Ella Toone recalled by England as Lucy Bronze withdraws before Greece play-offs

Ella Toone has been called into England’s squad for their World Cup play-offs against Greece after Lucy Bronze withdrew with a minor injury.

The Manchester United midfielder joins the Lionesses ahead of Friday’s first leg in Crete.

England confirmed the squad update on Thursday morning, with Bronze returning to Chelsea to manage an injury sustained during last weekend’s league action.

Lucy Bronze returns to Chelsea

Chelsea confirmed that Bronze will miss this international window.

The defender captained the Blues and completed the full match in Sunday’s 3-0 Women’s Super League win over West Ham.

Neither announcement specified the nature of the injury or provided a return date beyond her absence from the England camp.

Bronze has made 148 appearances for the Lionesses and was part of their European Championship-winning sides in 2022 and 2025.

Toone’s inclusion adds another midfield option, although her call-up does not represent a direct positional replacement for the Chelsea right-back.

When do England play Greece?

England arrived in Crete on Wednesday evening ahead of the first leg at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion on Friday 9 October.

The return match takes place at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday 13 October.

The fixtures form the first round of the World Cup qualification play-offs.

Read our Greece v England guide for kick-off and television details.

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