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

Established Lionesses Face Pressure to Impress Before 2027 World Cup

Several key England players including Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Grace Clinton have been given a clear message by manager Sarina Wiegman following recent international fixtures. Their performances at club level will now be critical if they hope to secure a spot in the England squad for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The recent camp, which featured two matches England was expected to win easily, actually sparked debate due to tactical changes and four new players making their debuts. This period might turn out to be a pivotal moment for several regulars who now face uncertain international futures.

While Toone and Clinton were eventually brought into the squad due to injuries, neither got game time during those matches, raising questions about their standing within the team. Now, their focus must shift to their club performances as they try to reverse a worrying trend and regain favor with Wiegman.

Kelly’s Situation Remains Unclear

Chloe Kelly stands out as the most puzzling case. Despite being left out of the England squad, there was conflicting information about her fitness. Wiegman suggested her form wasn’t up to par, Kelly’s camp claimed injury, and Arsenal manager Renee Slegers indicated some hamstring issues but not one preventing play.

Kelly has missed Arsenal’s last two games. She herself admitted disappointment over her output last season, which was her first full campaign back after previous ups and downs. Her strong showing during the 2025 European Championship helped Arsenal win the Champions League and ended a difficult spell at Manchester City.

With England switching to a wing-back system that does not suit Kelly naturally, her international future depends on both her form and whether this formation becomes the norm.

Midfield Faces Heightened Competition

The new formation allowed Wiegman to try different midfield combinations, giving opportunities to Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Laura Blindkilde Brown, while debuting Lexi Potter and Erica Parkinson. This increased competition could make it harder for Toone and Clinton to reclaim their spots.

Although more midfield roles might mean a wider pathway back for Toone and Clinton, the presence of new talent and recovering players like Lucia Kendall means the battle is tougher than before. Players such as Jess Park, Lauren James, and Beth Mead also vie for advanced midfield positions, directly challenging Toone’s preferred role.

Club Form Will Decide Futures

Ella Toone seems closest to returning to the national team after being called up as an injury replacement. She has been more involved at Manchester United recently, and their improving form gives hope she can rebuild her international prospects.

Grace Clinton, however, faces uncertainty. Since joining Manchester City in 2025, injuries and fierce competition have limited her opportunities. She has started only once this season, in a league win against Charlton Athletic. City’s coach Andree Jeglertz trusts her ability but stresses the need for consistent performances if she wants to make the World Cup squad.

Striker Options Narrow for Beever-Jones

Aggie Beever-Jones has struggled for goals this season and has not scored competitively since March’s League Cup final. Though Wiegman confirmed her omission was due to performance rather than injury, Beever-Jones now faces pressure to regain form.

The fact that Wiegman was willing to select a squad with Alessia Russo as the only specialist striker signals limited immediate opportunities for Beever-Jones. Other attacking options like Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, and Lauren James are versatile forwards competing for spots.

Re-establishing herself in Chelsea’s starting lineup and scoring regularly are crucial steps if Beever-Jones wants to be part of England’s World Cup plans.

Summary of Player Statuses

• Ella Toone: Called up late due to injuries; no game time in recent camp; improving club form at Manchester United.
• Chloe Kelly: Omitted due to form and fitness doubts; recovering from hamstring issues; fit with club but missing matches.
• Grace Clinton: Struggling for minutes at Manchester City; needs consistency; only one start this season.
• Aggie Beever-Jones: Goal drought since March; omitted due to form; must prove value at Chelsea.

The next few months leading into the World Cup qualifiers will be critical for these players. Their performances at their clubs will likely determine whether they reclaim or lose their places in the England squad heading into summer 2027.