Toone and Kelly Dropped: What Wiegman’s Ruthless Selection Tells Us About England Women’s World Cup Hopes

Sarina Wiegman doesn't do sentiment. That much is clear after she left out Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly from England Women's squad for the World Cup qualifying play-offs against Greece. Two of the more recognisable names in the women's game, gone, because the levels weren't good enough. Simple as that.

The Message Wiegman Is Sending

This isn't just a selection decision, it's a statement. Wiegman has built the Lionesses into one of the most competitive squads in the world by refusing to hand out caps on reputation. Toone, 27, has had an inconsistent start to the season at Manchester United. Kelly, 28, has been similarly off the pace at Arsenal. Neither is young enough to be given a free pass, and Wiegman clearly felt she had better options available.

The England Women manager was direct when asked about both players. She said the levels weren't what she expects from them and that the squad has serious competition for places. She also made it clear she still believes in them and wants them to come back stronger. That's the carrot. The dropped call-up is the stick.

From a betting perspective, this tells us something important. England Women going into these Greece play-offs aren't relying on star power to carry them. Wiegman is picking form over reputation, which generally means a more cohesive and motivated squad.

Greece Double-Header and the World Cup Path

England face Greece in Crete on 9 October and then at home in Leicester on 13 October. Win the tie and they move into round two of the play-offs, keeping their dream of reaching the Women's World Cup in Brazil next summer alive.

Greece are beatable. England Women should be considered strong favourites across both legs, and the home fixture in Leicester in particular looks like a solid clean sheet opportunity given how organised Wiegman sets her side up defensively.

Leah Williamson returning as captain adds structure and experience at the back. She missed the 4-0 defeat to Spain in June, which was a rough night for the Lionesses, and her presence changes the defensive shape considerably. With Keira Walsh pulling strings in midfield alongside exciting young options, there's genuine quality in this squad.

The Fresh Faces Who Could Shape England Women's Betting Odds

The story of this squad isn't just who's missing, it's who's coming in. Lexi Potter, the 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder, gets her first senior call-up after impressing in the WSL. She started Chelsea's win over Arsenal at the weekend and clearly caught Wiegman's eye playing alongside Walsh at club level. That combination could translate well at international level too.

Erica Meg Parkinson, 18, also returns uncapped after excelling with North Carolina Courage since her summer move. Wiegman has a track record of trusting young players when they're in form, and both Potter and Parkinson are worth watching.

For those looking at anytime scorer markets or assists markets across the two Greece fixtures, Lauren James and Alessia Russo remain the headline attacking options. Beth Mead's inclusion at Manchester City and Lauren Hemp's continued presence give England Women real width and pace to hurt a Greek side that won't be used to dealing with this quality of opposition.

Our Prediction for the Play-Off Tie

We think England Women win this comfortably over two legs. Greece in Crete will be the trickier fixture given the atmosphere and travel, but England's squad depth is far superior. We'd back England Women to progress with a combined score of something like 5-1 or 6-1 across both matches.

The more interesting longer-term bet is whether Wiegman's ruthless approach to selection actually pays off between now and Brazil. Dropping experienced players for form rather than coasting on the Euro 2022 glory is the right call. It creates genuine competition in the squad and keeps everyone sharp.

Toone and Kelly will be watching these games and thinking about how they respond. That's exactly the dynamic Wiegman wants, and it's a good sign for England Women heading into what could be an exciting World Cup cycle.