We expect a bit more – England's Wiegman on axed Euros winner Kelly

Sarina Wiegman, the England women's football team manager, has expressed her expectation for improved performances from Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone, who were recently left out of the squad for their upcoming World Cup play-off matches against Greece. Both Kelly and Toone have been integral parts of England's successful streak in the UEFA Women's Euros and have consistently featured in the national team over the years.

Kelly notably scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out during the 2025 Euros final against Spain, contributing to England's victory. Similarly, Toone has been a regular in the team, despite Manchester United's difficult start to the Women's Super League season. However, both players have yet to feature for 90 minutes in the domestic league, while Toone has faced struggles with form.

In a press conference, Wiegman revealed that the pair's absence from the play-off squad was due to their subpar performance levels on the pitch. She acknowledged the challenging nature of the decision and emphasized her belief in their potential. Wiegman expressed her hope that the players would respond positively to the feedback and come back even stronger.

Among those recently selected for the England team, 20-year-old midfielder Lexi Potter made her debut following a commendable start to the season with Chelsea. Wiegman is currently under contract with the Football Association until the conclusion of the World Cup and has not yet agreed to a new deal, which would extend her tenure beyond the 2027 tournament.

She shared that while the future of her contract is a topic of regular discussions, her current focus remains on guiding England through their World Cup play-off matches.