Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Others Face World Cup Squad Challenge After International Setbacks

England Stars Must Turn International Disappointment Into World Cup Motivation

Players like Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Grace Clinton have received a sharp reminder from Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman. Missing out or limited involvement during recent international fixtures highlights the need for these regulars to raise their game if they want to be part of England’s squad for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The recent camp involved two matches England was expected to win with ease, yet it has sparked significant discussion. Alongside tactical changes and four newcomers debuting, this could prove pivotal for several established players’ futures with the national team.

Toone, Kelly, Beever-Jones and Clinton Left on Notice

None of these four were initially selected for the squad, though injuries saw Toone and Clinton later called up. Neither appeared on the pitch, with performances in those games raising concerns about their standing in the team. Their immediate focus must now shift to strong showings at club level to reverse this trend and regain favor with Wiegman.

Kelly’s Fitness and Form Under Scrutiny

Chloe Kelly stands out as the most puzzling case. Her exclusion came amid conflicting reports about her fitness and form. While Wiegman said Kelly wasn’t performing sufficiently, Arsenal’s coach mentioned hamstring issues but denied visible injury concerns. Kelly herself admitted disappointment over her output last season after an impressive 2025 European Championship.

Her impact at that tournament helped Arsenal clinch the Champions League title following a challenging period as her time at Manchester City ended. Now, Kelly must find a way to bounce back from this dip. Complicating matters is Wiegman’s recent switch to a wing-back system, which doesn’t suit Kelly’s natural role. Whether this formation sticks will influence her international chances.

Midfield Competition Intensifies

The new formation also meant Wiegman tested numerous midfield options, using two deeper central players and two supporting wide midfielders alongside Alessia Russo. Players like Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Laura Blindkilde Brown played, while debutants Lexi Potter and Erica Parkinson increased competition for midfield spots.

This development presents a double-edged sword for Toone and Clinton. Though it expands pathways back into the squad, the rising quality and numbers mean securing a place won’t be easy. If Wiegman continues with this setup, players such as Jess Park, Lauren James, and Beth Mead will also vie for advanced midfield positions, intensifying the battle.

Club Performance Holds Key

Toone seems nearest to reclaiming her spot, having been recalled due to injury replacements and praised by Wiegman for her attitude. At Manchester United, she has become a regular starter under new coach Eva Olid, who aims to improve the team’s defensive solidity after a rough start.

Clinton faces more doubts after moving to Manchester City in mid-2025. Persistent minor injuries and stiff competition have limited her appearances, with only one league start this season. City’s coach Andree Jeglertz expressed faith in her potential but stressed the need for consistency if she wants a place on the plane to Brazil next summer, assuming England qualifies.

Striker Spot Shrinks for Beever-Jones

Aggie Beever-Jones has struggled for form this season, without a competitive goal since March’s League Cup final. Wiegman confirmed her omission was performance-related, not injury-based. It’s notable the England boss was comfortable naming a squad where Alessia Russo was the sole recognized striker, indicating limited opportunities for Beever-Jones.

Other attacking players such as Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, and Lauren James can cover forward roles, raising the bar for Beever-Jones. She must overcome injury setbacks and score regularly for Chelsea under coach Sonia Bompastor to reassert herself.

The Road Ahead

For all four, this international break serves as a clear warning. With the return of club football, delivering consistent, high-level performances is the only way back into Sarina Wiegman's plans for the World Cup. The window to impress is open, but the margin for error narrows rapidly.