Ella Toone may have started this international break on the outside looking in, but she looks set to emerge from it with her chances of making it to Brazil next summer strengthened.

Toone was dropped for the World Cup play-off games against Greece after struggling for form at the start of the season with Manchester United. England head coach Sarina Wiegman admitted Toone's performances had not been up to the expected standard and laid down a challenge for the two-time Euros winner.

Wiegman wanted to see how Toone would respond, both on and off the field. The results have impressed the usually stoic coach.

A disappointed Toone accepted she would be watching the Greece games on TV and admitted to reporters after her last WSL game that she would use being dropped as "fuel to come back even better." She then went to Spain to reset mentally and physically. Instead of relaxing, Toone put in the work to ensure she returned to her club in peak condition.

Then came the call from Wiegman - a call that Toone gratefully received, even if she is likely to sit on the bench for the next two matches. Toone does not care; she just wants to be part of things again, even if that means a last-minute scramble across Europe.

Wiegman wants to take all her trusted lieutenants to Brazil, giving them the chance to go into battle together one last time before she calls time on her England tenure. Toone is in that select group, and overcoming this setback has made her even more respected by her coach.

England have lacked depth in midfield in recent years. Since Fran Kirby's retirement, Toone, Keira Walsh, and Georgia Stanway have largely been the first-choice trio. However, the emergence of Lexi Potter, Erica Meg Parkinson, Lucia Kendall, and others adds competition.

Despite the increased competition, Wiegman admits big games "aren't the time for rotation." If Toone can rediscover her best form for Manchester United, she can once again become the player Wiegman turns to when the stakes are highest. England are planning for plenty of those occasions this season, and Toone appears determined to ensure she is there for as many of them as possible.