Leah Williamson Out for Key World Cup Qualifiers as England Prepares for Spain and Ukraine

Leah Williamson Out for Key World Cup Qualifiers as England Prepares for Spain and Ukraine

England captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the Women's World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Ukraine due to a hamstring injury. Despite her efforts in a rehabilitation programme, the Arsenal defender, aged 29, will not participate in these crucial fixtures. Sarina Wiegman's team can secure a spot in next year's World Cup in Brazil if they manage to avoid defeat in Spain on Friday at 20:00 BST. Currently, England tops their group with four wins from four matches, holding a three-point lead over the world champions, Spain. Following the match against Spain, England will face Ukraine at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, 9 June at 20:00 BST. Williamson, who led England to consecutive European Championship victories in 2022 and 2025, has struggled with injuries this season, starting only two Women's Super League games. After undergoing knee surgery post-Euro 2025, she has made just three appearances for her country since then. In her absence, Grace Fisk, captain of Liverpool, has been called up to replace Williamson, and Sophie Baggaley from Brighton joins the squad as a goalkeeper. Baggaley will cover for Khiara Keating of Manchester City, who is unavailable for the Spain match due to concussion protocols. Keating missed the recent FA Cup final victory over Brighton, where Baggaley was on the opposing bench. A further assessment will decide Keating's availability for the match against Ukraine, though regular number one Hannah Hampton is expected to start. The squad is set to arrive at St George's Park on Monday before heading to Spain later in the week.

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-01