Lionesses receive major boost as Ella Toone returns from injury for crucial World Cup qualifiers

England manager Sarina Wiegman has expressed optimism regarding Ella Toone 's potential impact in the Lionesses ' crucial Women's World Cup qualifiers next month, as the team eyes securing their place at next year’s tournament. The Manchester United midfielder returns to the national squad for the first time since November, having recovered from a hip injury that sidelined her for the latter half of the season. Despite her recent absence, Wiegman indicated that Toone "looks good" and anticipates her involvement as England seek to seal qualification with at least a draw against Spain in Majorca on 5 June.

"It’s nice she is back and of course she’s called up, so it’s good to have that option in midfield," Wiegman stated. She added a note of caution regarding playing time: "We haven’t made decisions on the starting line-ups and minutes yet, and I know for a lot of players it’s the end of the season now, and also some players are still playing, but I don’t know. We have to see her in our environment.

What I’ve seen looks good. “Can she play 90 minutes at the highest level? I don’t know, but I know she can play, and as I said, we have options in midfield, as well as, of course, up front and in the back.

We’ll approach it in a way that we want to get the best team on the pitch. " Lucy Bronze has been included in the squad despite recent fitness issues (PA Wire) Defender Lucy Bronze is also included in the squad, despite battling a foot injury in recent weeks. Wiegman acknowledged that some players might be short on match fitness but maintained her belief in their quality.