Ella Toone recalled as England name strongest Women's World Cup squad yet
England manager Sarina Wiegman has named her most formidable Women's World Cup qualifying squad to face Spain and Ukraine, reshaping the midfield with a surprise return. Star striker Ella Toone rejoins after injury, adding firepower up front.
The England women’s national team will field its strongest-ever Women’s World Cup qualifying squad against Spain and Ukraine next month, with manager Sarina Wiegman prioritising experience and depth in every position.
Ella Toone, the Manchester City and England forward, returns to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in September, replacing a previously named attacker. Her inclusion pushes the attacking options to a total of six strikers, the highest tally in Wiegman’s tenure.
Key Points
- ✅ Ella Toone returns to England squad after ankle injury
- ⚡ Six strikers selected, a record under Sarina Wiegman
- 💡 Eight uncapped or recently called-up players included
Wiegman’s selection reshapes the midfield, with Manchester United’s Ella Palis making her first-ever senior England call-up, while Arsenal’s Frida Maanum secures a starting berth for the first time in 2024. The Norwegian midfielder’s versatility allows for tactical flexibility, with Wiegman opting for a 4-3-3 formation against both opponents.
Spain and Ukraine present contrasting challenges. Spain, ranked third in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, boast technical superiority and home advantage at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. Ukraine, ranked 29th, will travel to Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, where England last hosted Ukraine in a 6-0 thrashing in April 2023.
| Fixture | Date | Venue | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Spain | 23 October 2024 | Estadio La Cartuja, Seville | Women’s World Cup Qualifier |
| England vs Ukraine | 28 October 2024 | Stadium MK, Milton Keynes | Women’s World Cup Qualifier |
England’s recent form has been mixed. A 2-1 defeat to France in June ended a 30-match unbeaten run, while a 4-0 win over Sweden in August showcased their attacking potential. Wiegman has used the squad’s next two fixtures to experiment, with Toone’s return adding a new dimension to the attack.
💡 Pro Tip
Watch England’s full-backs: Lauren James and Jess Carter have been instructed to push higher than ever, exploiting the width in a 4-3-3 to pin back opposition full-backs and create space for Toone and Beth Mead.
The squad features a blend of youth and experience, with Arsenal’s Beth Mead, Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, and Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp leading the line. Toone’s recovery has allowed Wiegman to rotate her front three, with Mead, Hemp, and Kerr all starting in recent matches. Midfielders Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway provide the creative and defensive backbone, while Lauren James remains the team’s captain.
📋 By The Numbers
- 23 October 2024 — Next England Women’s World Cup qualifier vs Spain
- 12 caps — Ella Toone’s England career tally before her injury absence
- 4-0 — England’s largest winning margin in 2024, vs Sweden
Wiegman’s decisions have not been without controversy. The omission of Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly, the 2022 FA Women’s Player of the Year, has raised eyebrows, particularly given her form this season. Kelly has scored 10 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions, including five in the WSL. Wiegman, however, has favoured Mead and Hemp in recent matches, with Toone’s return further complicating the striker pool.
- Ella Toone’s return — Expected to lead the line alongside Mead or Hemp, adding a clinical edge to England’s attack.
- Frida Maanum’s rise — The Arsenal midfielder’s versatility and pressing ability have earned her a starting role.
- Chloe Kelly’s omission — Despite her form, Kelly’s absence highlights Wiegman’s preference for tactical balance over individual brilliance.
The two fixtures serve as a litmus test for England’s World Cup readiness. A win against Spain would consolidate their top spot in Group C, while a dominant performance against Ukraine would further stretch their goal difference. Wiegman’s squad selection reflects a clear intent to field the strongest possible XI, with Toone’s return a key factor in their World Cup ambitions.