Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly Left Out of Lionesses Squad

Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone has been notably excluded from the England women's national football team, commonly known as the Lionesses, for their upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying matches scheduled for this month. This decision by head coach Sarina Wiegman marks a significant omission for the 24-year-old player, who has been a regular fixture in the squad and played a crucial role in England's UEFA Women's Euro 2022 victory. Toone's absence from the squad list, announced on a specific date which is not provided in the source material but is implied to be recent, has generated discussion among fans and football analysts. Her exclusion suggests a strategic shift or a re-evaluation of player roles by Wiegman as the team prepares for critical qualification fixtures. The exact matches for which Toone and Kelly are unavailable are not specified, but they are described as "World Cup qualifying matches."

Alongside Toone, Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly has also been left out of the 23-player squad. Kelly, 26, is another prominent player who was instrumental in England's Euro 2022 triumph, scoring the winning goal in the final against Germany. Her omission, similar to Toone's, indicates a potential change in the team's tactical approach or a focus on integrating new talent. Both players have been key contributors to the Lionesses' recent successes, making their exclusion a talking point. The selection criteria and the rationale behind these high-profile omissions have not been detailed by Wiegman in the provided information, leaving room for speculation regarding the team's future direction and player development.

The Lionesses are currently engaged in their qualification campaign for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, the tournament's eighth edition, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The team's performance in these qualifying matches is crucial for securing their place in the global competition. The exclusion of experienced and impactful players like Toone and Kelly raises questions about the depth of the squad and the manager's long-term vision for the team. It is possible that Wiegman is looking to test different player combinations and provide opportunities to emerging talents ahead of major tournaments. The team's next steps in the qualification process and how they adapt to the absence of these key players will be closely watched by supporters and the media. The specific opponents and dates for these qualifying matches are not mentioned in the source text, but the context implies they are imminent.