Toone and Kelly left out of England squad for World Cup qualifiers

England’s Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign is set to begin next month, but the squad will be missing two prominent club players. Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and defender Katie Kelly were not named in the final list.

The decision was made by manager Sarina Wiegman as she finalised the 23‑player roster for the upcoming fixtures. The omission follows a period of intense competition for places, with several players vying for limited spots.

Toone, who has been a key figure for United with her creative passing and work rate, will be disappointed to miss the chance to represent her country. Her form at club level has seen her praised for her vision and ability to unlock defenses.

Kelly, who has been a stalwart in the United defence, also missed out. Her defensive solidity and leadership at club level have earned her a reputation as a reliable backline presence.

England will now focus on integrating the selected squad and preparing for the qualifiers, with the next match scheduled to test the team’s depth and resilience in the run‑up to the World Cup. The selections will be closely watched as the team aims to secure qualification for the tournament.