Sarina Wiegman drops Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly from England squad in World Cup form warning

Sarina Wiegman has sent an uncompromising warning across the England squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup cycle by dropping Euro 2022 heroes Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly for October's playoff clash against Greece.

The Lionesses manager was characteristically candid about her decision to omit two of the country's most recognisable stars, making it clear that past heroics will not shield underperforming players from losing their international spots.

“The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch,” Wiegman said during a press conference at St George's Park. When asked if Kelly’s ongoing fitness concerns played a role, she clarified: “Well, I had a conversation with Chloe and, for me, it was just what I saw on the pitch, so I kept it [to the] football.”

No Room for Sentimentality

Toone and Kelly have etched their names into English football folklore with crucial contributions at major tournaments, most notably scoring the goals that secured the Euro 2022 title at Wembley. However, Wiegman has consistently demonstrated a ruthless lack of sentimentality, having previously managed the transitions of established names such as Steph Houghton, Mary Earps, Rachel Daly, and Fran Kirby.

Extenuating factors have affected both players in the early phase of the domestic season. Manchester United's Toone is adjusting to new head coach Eva Olid, while Arsenal boss Renée Slegers confirmed Kelly has been managing a hamstring issue. Despite those contexts, neither has hit peak form.

Their omissions have opened the door for rising talents, with London City Lionesses winger Freya Godfrey and Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter earning recognition following impressive domestic displays.

The Door Remains Open

Despite the high-profile snubs, Wiegman insisted the international careers of Toone, 27, and Kelly, 28, are far from finished.

“I still believe in them, they’re not in the squad but I believe in them,” Wiegman noted. “We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more. That was the message. There is also competition going on. It’s about talent, it’s about playing minutes – 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 come back even better than they were before.”

With England embarking on two rounds of playoffs to secure qualification for next summer's World Cup in Brazil, Wiegman's decision serves as a decisive message: club performance remains the sole currency for selection.