---
title: "Aston Villa’s Kendall keeps England place as Wiegman drops Toone and Kelly"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/29/lucia-kendall-england-squad-greece-play-off/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-09-29T13:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-29T16:14:37Z"
---

# Aston Villa’s Kendall keeps England place as Wiegman drops Toone and Kelly

Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall has been named in England’s squad for next month’s Women’s World Cup play-off against Greece.

Kendall is among the midfielders on [UEFA’s squad list](https://www.uefa.com/womenseuropeanqualifiers/match/2048875--greece-vs-england/lineups/) for the first leg. Sarina Wiegman’s side travel to Greece on Friday 9 October before hosting the return match on Tuesday 13 October.

The selection keeps Kendall involved at senior international level during a difficult start to Villa’s domestic season. She has captained the side in recent matches, including the [WSL opener against Chelsea](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/05/aston-villa-women-confirmed-xi-vs-chelsea-as-okuma-starts-and-kendall-captains/).

## Kendall faces Newcastle test before England duty

Villa’s immediate focus is Wednesday’s Subway Players Cup match against Newcastle United Women. The 7.30pm BST fixture at Keys Park will be [Brian Sørensen’s first in temporary charge](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/29/natalia-arroyo-sacked-aston-villa-women-manager/) following Natalia Arroyo’s departure.

Kendall’s England selection offers a positive individual development for Villa, but it does not alter the task facing the team this week. They are seeking a response after Sunday’s 4–0 league defeat at Tottenham.

England’s [two-legged tie with Greece](https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2026/Jun/22/england-womens-world-cup-qualifying-play-off-dates-with-greece-confirmed-20262106) is the first round of the qualification play-offs for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Kendall will hope to play a part after Villa’s upcoming club fixtures.