Leah Williamson to Miss Key World Cup Qualifiers
England captain Leah Williamson will be unavailable for the upcoming Women's World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Ukraine due to a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old Arsenal defender has struggled with fitness this season despite following a rehabilitation programme aimed at enabling her participation.
Sarina Wiegman's England squad can secure qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil by avoiding defeat in their match against Spain on Friday, 20:00 BST. England currently lead their group with four wins from four matches and hold a three-point advantage over the reigning world champions, Spain.
England's next fixture is against Ukraine at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, 9 June, also scheduled for 20:00 BST.
Williamson's Recent Fitness Challenges
Williamson, who captained England to consecutive European Championship victories in 2022 and 2025, has had limited playing time this season, starting only two Women's Super League games. Following England's Euro 2025 triumph, she underwent knee surgery and has since appeared in just three matches for the national team.
Squad Changes and Goalkeeper Updates
In response to Williamson's absence, Liverpool captain Grace Fisk has been called up to the squad. Additionally, Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley joins the Lionesses to provide cover, as Manchester City's Khiara Keating will miss the Spain game while following return-to-play concussion protocols.
Keating was absent from Sunday's FA Cup final victory over Brighton, where Baggaley was on the bench for the opposing team. A further assessment will determine Keating's availability for the Ukraine match, though regular number one goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is expected to start.
The England squad is scheduled to arrive at St George's Park on Monday before traveling to Spain later in the week.
