England will be without Leah Williamson for Friday's huge Women's World Cup qualifying clash with Spain, after the Lionesses captain pulled out of Sarina Wiegman's squad on Monday. It's a major blow for the European champions and one of two withdrawals they are having to deal with, all while Lauren James' fitness is in doubt.
England fans are facing a nervous wait over the fitness of Lauren James after the Chelsea superstar was a notable absentee from the World Sevens Football final. Despite her team-mates lifting the trophy at the Gtech Community Stadium, the forward's lack of involvement has sparked immediate concern for the Lionesses ahead of their critical clash with Spain.
Ella Toone is back in the Lionesses squad for the first time in 2026 after recovering from a hip injury that has forced her to miss England's last two camps. Aggie Beever-Jones has also returned to the fold to offer another timely boost to Sarina Wiegman's side, as they prepare to face Spain in a decisive World Cup qualifier next month.
Advantage, England. This international break was always going to feel decisive in the race between the Lionesses and Spain to secure the only automatic qualification spot for next year’s Women’s World Cup available in this cut-throat qualifying group, and it was the reigning European champions, rather than the world champions, who came out on top.
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