Wiegman says Toone and Kelly haven’t reached their potential, which explains their omission.
The Lionesses will meet Greece in the World Cup qualifying play‑offs this October.
Manchester United’s Toone, 27, and Arsenal’s Kelly, 28, have opened the season with patchy form.
Both featured in Euro 2022 and 2025 triumphs, yet Wiegman believes they can improve.
“I still trust these players; they’re talented and have given us much,” Wiegman told BBC Radio 5 Live. In my view, the exclusion underscores a demand for higher standards.
“That’s why I left them out – their recent displays haven’t matched my expectations,” she added.
“The talks were tough, but they accepted it and are eager to work harder,” she said.
When asked about Kelly’s injury rumours, Wiegman replied, “My decision was based purely on what I saw on the pitch.”
Chelsea’s Aggie Beever‑Jones and Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben‑Moy and Taylor Hinds also missed the 23‑player list.
Captain Leah Williamson is back after sitting out the 4‑0 loss to Spain and the 3‑0 win over Ukraine in June.
“She’s performed strongly in recent weeks and at the season’s start; you can see her confidence,” Wiegman noted.
Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, 20, earns her first senior call‑up after impressing alongside Keira Walsh in the WSL.
She started three of Chelsea’s first four games and shone in their 1‑0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
“Her displays have been excellent. We’ve tracked her since last season and her minutes have grown,” Wiegman said.
“She shows courage, sharp understanding and superb decision‑making. Her technique is also impressive,” the coach added.
“Regardless of the opponent, like Arsenal last Sunday, she remains unfazed and simply plays her football,” Wiegman observed.
“Facing top internationals, she looked comfortable. I hope she brings that composure to our side,” she concluded.
Uncapped midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, 18, returns after a breakout spell with North Carolina Courage.
Manchester City full‑back Niamh Charles came off the bench in a 1‑0 win over Charlton and makes the squad.
London City Lionesses’ Freya Godfrey and Liverpool defender Grace Fisk are the other two uncapped selections.
England’s double‑header with Greece is set for Crete on Friday, 9 Oct (17:30 BST) and Leicester on Tuesday, 13 Oct (19:30 BST).
A tie win sends them to the second play‑off round, where a World Cup spot in Brazil awaits.
Could Potter become England’s next breakout star?
All you need to know about the 2027 Women’s World Cup
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool), Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City on loan from Orlando City)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Manchester City), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).
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