Ella Toone Returns to England Squad for World Cup Qualifier Double-Header

Manchester United's Ella Toone is back in the England squad after a hip injury kept her out since November, with crucial Women's World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine ahead.

Ella Toone has been named in England's squad for their back-to-back Women's World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Ukraine, ending a six-month absence caused by a hip problem that wiped out the second half of her Women's Super League season.

The Manchester United midfielder, 26, has not pulled on an England shirt since scoring in the 8-0 demolition of China last November. Her return is a timely boost for Sarina Wiegman as England face arguably the toughest stretch of their qualifying campaign.

Wiegman delighted with Toone's comeback

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Wiegman was candid about how much she has missed the midfielder's presence — and her personality. "It's great to have her back and to see her on the pitch is really great. I think she is really ready to come back," the England manager said, adding that Toone had already made her own case in April: "In her funny way, she told me: 'Yes, I'm a number 10, I can still play!'"

It is exactly the kind of confidence England will need when they travel to face Spain on 5 June (kick-off 20:00 BST), before returning home to host Ukraine at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on 9 June (20:00 BST).

Bronze included despite fitness concern

Chelsea right-back Lucy Bronze, 34, is also in the 25-player squad despite missing Chelsea's WSL fixture at the weekend and being photographed wearing a protective boot. Wiegman moved quickly to play down concerns, describing it as a precaution: "We do expect she will be back. There's two weeks to go, so we expect her to be ready." Bronze has started three of England's four qualifying matches and remains a key figure in the defensive structure.

Also returning from injury are Chelsea striker Aggie Beever-Jones and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey, both of whom missed the March camp.

Omissions draw attention

Not everyone has been so fortunate. Erica Meg Parkinson, the 18-year-old midfielder who earned a surprise call-up in March, does not retain her place. Everton's Ruby Mace, who has been in impressive form, again misses out. Manchester City's Grace Clinton is also absent from the squad — a third consecutive omission that underlines how difficult it has been for the midfielder since her summer move from United to City. Wiegman acknowledged a tough debut season at City for Clinton, citing injury setbacks, but expressed confidence the 22-year-old can push her way back into contention: "She should keep stepping up and showing what she can do and deliver all the time."

Automatic qualification in sight

England head into this double-header in an enviable position — top of their qualifying group with four wins from four matches. A memorable 1-0 win over Spain at Wembley in April demonstrated they can handle the best in the group, and Wiegman is clear-eyed about the prize on offer: win both matches and England qualify automatically for the 2026 Women's World Cup in Brazil, bypassing the play-off route entirely.

"We look at the bigger picture and that's to qualify for the World Cup. Then we really want to do it as quickly as possible," said Wiegman. "We have the first opportunity when we play Spain away. We know that is a hell of a challenge — for them also — because I think we are both very good teams."

With Toone fit, Bronze expected to recover and the squad otherwise settled, England have genuine reason for optimism heading into what could be a qualification-sealing fortnight.

Full England squad

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Jess Park (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Frequently asked

Why was Ella Toone left out of the England squad?: Ella Toone was absent from the England squad from November onwards due to a hip injury that also ruled her out for the second half of the Women's Super League season with Manchester United. She has now recovered and been named in the squad for the June qualifiers.
When do England play Spain and Ukraine in World Cup qualifying?: England face Spain away on 5 June (kick-off 20:00 BST), then host Ukraine at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on 9 June (kick-off 20:00 BST).
What do England need to qualify for the 2026 Women's World Cup?: England currently top their qualifying group with four wins from four matches. If they beat both Spain and Ukraine in June, they will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 Women's World Cup in Brazil and avoid the play-offs.