Wiegman has cut Toone and Kelly from the England roster, citing sub‑par form, while promoting 20‑year‑old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter. Can England afford to lose two stars?
Both players helped England reach three straight major finals, yet Wiegman announced on Tuesday that she expects more impact from them at club level before the Greece qualifier.
“The main reason is that the levels weren’t what I expect on the pitch,” the coach said, adding she still believes in them but needs a higher output.
She noted the squad faces fierce competition for minutes, stressing that talent must translate into game time and performance.
“I’m convinced they can improve, and they seem to agree,” she continued, praising their positive reception of the feedback despite its harshness, and pledging club support to help them bounce back.
Toone has yet to score or assist in this WSL season, though she netted in United’s 10‑1 League Cup win over Sheffield United after missing the Arsenal draw; she started three of four league games. Kelly, likewise goalless, started one Arsenal league match, featured in the Champions League win over Køge, and made three substitute appearances.
Aggie Beever‑Jones also missed out. Wiegman brought in uncapped 18‑year‑old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson and London City Lionesses winger Freya Godfrey, plus returning captain Leah Williamson. For my money, this refresh shows her willingness to reshape the team.
Calls grew for Potter after her standout Chelsea displays, highlighted by a 1‑0 win over Arsenal on Sunday. “She’s grown a lot,” Wiegman observed.
“Last season we watched her closely as she broke into the squad and performed well. This season she’s started brilliantly, and her displays have impressed us – she fully deserves the call‑up,” the coach added.
“She’s proven at Chelsea she can start against any side. Her recent performance against a top Arsenal team was excellent. She arrives on the pitch confident, regardless of the opposition, and I expect to see that continue next week,” Wiegman said.
The Lionesses meet Greece first at Heraklion’s Pankritio Stadium on Friday 9 October, with the return leg at Leicester’s King Power Stadium the following Tuesday, needing a win to stay alive for the December decisive round.
England must navigate the playoffs despite a 5‑1 record in their group, missing the top spot to Spain on head‑to‑head, a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final. They remain favourites to reach next summer’s Brazil finals.
That tournament could be Wiegman’s final stint, as her contract ends after the World Cup. She offered few details when queried about future talks.
“We talk regularly about the future, but right now I’m focused on Greece. We aim to qualify for the World Cup. I speak with Mark every two weeks about current matters and what lies ahead, but there’s nothing new to share,” she explained. Will the next coach maintain this direction?