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England squad: Toone returns as Lionesses eye World Cup qualification

BBC Sport Football •
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Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone returns to the England squad after missing time due to a hip issue. The 26-year-old hasn't featured for the Lionesses since November. Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze also joins despite a minor injury. England faces Spain away on June 5 before hosting Ukraine on June 9, currently sitting top of their World Cup qualifying group with four wins from four matches.

Manager Sarina Wiegman expressed excitement about Toone's return, stating "It's great to have her back and to see her on the pitch is really great." Bronze's inclusion is precautionary, with Wiegman expecting her to be fit. Several players return from injury including Aggie Beever-Jones and Freya Godfrey, while 18-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson and in-form defender Ruby Mace miss out. Manchester City midfielder Grace Clinton also remains absent due to injury.

England faces high-stakes qualifiers with automatic World Cup qualification at stake. The Lionesses defeated Spain 1-0 at Wembley in April, and victory in both remaining matches would secure their place in next year's tournament in Brazil. "We look at the bigger picture and that's to qualify for the World Cup," Wiegman said.