Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone has earned a late recall to the England squad for their Women's World Cup play-off against Greece, while experienced defender Lucy Bronze has withdrawn because of injury.
England manager Sarina Wiegman initially left Toone and Arsenal winger Chloe Kelly out of the squad, citing concerns over their recent performances.
However, Toone has now been handed another opportunity as the Lionesses prepare for a crucial two-legged encounter in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Toone's omission from the original squad was a surprise given her experience and contributions to England's recent international success.
The 27-year-old midfielder has scored 24 goals in 69 senior appearances and played an important role in England's European Championship triumphs in 2022 and 2025.
She also started the 2023 Women's World Cup final, where England suffered a narrow defeat to Spain.
Wiegman previously explained her decision to exclude both Toone and Kelly, stating that neither player had performed to their expected standards in recent weeks.
Reflecting on her omission, Toone admitted the decision had been difficult to accept.
"It's been a really difficult week. It's not the news that any footballer wants," she said.
Her late inclusion now provides an opportunity to regain Wiegman's confidence ahead of two important international fixtures.
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze has withdrawn from the England squad after sustaining a minor injury during last weekend's Women's Super League match against West Ham.
The experienced full-back will return to Chelsea to manage the issue, leaving Wiegman without one of her most established defenders for the upcoming matches.
Bronze's absence represents a setback for England, although Toone's return adds experience and attacking quality to the squad.
The Lionesses arrived in Crete on Wednesday evening ahead of Friday's first-leg encounter against Greece at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion.
England will then host the return fixture at Leicester City's King Power Stadium on Tuesday, 13 October.
Victory over the two legs would move Wiegman's side one step closer to securing their place at the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Should England overcome Greece, they will face either Slovakia or Ukraine in another two-legged play-off scheduled for 26 November and 5 December.
The winner of that final qualifying tie will secure a place at the Women's World Cup in Brazil, which takes place from 24 June to 25 July 2027.
With qualification at stake, England will be aiming to deliver two convincing performances against Greece and maintain their hopes of competing on football's biggest international stage.
