Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone has been left out of England’s Lionesses squad for this month’s Women’s World Cup qualifying matches, BBC Sport reported. Kelly was also omitted from the selection, though no further detail was given regarding either player’s absence.
The Lionesses squad was named for upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying fixtures scheduled later this month. Toone and Kelly were not included among the 23 players selected, according to the BBC report.
Key Facts
- Ella Toone missed selection for England’s Women’s World Cup qualifying matches.
- A second player, identified only as Kelly, was also left out of the Lionesses squad.
- The matches take place this month, per the source.
What Selection Means For Players And The Team
The Lionesses are England’s senior women’s national football team, which competes in international tournaments including the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Being selected for the squad represents a significant honor and opportunity for players to represent their country in competitive matches. The team’s coaching staff evaluates players based on recent performance, fitness, tactical needs, and form when making selections for major competitions.
Exclusion from the squad can impact players both professionally and personally. For domestic players like Toone, missing out on international duty may affect visibility and future selection opportunities. The coaching staff may also be managing squad rotation, player workload, or addressing specific tactical considerations ahead of crucial qualifying fixtures.
England’s Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign is part of the broader process to determine which teams advance to the next tournament. These matches carry substantial importance for national pride and competitive progression. The team previously reached the final in the men’s equivalent tournament in 2022 and continues building momentum in women’s international football.
What Happens Next?
England will face opposing nations in the scheduled World Cup qualifying fixtures later this month. The identity of the opposing teams and exact match dates were not specified in the source material. The Lionesses coaching staff will finalize preparations with the selected 23-player roster for training and match deployment.
Toone and Kelly will return to their respective club commitments unless recalled due to injury or other developments. Future squad announcements may include either player depending on subsequent performances and evolving team needs over the remainder of the qualifying cycle.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Ella Toone was not selected for England’s Lionesses Women’s World Cup qualifying matches.
- A player named Kelly was also omitted from the squad.
- The matches are occurring this month.
Still unconfirmed:
- The specific reason for Toone’s and Kelly’s exclusion.
- Kelly’s full name or playing position.
- The exact dates and opponents for the qualifying matches.
- Whether injuries influenced the selections.
- Reaction from the players, clubs, or England coaching staff.
Why It Matters
International selection is among the highest achievements in professional football. Missing out on major tournament qualifiers can affect player development, media exposure, and future opportunities. The Lionesses represent a growing and increasingly prominent force in global women’s sport, making squad decisions consequential for broader participation and visibility trends.
What To Watch
England’s upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifying matches will test the current Lionesses squad without Toone and Kelly. Further player availability updates may emerge from future squad announcements or club-level performance news. The team’s results in these fixtures could influence subsequent selection decisions.