England head coach Sarina Wiegman has omitted two of the team’s established players, Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying playoff against Greece in October. Wiegman emphasized that the decision was based on recent performances rather than reputations, sending a clear message that selection hinges on current form.

Speaking ahead of the playoff, Wiegman stated her main reason for excluding the pair was that their recent levels on the pitch did not meet her expectations. Despite reports of Kelly struggling with a hamstring injury, Wiegman maintained that fitness concerns were secondary to what she observed during matches. “For me, it was just what I saw on the pitch, so I kept it to the football,” she said.

Both Toone and Kelly have been key figures in England’s recent successes, including Toone’s goals in the 2022 European Championship final and the 2023 World Cup semi-final, and Kelly’s pivotal contributions in penalty shootouts during major tournaments. Their absence from the squad marks a notable shift but underlines Wiegman’s willingness to make tough selection choices regardless of past achievements.

This approach is consistent with Wiegman’s previous decisions, such as leaving out former captain Steph Houghton and opting for Hannah Hampton over Mary Earps as the first-choice goalkeeper for Euro 2025. The Dutch coach has repeatedly evolved the squad by prioritizing current form and potential impact, leading England to three consecutive finals, including two tournament victories.

While Toone has experienced a slow start to the season amid Manchester United’s broader adjustment period under new manager Eva Olid, Kelly's fitness issues have also limited her performances. Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers confirmed Kelly’s ongoing hamstring problem, which has sidelined her from recent club matches, including an upcoming Women’s Champions League fixture against Paris FC.

In contrast, Wiegman has given opportunities to emerging talents such as London City Lionesses winger Freya Godfrey and Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter. Both players have impressed domestically, with Potter notably standing out in Chelsea’s recent victory over Arsenal.

Wiegman made it clear that the door remains open for Toone and Kelly to return to the squad once they regain form. “I still believe in them, they’re not in the squad but I believe in them,” she said. “We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more. That was the message.” She acknowledged that receiving such feedback is difficult but urged the players to use it as motivation to improve.

With the World Cup just under nine months away, England face a crucial period of qualification over the next ten weeks across two playoff rounds. Wiegman’s selections reflect a strategic emphasis on current performance and fitness that could shape the squad representing England as they aim to build on their runner-up finish at the 2023 World Cup. If Toone and Kelly can rediscover their best form, their return would bolster England’s pursuit of success in Brazil next year, while new players like Godfrey and Potter may help propel the team forward in the interim.