Toone added to England squad; Bronze leaves with injury
Ella Toone has been called up late to England's squad for the Women's World Cup play-off matches against Greece. Lucy Bronze has withdrawn and returned to Chelsea to manage a minor injury. England will play the first leg in Crete before hosting the second leg at Leicester City.
Ella Toone, a Manchester United midfielder, joins England after initially being left out. She has 69 caps, 24 goals, and was part of Euro 2022 and Euro 2025 winning sides, also starting the 2023 World Cup final loss to Spain. Chloe Kelly, an Arsenal winger, was also omitted initially, with Sarina Wiegman citing recent form.
Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze has exited the camp to treat a minor injury picked up against West Ham. England reached Crete on Wednesday for Friday's opening leg in Heraklion; the return is at Leicester on 13 October. The tie's winner meets Slovakia or Ukraine, with a place at next year's tournament in Brazil.
Toone's late call-up and Bronze's withdrawal may alter England's preparation and fan expectations for the Greece play-offs. Supporters of women's football could see renewed attention around squad selection and player fitness, while clubs may weigh injury management carefully. The tie's outcome may influence broader visibility for the women's game and next year's tournament in Brazil, though its social impact remains uncertain.