Why isn’t Leah Williamson playing for England against Spain the Women’s World Cup qualifying match?

England’s women’s team are on course to secure their place in the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Sarina Wiegman’s team, who top group A3 on 12 points, will directly qualify as champions of their group if they beat reigning world champions Spain this evening in Son Moix.

Tonight’s game will be a repeat of the 2023 final which the Lionesses lost - to the same rivals. This time they will be without captain Leah Williamson, who suffered a hamstring injury during a recent rehabilitation session.

Leah struggled with various fitness issues last season, making just a couple of appearances for Arsenal Women. She was on the bench for the Women’s Champions Cup final victory over Corinthians in February.

Her place in the squad will be covered by Liverpool captain Grace Fisk, who has represented England at every youth level from Under-17 onwards but has yet to make her debut with the senior side.

England and Spain well positioned

England top group A3 on 12 points - three ahead of Spain and six ahead of Iceland. The winners of each qualifying group in League A will advance directly to next year tournament with the teams finishing in second and third place progressing to the playoffs.

England complete the group stage by facing Ukraine in Liverpool on Tuesday while Spain look likely to finish second, but could top the group if the Lionesses lose both of their remaining games.

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