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Williamson Ruled Out of England Squad as Keating Follows Concussion Protocol

The injuries force late call-ups and complicate selection for Friday's Mallorca match that could decide automatic World Cup qualification.

Overview

  • England confirmed on Monday that captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the next two World Cup qualifiers with a hamstring injury and will not join the squad at St George's Park.
  • Goalkeeper Khiara Keating will remain with Manchester City while she follows concussion return-to-play protocols and her availability for the Ukraine game will be decided after further assessment.
  • Liverpool defender Grace Fisk and Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley were called up as replacements to bolster England's defensive and goalkeeping options.
  • The match in Mallorca on Friday is likely to determine the top spot in Group A3 and automatic qualification for next summer's World Cup, with England already holding a three-point lead and having beaten Spain earlier in the campaign.
  • Williamson's withdrawal follows a season of recurring fitness problems for the Arsenal defender and leaves Sarina Wiegman weighing short-term defensive choices and leadership responsibilities as the squad prepares for two decisive fixtures.