boss Arroyo after winless start to WSL season 29 September 2026 SARINA WIEGMAN says she expects more from Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone after the pair were left out of England’s forthcoming World Cup play-off games with Greece.

Both Kelly and Toone have been part of the squads that won back-to-back European Championships and have been regulars over the last few years.

However, Kelly has yet to complete 90 minutes for Arsenal during the start of the domestic season while Toone has struggled for form during Manchester United’s stuttering start to the Women’s Super League campaign.

This morning, the pair were surprisingly omitted from a 23-player squad that is set to take on Greece in the first leg of their play-off clash in Crete on October 9, before the second leg at Filbert Way in Leicester four days later.

Boss Wiegman says the reason both players were left out is down to their levels on the pitch not being up to standard.

Speaking at St George’s Park, she 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].”

Midfielder Lexi Potter, 20, received her first senior call-up following an impressive start to the season for Chelsea.

Potter has started three of Chelsea’s first four games and was on the scoresheet in their 2-0 victory over Birmingham earlier this month.

Wiegman added: “I think she’s grown a lot. Last season we kept a close eye on her because she was already getting into the squad but I think she has started this season really well.

“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.”

Wiegman is under contract with the FA until the end of the World Cup and is still yet to agree a new deal which would see her stay beyond 2027.

The 56-year-old was asked if there has been any progression on a contract extension, but she says she is totally focused on the upcoming play-off games with Greece.

She added: “We have regular conversations together and talk about the future at moments but at this moment I’m just focusing on Greece and want to get through and qualify for the World Cup.”