The Lionesses will be hoping that former captain Steph Houghton can return to the fold and provide some much-needed experience, but it is a huge blow for England’s World Cup hopes.
England captain Leah Williamson has confirmed that her World Cup “dream is over” after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Williamson expressed her need for some “quiet time” to let the news sink in, as England’s opening World Cup match with Haiti is set to take place on 22 July. The injury is expected to sideline Williamson for six to nine months, and Arsenal have said she will have surgery “in due course”. This is a huge blow for England’s World Cup hopes, as Williamson was a key part of the team, captaining them to their European Championship victory in 2022. She is the latest injury setback for Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses, who are already expecting to travel to the tournament in Australia and New Zealand without Beth Mead due to an ACL injury, and there are doubts over Chelsea forward Fran Kirby’s availability. Former goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain said the injury was “horrific timing” and a “huge blow” for England. It may provide an opportunity for former captain and Manchester City centre-back Steph Houghton to return to the fold, although Wiegman has said her chances of making the squad are “not that high”. Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall has also commented on the state of the pitch at Leigh Sports Village, suggesting that it was a factor in Williamson’s injury, and a WSL spokesperson has said pitches at WSL stadiums are monitored throughout the season. Williamson’s team-mates have expressed their support for her, with Beth Mead saying they are with her “every step of the way”. Emma Hayes has said Williamson will be a “devastating loss” for the Lionesses and Arsenal, while Fifpro has said more research is needed into the causes of such injuries.