Toone misses Greece playoff as United pair return to England fold
Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park have been called up for England’s two-legged World Cup playoff against Greece, while Manchester United teammate Ella Toone has been left out of Sarina Wiegman’s squad.
United’s official website confirmed the pair’s selection. Toone’s omission is the notable twist: she scored against Sheffield United, yet will not join her teammates for the October internationals.
Le Tissier and Park selected for Greece ties
Le Tissier arrives with 14 England caps and was part of the squad that won Euro 2025. Park, who has made 26 appearances for the national side and scored five goals, earns another opportunity after establishing herself at United.
Park’s progress at club level has also been recognised domestically, with the midfielder receiving PFA recognition for her United debut season. Both Reds now have a chance to add to their international records as England begin the next stage of their route through the 2027 World Cup playoffs.
| Player | England appearances | International goals | Squad note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maya Le Tissier | 14 caps | Not stated | Euro 2025 winner |
| Jess Park | 26 appearances | Five | Selected |
England travel to Crete for the first leg at Pankritio Stadium on Friday 9 October. The return fixture is at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday 13 October.
United’s form has turned after difficult start
United opened the season with defeats to London City Lionesses and Chelsea, but have since steadied their campaign. They drew 1-1 away to Arsenal, thrashed Sheffield United 10-1 in the Players’ Cup and followed that with a 2-1 league win over West Ham.
The Reds were scheduled to face Durham in the Players’ Cup on Wednesday 30 September before meeting Liverpool on Saturday 3 October. The 1-1 draw at Arsenal was an important marker in that recovery, and the recent results have kept both call-ups connected to a more encouraging stretch for United.
Why has Toone been left out?
Toone’s goal against Sheffield United did not change her international status for this window. The Guardian reported that Wiegman omitted both Toone and Chloe Kelly because of their performance levels; BBC Sport likewise reported that the England manager felt the pair had not been playing to their potential in recent weeks.
That makes the decision a clear setback for Toone, who scored against Sheffield United. Her role for United against Liverpool will be one part of the club context as she looks to respond on the pitch, while Le Tissier and Park prepare for England’s two meetings with Greece.
