Toone and Kelly miss out on Lionesses squad

Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal forward Chloe Kelly have not been selected for England's World Cup qualifying matches next month.

Toone, 27, misses out after an inconsistent start to the season, while 28-year-old Kelly has also been omitted.

In addition, Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones and Arsenal duo Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds have not made the 23-player squad.

Captain Leah Williamson returns having missed June's 4-0 defeat by Spain and 3-0 win over Ukraine.

Asked about Toone and Kelly, England manager Sarina Wiegman said: "The main reason is that I think the levels weren't what I expect from them on the pitch.

"There is big competition going on and that is basically what it is. Of course, it has been a very hard decision for both of them.

"I really believe in them. We expect a bit more and we know they can bring more. That was the message - I'm convinced they can be better.

"I hope they respond really well. Where needed, we will support them too. I hope they can come back even better than they were before."

On reports suggesting Kelly's absence may have been linked to an injury, Wiegman added: "I had the conversation with Chloe and for me, it was just what I saw on the pitch. I kept that with football with her."

There is a first senior call-up for Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, 20, who has impressed alongside England's Keira Walsh in the Women's Super League.

She has started three of Chelsea's opening four matches and was a standout performer in their 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

"She has grown a lot. Last season we kept a close eye on her," added Wiegman.

"She has started the season so well and her performances have really impressed us. She really deserved this call-up."

There is also a return to the squad for uncapped midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, 18, who has excelled since joining North Carolina Courage in the summer.

Manchester City full-back Niamh Charles made her return from injury as a substitute in their 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday and is included.

London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey and Liverpool defender Grace Fisk are the other two uncapped players named.

England play a double-header against Greece, first in Crete on Friday, 9 October (17:30 BST) and then in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October (19:30 BST).

If they win the two-legged tie, they progress to round two of the play-offs where they can compete for a place in next summer's Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Liverpool), Anna Moorhouse (Manchester City on loan from Orlando City)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Manchester City), Grace Fisk (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage), Lexi Potter (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

Forwards: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

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