Despite only making her Chelsea first-team debut less than a year ago, midfielder Lexi Potter has been called up by manager Sarina Wiegman for England's World Cup qualifiers against Greece in October.
Potter, who made her debut for Chelsea on 15 October 2025 against Paris FC in the Champions League, has been praised by Wiegman after her call-up on Tuesday, in a selection that saw Aggie Beaver-Jones, Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone miss out.
"“Last season we kept a close eye on her because she was getting into the squad and playing really well. But I think she’s started the season so well. Her performances have really impressed us so she really deserves this call-up."
"“She’s shown at Chelsea that she can start against any team. The last game, I thought she did very well against a top Arsenal [team]. What I’ve seen from her is that she comes out on the pitch and no matter who she plays against, she’s just going to play, and she’s comfortable. I hope to see that next week.”"
What makes Potter's inclusion even more impressive is that she didn't even make her first Chelsea start until December 2025, against Liverpool in the League Cup. By the end of February, she had made eight appearances; she was given her first League start against Brighton, rounding it off by scoring the winner in a 2-1 win.
After an impressive start to the season, in which she's played 90 minutes in three of Chelsea's four league games, not necessarily standing out against Manchester United and Birmingham, but still put in a solid performance, the game against Arsenal was when she really stood out, playing a match beyond her years and showcasing her maturity, blending in seamlessly next to seasoned professional Keira Walsh.
The performance against their rivals caught the attention of those watching, especially Wiegman and ex-England internationals. Striker Ellen White said Potter was "a special player", while Chelsea teammate Lucy Bronze believed she could be the next Keira Walsh.
Coach Sonia Bompastor praised Potter for her attitude even if she didn't always get the game time she wanted.
"I was really happy with Lexi last season, though she probably didn't get as many opportunities as this season. For her age, being able to be consistent and in the way that she has been performing, I think it's great."
Even if Potter is one of the youngest and least experienced in the squad, it feels like people already have such high expectations of the 20-year-old, with many expecting her to be the predecisor to teammate Keira Walsh when she retires, what people have to be careful about with Potter is that they can't afford to overplay her too young and waste a talent like hers.
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