ENGLAND are one of the favourites for the Women’s World Cup over in Australia and New Zealand next week.
But, Lioness captain Leah Williamson will be out of action for the whole tournament.
England will begin their World Cup campaign down under next Saturday, July 22, against Haiti.
Lioness manager, Sarina Wiegman’s 23-women’s squad are aiming for a win again after their victory at the Euros last year.
However, only 16 of the Euro 2022 squad will return next week, as a number of big names including Leah Williamson missed the cut.
The Arsenal defender suffered a major injury earlier this year wiping out her chances of playing.
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Why is Leah Williamson NOT playing for England?
Williamson, 26 is currently out of the England squad with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Back in April the Arsenal captain went down in the first half against their 1-0 loss to Manchester United.
The Lioness star has since undergone knee surgery, missing the Champions League and now the World Cup.
Williamson is one of three major England players alongside Beth Mead and Fran Kirby who will be absent from the squad.
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She will still be watching the Lionesses from the sidelines in Australia while recovering from her injury.
Who is playing in the Women’s World Cup England Squad?
Sarina Wiegman’s 23-squad will play next week at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
- Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Man Utd), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa).
- Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Esme Morgan (Man City), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
- Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man Utd).
- Forwards: Alessia Russo (Man Utd), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Man City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Bethany England (Tottenham).
- Standby players: Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Jess Park (Man City), Emily Ramsey (Man Utd).
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk