From the Guardian · · 1m 20s
Wiegman drops Kelly and Toone for World Cup
Wiegman drops Kelly and Toone to test England’s World Cup readiness.
In brief
Wiegman drops Kelly and Toone to test England’s World Cup readiness. Sarina Wiegman dropped Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone from England’s World Cup squad after they didn’t meet her expectations in recent matches. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Wiegman drops Kelly and Toone
Sarina Wiegman left out Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone from England’s October playoff squad against Greece.
“The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch.”
Wiegman’s reason for drop
Wiegman said Kelly and Toone didn’t meet her expectations in recent matches, despite their past success in major tournaments.
“The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch.”
Kelly’s injury concerns
Kelly’s Arsenal coach confirmed she is managing hamstring issues, making her unavailable for Wednesday’s Women’s Champions League match.
“She’s had some issues with her hamstring. There’s nothing we could see from an injury perspective [from scans] but [Kelly is] managing something.”
Toone’s club struggles
Toone has struggled with Manchester United’s new manager, Eva Olid, as few players excelled in their first two matches.
“Eva Olid”
Wiegman’s message to players
Wiegman told Kelly and Toone they must improve their form to earn a spot in the World Cup squad.
“I still believe in them, they’re not in the squad but I believe in them.”
Wiegman’s confidence in players
Wiegman believes Kelly and Toone can improve their form and earn a place in the World Cup squad.
“I hope they come back even better than they were before.”
Opportunity for improvement
If Kelly and Toone improve their form, they could secure a World Cup spot and prove Wiegman’s strategy successful.
“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.”
World Cup qualification timeline
England must qualify for the 2027 World Cup through two playoff rounds starting with October’s tie against Greece.
“There are just under nine months to go until the start of the World Cup”
At a glance
Sarina Wiegman dropped Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone from England’s World Cup squad after they didn’t meet her expectations in recent matches.
