Full Breakdown
England Reinstates Ella Toone for Greece World-Cup Playoff
By Drooid · · How we work
England Recall Ella Toone for Greece Playoff
England manager Sarina Wiegman reversed her earlier decision to omit midfielder Ella Toone from the squad for the two-leg World Cup qualifier against Greece after a minor injury to right-back Lucy Bronze opened a place. Toone, who had been training in Spain during the international window, was called up and travelled to Heraklion, Crete for the Friday first-leg match.
Qualification Context
England missed direct qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, finishing behind reigning champions Spain on goal-difference. Consequently, the Lionesses must win the playoff against Greece—who have never qualified for a major tournament—to keep their hopes alive. A second leg is scheduled in Leicester on Tuesday. The draw for the World Cup will follow on December 11.
Official Statements from Sarina Wiegman
Wiegman said the call to Toone was “a hard call,” but praised the midfielder’s immediate response, noting she was “very disappointed” yet quickly resolved to work harder. The coach highlighted Toone’s proactive training in Spain and her “positive attitude” as factors that impressed her. Regarding squad balance, Wiegman explained that England have sufficient defensive options and that replacing Bronze with a midfielder best suited the team’s tactical plan for the Greece matches.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s about me now. I’ve got to keep working hard and use it as fuel to come back even better.” — Sarina Wiegman, england manager
- “When the players come in, of course you know they can’t just park things, so we have a little chat,” — Sarina Wiegman, england manager
Data & Statistics
- Ella Toone: 69 caps, 24 goals for England, including scores in the Euro 2022 final and the 2023 World Cup semi-final.
- Lucy Bronze: sidelined by a “really small” injury, prompting the roster change.
- England’s recent form: five wins from six qualifiers, finishing second to Spain in their group.
These elements illustrate how Wiegman’s selection decision and Toone’s reaction are shaping England’s final push for World Cup qualification.