Ella Toone’s World Cup chances have been strengthened by her response to being left out of England’s play-off matches against Greece, with Sarina Wiegman impressed by the midfielder’s reaction.
Toone was omitted from the squad after a difficult start to the season with Manchester United. Wiegman said her performances had fallen below the expected standard and challenged the two-time Euros winner to respond.
The 26-year-old accepted the decision and told reporters after her final Women’s Super League match that she would use it as “fuel to come back even better”.
She subsequently travelled to Spain to reset mentally and physically. Rather than treating the trip as a break, Toone worked to ensure she returned to Manchester United in peak condition.
Her efforts earned a recall when Lucy Bronze withdrew from the England squad through injury. Toone was grateful to be involved again, even though she is expected to begin the next two matches on the bench.
Her willingness to return at short notice, including a last-minute journey across Europe, has further impressed Wiegman. The England manager wanted a professional and motivated response from one of her trusted players and believes she has received it.
Wiegman hopes to take her established leaders to Brazil next summer for one final major tournament before ending her time in charge of England. Toone remains part of that group, and overcoming the setback appears to have strengthened the midfielder’s standing with her manager.
There is, however, increased competition for places in the England midfield. Since Fran Kirby’s retirement, Toone, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have largely formed the first-choice trio.
That position is under pressure from several younger players. Lexi Potter has impressed for Chelsea, while 18-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson regularly starts in the National Women’s Soccer League. Lucia Kendall is also well regarded by Wiegman, and Laura Blinkilde Brown and Grace Clinton have recently won the Women’s Super League with Manchester City.
Wiegman has acknowledged that major matches “aren’t the time for rotation”, offering Toone another reason to believe she can quickly regain an important role.
If she can rediscover her best form for Manchester United, Toone could again become the player England turn to when the stakes are highest. The midfielder now appears determined to ensure she is involved in as many of those occasions as possible.
