Dropping Kelly and Toone could prove a World Cup masterstroke by Wiegman

For Chloe Kelly (pictured) and Ella Toone, it is not the first time that Sarina Wiegman has dropped a big name while in charge of the Lionesses. Photograph: David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images

Sarina Wiegman sent a clear message to two of England’s biggest names on Tuesday and – in doing so, irrespective of reputations – fired the same warning to every player: perform for your club or you will not go to the World Cup.

Wiegman was unequivocal with her reasoning for leaving Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly out of her squad for October’s playoff against Greece. Her straight-to-the-point and typically honest style made it inescapably clear, when she said: “The main reason is that I think the levels weren’t what I expect from them on the pitch.”