England head coach Sarina Wiegman dropped Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone from her England squad on Tuesday, citing their form at club. Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter earned her first call-up for the Greece playoff.
Wiegman explained that both players had fallen below her expectations, and that competition and playing time influenced selection.
“We expect a bit more, and we know they can bring more,” she said. However, Wiegman maintained her belief in the pair and described their response to her feedback as positive.
She hopes they improve their club form and return. Neither player has registered a goal or an assist in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season.
Toone has started three of Manchester United’s four league games, while Kelly has made one start and three substitute appearances for Arsenal.
Although Toone scored in United’s 10-1 League Cup win over Sheffield United last week, she missed Arsenal’s preceding draw.
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Potter, 20, impressed Wiegman with her early-season performances, including Chelsea’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal on Sunday. Wiegman praised her confidence against leading opposition.
Captain Leah Williamson returns after injury. Uncapped midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, 18, and London City Lionesses winger Freya Godfrey also feature, but Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones misses out.
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England entered the playoff route after Spain took first place in their qualifying group on head-to-head results. They need to advance through another round to reach next summer’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The first leg takes place at Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion, Crete, on October 9. England host the return at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on October 13.
