Ella ToonePlayer·Ella Toone has rejoined the EnglandTeam·England Lionesses squad for the first time in 2026, marking a pivotal return ahead of their crucial 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against Spain. Her last appearance for EnglandTeam·England was a memorable one, contributing a goal and three assists in an 8-0 victory over ChinaTeam·China at WembleyVenue·Wembley, a match that celebrated the Lionesses' European Championship triumph.
The upcoming fixture in MallorcaTeam·Mallorca carries substantial weight. EnglandTeam·England currently leads their World Cup qualifying Group A3 with a perfect record, having won all four of their matches. A draw against Spain, whom they defeated 1-0 in April 2026 during their first qualification encounter and in the Euro 2025 final, would secure automatic qualification for the World Cup, relegating Spain to the play-off route.
Toone's return is particularly significant given recent squad challenges. Captain Leah Williamson remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, and the fitness of Lauren James is uncertain following a minor injury last week. Additionally, Grace Clinton was not called up due to a lack of playing time at Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City, further highlighting the need for midfield options.
Toone's absence spanned nearly five months, beginning in late December 2025 due to a hip injury. She missed critical club fixtures for Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United, including their UEFA Women's Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League quarter-final exit and the Women's League Cup final. Her rehabilitation progressed steadily, with Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United's head coach, Marc SkinnerCoach·Marc Skinner, anticipating her return after the April international break. Toone made her club comeback in late April 2026, securing her first start in early May and playing a full 90 minutes in the final Women's Super League match against ChelseaTeam·Chelsea.
EnglandTeam·England manager Sarina WiegmanCoach·Sarina Wiegman expressed optimism regarding Toone's reintegration. "What I've seen, I think looks good," Wiegman stated, acknowledging that while her full 90-minute fitness at the highest level was still being assessed, "I know she can play." Toone herself conveyed her eagerness to return to action during her recovery. "It's difficult . I hate missing football games," she told Indivisa, adding, "I'm itching to get back out there."
Her ability to deliver in high-stakes matches, having scored in a European Championship final, a World Cup semi-final, and the FinalissimaCompetition·Finalissima, makes her a valuable asset. While Lucia KendallPlayer·Lucia Kendall, Keira WalshPlayer·Keira Walsh, and Georgia StanwayPlayer·Georgia Stanway might form the midfield against Spain, Toone offers a potent option from the bench. Her presence provides Sarina WiegmanCoach·Sarina Wiegman with tactical flexibility and a proven match-winner, bolstering EnglandTeam·England's chances of securing their place at the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Manchester United's Ella Toone under pressure from Brighton's Jelena Cankovic. Action Plus/IMAGO
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