England captain Leah Williamson will miss the upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Ukraine.
The Arsenal defender, 29, is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, even though she completed a rehabilitation program aimed at making her available.
Sarina Wiegman’s side can secure qualification for next year’s World Cup in Brazil by avoiding defeat in Spain on Friday at 20:00 BST.
They lead their group with four wins from four games and hold a three‑point advantage over defending champions Spain.
England will face Ukraine at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, 9 June, also at 20:00 BST.
Williamson, who captained England to consecutive European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025, has featured in only two Women’s Super League matches this season.
After undergoing knee surgery following the Euro 2025 triumph, she has appeared in just three internationals since.
Liverpool captain Grace Fisk has been drafted into the squad to replace Williamson, and Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley joins the Lionesses as well.
Baggaley will serve as cover, as Manchester City’s Khiara Keating will miss the Spain match while adhering to return‑to‑play concussion protocols.
Keating missed Sunday’s FA Cup final win over Brighton, where Baggaley was among the substitutes for the opposition.
Further evaluations will decide if Keating can feature against Ukraine, though first‑choice goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is expected to start.
The squad will report to St George’s Park on Monday before traveling to Spain later in the week.