England’s World Cup Hopes Dented as Strange Ruled Out with Knee Injury

England’s Women’s World Cup campaign has suffered a significant setback with the loss of forward Jasmin Strange to a serious knee injury. Head coach Stuart Barrow described the withdrawal as a “devastating blow” to the squad’s prospects.

The Sydney Roosters second-rower made an immediate impact on her international debut, crossing for a try in England’s commanding 70-6 victory over Wales in their tournament opener. Strange, 23, who qualifies through her Yorkshire-born mother, was one of five NRLW players selected for the crucial clash against reigning champions Australia in Perth.

“Jasmin joined us upon our arrival and has been outstanding both on and off the field,” Barrow said. “To lose her yesterday during training was a devastating blow for the entire group. It was almost a freak accident during a defensive drill; she was carrying the ball, executed a step, and suffered the injury. It’s a cruel outcome for a player who had been excellent for us.”

The news initially flatlined the camp, but Barrow confirmed the team has regrouped. “It affected the players and coaching staff alike, but we’ve bounced back today. Within seven hours, Jasmin had a scan confirming our worst fears. I accompanied her to the hospital last night, and she is rejoining the camp this evening so the group can rally around her.”

Strange, who hails from a rugby league family, had been poised to play a pivotal role in a rejuvenated England side looking to improve upon a record 90-4 defeat to the Jillaroos in March 2025.

Barrow confirmed that Leeds Rhinos back-rower Lucy Murray will step directly into the starting lineup for this weekend’s fixture, with no plans to call up an additional replacement for the remainder of the tournament.

“We lose a bit of quality given how well she played at the weekend, but we brought 23 players who are all competing for jerseys, so we are confident we can cover that loss,” Barrow added. “It will be a straight swap. Lucy was very close to the initial selection and was in contention again this week, so she slots straight into that back-row position.”

England Women: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Molly Jones, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Jenna Foubister, Liv Wood, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Lucy Murray, Eva Hunter, Megan Williams.

Interchange: Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Georgia Roche, Lucie Sams.

Reserves: Hope Millard, Mary Coleman, Georgia Wilson.

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