Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly have been dropped from England’s squad because of their performance levels by Sarina Wiegman, who has given a first call-up to the 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter. Toone and Kelly have played key roles in England’s run of three consecutive major tournament finals but Wiegman made clear on Tuesday, when announcing her selection for the Women’s World Cup qualifying playoff against Greece, that she wants to see more from them for their clubs. The head coach said she “still believes in them” but continued: “We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more.
There is also competition going on. It’s about talent, it’s about playing minutes and it’s about the competition going on. I hope they can step up and show what they can do.
I think they took the feedback in a good and in a positive way but it’s hard to take at the same time of course; it’s not a nice message. I hope they respond to it really well. We will support them and of course they get the support at club too.
I hope they come back even better than they were before.” There was also no place for the Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones. Wiegman has called up the uncapped 18-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson and the London City Lionesses winger Freya Godfrey, and there is a return after injury for the captain, Leah Williamson. There had been growing calls for the inclusion of Potter this term after her strong form for Chelsea, including her starring role in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
But I think she’s started the season so well. Her performances have really impressed us so she really deserves this call-up. The last game I thought she did very well against a top Arsenal [team].
What I’ve seen from her is that she comes out on the pitch and no matter who she plays against, she’s just going to play and she’s comfortable. I hope to see that next week.” The Lionesses face Greece in the first leg at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion, Crete, on Friday 9 October before the return at Leicester’s King Power Stadium the following Tuesday, needing victory to reach December’s second, decisive round of the playoffs. England are having to contest the playoffs despite winning five of their six matches in their qualifying group, having missed out on top spot to the world champions, Spain, based on the head-to-head record from their meetings in April and June, in repeats of the 2023 World Cup final.
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