England captain Leah Williamson will miss the Lionesses' upcoming 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine.
The Arsenal defender suffered a hamstring injury during a recent rehabilitation session, indicating a blow for both club and country.
Leah Williamson Faces Fitness Concerns After WSL Season
Williamson has struggled with fitness in recent months. Following a 2023 knee surgery, Williamson picked up a new knock during back-to-back champion England's 2025 Euros run. She subsequently only started in two matches for Arsenal during the 2025/26 season.
While she managed to compete in Arsenal's Champions League semifinal clash with Lyon, she ended her WSL season nursing a hamstring issue on the bench.
Despite the late scratch, Sarina Wiegman's side remains in position to seal a 2027 World Cup spot.
England's Road to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup
England currently leads its qualifying group by three points over reigning world champions Spain. Now, the Lionesses only need to pick up a single point on Friday to punch a ticket to Brazil for next year's tournament.
Still, with the reliable WSL defender sidelined, England had to reshuffle its roster. Wiegman tapped Liverpool captain Grace Fisk to replace Williamson, while the team faces additional fitness tests ahead of the weekend's continental clash.
Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating is currently out on concussion protocol. Brighton keeper Sophie Baggaley will join the team as cover, though WSL Golden Glove winner Hannah Hampton will likely stay in goal against Spain.
England takes on Spain on June 5th at 3 PM ET, before squaring off with Ukraine on June 9th to cap its qualifying run.
When is the Women's World Cup 2027?
Meanwhile, the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup will kick off on June 24th, 2027 in Brazil.
Running through July 25th, it marks the first time the tournament will be hosted in South America, with Netflix holding the exclusive US streaming rights.
