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Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Other Lionesses Face World Cup Squad Challenges After Recent International Setbacks

England Women’s Midfield and Attack Faces Tough Choices Ahead of 2027 World Cup

Several established England players like Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Grace Clinton have been given a clear signal by manager Sarina Wiegman following recent international matches. These players missed out on selection or had limited involvement during the last camp, and now they must prove themselves at club level to keep their hopes alive for the 2027 Women’s World Cup squad.

Kelly’s Fitness and Form Under Scrutiny

Chloe Kelly was one of the more surprising absences from the recent England squad. There has been some confusion around her fitness, with Wiegman stating she wasn’t performing well enough, while Kelly’s camp cited an injury. Arsenal’s manager Renee Slegers mentioned Kelly had hamstring issues but nothing clearly visible. Kelly has not played in Arsenal’s last two matches and admitted disappointment over her performances last season. Her standout form at the 2025 European Championship, where she helped England win the title after a strong run with Arsenal including a Champions League victory, contrasts with her current struggles. With Wiegman’s recent shift to a wing-back system — a role Kelly does not naturally fill — her immediate future with England depends on how she can respond and adapt.

Increased Competition in Midfield

The new formation used by Wiegman brought more midfield options into focus. Players like Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Laura Blindkilde Brown featured prominently, while newcomers Lexi Potter and Erica Parkinson earned debuts, adding pressure on regulars like Toone and Clinton. Both Toone and Clinton were called up as injury replacements but did not see game time. This competition is intensified by other rising talents such as Lucia Kendall, currently injured, and forwards like Jess Park, Lauren James, and Beth Mead who can also play in advanced midfield roles.

Club Performance Will Decide Futures

Ella Toone seems closer to returning to the national team. She was praised by Manchester United’s new coach Eva Olid for her attitude despite initially being left out of the squad. Toone has been a key player for United as they improve their form this season. On the other hand, Grace Clinton faces greater uncertainty. Since joining Manchester City in 2025, she has struggled with injuries and competition for starting spots, only starting once this season. City’s head coach Andree Jeglertz remains optimistic but stressed Clinton needs consistency to earn a place on England’s plane to Brazil next summer, assuming qualification is secured.

Striker Situation and Beever-Jones’ Challenge

For Aggie Beever-Jones, the outlook is challenging. The Chelsea striker has yet to find the net this season in competitive matches and hasn’t scored since March’s League Cup final. Wiegman made it clear Beever-Jones wasn’t omitted due to injury but because she must improve her performances. The coach even named a squad with Alessia Russo as the sole recognized striker, relying on versatile players like Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, and Lauren James to cover forward roles. Beever-Jones needs to regain her place in Chelsea’s starting lineup and prove she can score regularly if she hopes to be considered for the World Cup squad.

Players Facing Pressure to Perform

  • Chloe Kelly: Fitness issues and adapting to a new role crucial for return.
  • Ella Toone: Solid club form positioning her for comeback.
  • Grace Clinton: Must earn consistent playing time at Manchester City.
  • Aggie Beever-Jones: Needs goals and starts with Chelsea to stay in contention.

As club football resumes, these players will have to show they deserve a spot among England’s best if they want to avoid being left behind when the squad for the 2027 Women’s World Cup is finalized.

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