England captain Leah Williamson will miss the Lionesses’ upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine after failing to recover from a hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old Arsenal defender had been following a rehabilitation programme in the hope of returning in time, but she has now been ruled out of both fixtures.
England can secure qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil if they avoid defeat against world champions Spain on Friday at 20:00 BST.
Sarina Wiegman’s side sit top of their qualifying group with four wins from four matches, holding a three-point lead over Spain.
The Lionesses will then face Ukraine at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, 9 June, also at 20:00 BST.
Williamson, who captained England to back-to-back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025, has endured an injury-hit campaign. She has started just two Women’s Super League matches this season after undergoing knee surgery following England’s Euro 2025 triumph. Since then, she has made only three appearances for her country.
Liverpool captain Grace Fisk has been called up as Williamson’s replacement, while Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley has also joined the squad.
Baggaley will provide additional cover because Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating will miss the Spain match while following return-to-play concussion protocols.
Keating also sat out Sunday’s FA Cup final win over Brighton, where Baggaley was among the substitutes for the opposition.
A further assessment will decide whether Keating can return for the Ukraine fixture, although regular first-choice goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is expected to start.
England’s squad will report to St George’s Park on Monday before travelling to Spain later in the week.
