The Lionesses have received a major boost after Arsenal confirmed England captain Leah Williamson and star forward Beth Mead have not travelled to Australia for Friday’s friendly with the A League Allstars Women.
Arsenal flew to Melbourne on Monday night with a squad of 19 players for their post-season exhibition match. Mead and Williamson, however, were not among the travelling party as they are still having their minutes managed having returned from long-term knee injuries this season.
Both players ruptured the anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees last season, forcing them to miss the 2023 World Cup, and Arsenal have carefully built up their minutes over the course of the current campaign. The pair have, as a result, been left out of the squad for Friday’s game in Melbourne, which is a big boost for England.
The Lionesses are taking on France in a crucial Euro 2025 qualifier just a week after Arsenal’s post-season friendly. The tight turnaround could have made it complicated for Mead and Williamson to face France at St. James’ Park on May 31, but they will now be confident of doing so.
Striker Alessia Russo, who is in the Arsenal squad for the game in Melbourne, will be assessed when the England players assemble at St. George’s Park on Monday. After hosting France on May 31, the Lionesses then travel to face them in Lens four days later.
The double-header is a huge one for England, with France currently top of their qualifying group. The French have won both their games in League A Group 3, with England two points behind them.
Sweden, who are three points off England, and the Republic of Ireland complete the group - and only the top two sides are guaranteed a place at next summer’s Euros in Switzerland.
