Toone and Kelly Miss Out on Lionesses Squad

Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Manchester City winger Chloe Kelly have both been left out of England's squad for this month's Women's World Cup qualifiers.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has named her latest squad for this month's Women's World Cup qualifiers, and the most striking omissions are Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Manchester City winger Chloe Kelly. Both players have been regular fixtures in recent major tournament squads, so their simultaneous absence signals a notable shift in the team's attacking personnel. Toone's exclusion is perhaps the bigger surprise. As a central figure for United, she has long been an important part of England's attacking structure, capable of arriving late in the box to score as well as dropping deeper to link play. Her club form this season, however, has been inconsistent, and with competition for midfield places as fierce as ever, Wiegman appears keen to assess alternative options in this window. Kelly's situation is tied more closely to fitness and minutes; the City winger has been working her way back from injury, and her match rhythm is not yet fully restored, making her omission understandable. Tactically, the squad reflects Wiegman's desire to inject fresh energy. Several younger midfielders have been rewarded for strong starts to the club season, while out wide the emphasis remains on pace and direct running. That fits the team's broader approach in recent years, which prioritises quick transitions and combining central build-up with wide penetration. Wiegman has repeatedly stressed that selection is driven by form and tactical fit rather than reputation or past service alone. For Toone and Kelly, missing out does not spell the end of their international careers. England still have further qualifiers and friendlies ahead, and a return to consistent club minutes and sharp form would keep the door open. Wiegman noted when announcing the squad that competition is what keeps the group vibrant, with every position needing constant pressure from below. That kind of healthy rivalry can only help England as they build towards the next major tournament. More broadly, the changes underline the depth of talent available to England. The Women's Super League has become increasingly competitive, with more young players breaking through at a high level, which widens the national team's selection pool. England have undergone several transitions in recent seasons, and while each one sparks debate, the team's overall competitiveness has tended to improve rather than decline. This month's two qualifiers are crucial for England, who need maximum points to strengthen their grip on the group. Without Toone and Kelly, the creative burden will be shared across the attacking line, and the link between midfield organisation and wide threat will be a key area to watch. How Wiegman balances experience and fresh faces, and whether she can maintain control while sharpening the attack, will shape the matches. Ultimately, the omissions of Toone and Kelly are the product of form, fitness and tactical choice combined. For England, it is a signal of proactive evolution; for the two players, it is a challenge to respond on the pitch. Their club fixtures in the coming weeks will be the stage on which they make their case for a recall.

Toone and Kelly Miss Out on Lionesses Squad

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