Ella Toone Returns to England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone has returned to the England squad for the crucial Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine.

The 26-year-old has not featured for the Lionesses since November because of a hip issue that ruled her out for the second half of the Women’s Super League season.

Bronze Included Despite Injury Concerns

Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze is also included despite missing Saturday’s WSL win over United and having been seen wearing a protective boot.

Bronze, 34, has started three of England’s four qualifying matches but is a doubt for next week’s World Sevens tournament.

Other Squad Updates

Chelsea striker Aggie Beever-Jones and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey, who both missed the last camp through injury, also return.

However, 18-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson is not included after her surprise call-up in March, while in-form Everton defender Ruby Mace again misses out.

  • 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), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Leah Williamson (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), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Jess Park (Manchester United), Beth Mead (Arsenal).

World Cup Qualification on the Line

England’s 25-player squad travel to Spain on 5 June (20:00 BST), before hosting Ukraine at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on 9 June (20:00).

The Lionesses currently sit top of their qualifying group with four wins from four matches, including a vital 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley in April.

Should England win their remaining two matches, they will automatically qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil and avoid the play-off route.

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