Fans are wondering why Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby are not playing at the Women’s World Cup.
After beating Haiti in their opener, the Lionesses pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 win over Denmark but the victory took a toll on a team who were already suffering with multiple injuries.
Keira Walsh was carried off on a stretcher with a knee injury after the Group D match against Denmark, becoming the fourth player to be injured this year, alongside Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby. Walsh also sat out of Tuesday’s final Group D match against China.
But why aren’t Williamson, Mead and Kirby playing for England at the World Cup?
Why isn’t Leah Williamson playing for England at the World Cup?
This isn’t the first time Williamson has been injured. The 26-year-old was ruled out of the tournament after rupturing her ACL during Arsenal’s WSL game against Manchester United in April.
After getting her studs caught in the pitch, Williamson twisted her knee and fell to the ground, clearly in agony. She is expected to be playing again at the end of the year at the very earliest having undergone successful surgery. In the meantime, she has been replaced by fellow centre back Mille Bright.
Why isn’t Beth Mead playing for England at the World Cup?
Mead also had an ACL injury in Arsenal’s WSL defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates last November.
It was thought that the former Sunderland star may be on the mend to play at the World Cup after her surgery in December – however, she ultimately ran out of time to recover her fitness.
Mead described Sarina Wiegman’s decision to leave her out of the squad as “clever” as it will ensure she is fully fit for next season.
Why isn’t Fran Kirby playing for England at the World Cup?
Kirby suffered a knee injury during Chelsea’s Continental League Cup semi-final against West Ham in February.
After undergoing surgery, her club has confirmed she is “expected to be sidelined for a significant period”.
Making her debut in 2014 for England, the attacking midfielder has scored 17 goals in 65 appearances for the national team.
