Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Others Face Crucial Moment Ahead of 2027 Women's World Cup

Several key players for the Lionesses have received a clear message from coach Sarina Wiegman after recent international games, signaling that their places in the 2027 Women’s World Cup squad are not guaranteed. Among them are Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Grace Clinton, who were either left out or given limited opportunities during the latest camp.

Despite England's comfortable wins in the two matches, Wiegman’s choices reveal a shift in the pecking order, emphasizing that these players must improve their performances at club level to stay in contention for the summer tournament.

Kelly's Fitness and Form Under Scrutiny

Chloe Kelly stands out as the most puzzling omission. While Wiegman cited insufficient performance, Arsenal's management acknowledged a hamstring issue without labeling it as a major injury. Kelly herself expressed disappointment over her form last season, which followed a brilliant run leading up to the 2025 European Championship where she played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Champions League success.

Kelly has not featured in Arsenal’s last two games and must regain match fitness and impact quickly. The recent tactical switch by Wiegman to a wing-back system—where Kelly does not naturally fit—adds another layer of uncertainty about her immediate future with the national team.

Increased Midfield Competition

The new formation deployed by Wiegman opened doors for experimentation in midfield, giving chances to players like Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Laura Blindkilde Brown, alongside debuts for Lexi Potter and Erica Parkinson. This has intensified competition for midfield spots.

Ella Toone and Grace Clinton were called into the camp as injury replacements but did not feature in games. Their path back into the squad depends heavily on their club performances, especially with fresh talent rising.

If Wiegman maintains this formation, players like Jess Park, Lauren James, and Beth Mead will also vie for advanced midfield roles typically suited to Toone.

Club Form Will Decide Futures

Toone appears closer to regaining her place, having been praised by Manchester United’s new coach Eva Olid for her response to recent setbacks. Despite a defensive start to the season, she has become a regular starter and is integral to United’s improving form.

For Clinton, the situation is less certain. Since moving to Manchester City in 2025, she has faced injuries and stiff competition, managing only one league start this season. City’s head coach Andree Jeglertz remains confident but stresses the need for consistency if Clinton hopes to make the World Cup squad.

Striker Spot Tightens

Aggie Beever-Jones has struggled to find form at Chelsea, failing to score competitively since March’s League Cup final. Wiegman made it clear her exclusion was due to performance issues rather than injury.

Interestingly, the coach was comfortable selecting a squad with Alessia Russo as the sole recognized striker, relying on versatile forwards like Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, and Lauren James to fill attacking roles.

Beever-Jones must overcome minor injuries and reestablish herself in Chelsea’s starting lineup, translating opportunities into goals to catch Wiegman’s eye again.

Key Players' Status and Next Steps

• Ella Toone: Called up late due to injuries; yet to play in recent games; strong club form could secure return.
• Chloe Kelly: Left out amid fitness and form doubts; needs to regain fitness and adapt to new tactical demands.
• Aggie Beever-Jones: Struggling for goals and starts; must improve performances at Chelsea to be considered.
• Grace Clinton: Limited game time at Manchester City; consistency needed to break back into the squad.

The pressure now lies with these players to prove their worth in domestic competitions. Their performances over the coming months will likely determine if they will earn a ticket to the 2027 Women's World Cup or fade from the national team picture.