Story perspectives

Wiegman Drops Toone and Kelly for Greece Playoffs

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 2:28 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

England manager Sarina Wiegman omitted Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly from the 23-player squad for Greece playoffs, citing insufficient performance.
Lexi Potter earned her first call-up after impressing in three of Chelsea’s first four WSL games.
Uncapped midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson and winger Freya Godfrey were added to the squad.
Wiegman said England must win legs against Greece on 9 October in Heraklion and 13 October in Leicester to reach World Cup.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, England’s women’s team secured its first FIFA World Cup berth after manager Ted Copeland trimmed the squad to 20 players. Copeland excluded veteran Karen Walker, while promoting 19-year-old Rachel Brown, and the final roster featured 23 players, 12 of whom were under 23. Similarly, Wiegman’s October 2024 squad omits Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, adds Erica Meg Parkinson and Freya Godfrey, and promotes Lexi Potter. These selection patterns underscore England’s reliance on youth infusion to sustain competitive edge, prompting ongoing debate over experience versus form in future tournaments.

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Story summary

England manager Sarina Wiegman omitted Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly from the 23-player squad for Greece playoffs, citing insufficient performance.
Lexi Potter earned her first call-up after impressing in three of Chelsea’s first four WSL games.
Uncapped midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson and winger Freya Godfrey were added to the squad.
Wiegman said England must win legs against Greece on 9 October in Heraklion and 13 October in Leicester to reach World Cup.

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