Leah Williamson Injury Is A Disaster For England Women

Thousands of players up and down the country are already considering their Women’s World Cup Predictor selections. However, a major injury to the England captain, Leah Williamson, will be making many of them think again. With less than 100days to go until England kick off their tournament against Haiti on 22nd July, losing their captain is nothing short of a disaster for the national team.

What happened to Leah Williamson?

To anyone watching, Leah’s fall in Arsenal’s game against Manchester United looked like a simple stumble (see it here). However, the way she instantly started waving for help told a dramatically different story. Watched again in slow motion, you can see how she goes over on her knee before she goes down. The resulting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury will sadly put her out of action for the rest of the season, including the world cup.

Why is the loss of Leah so devastating?

Leah Williamson is a major part of the England team, and will be sorely missed both on and off the pitch. Since she became captain in April last year, she’s started and captained every game in England’s famous victory at the Euros, as well as picking up the Arnold Clark Cup and the first every Finalissma. At the heart of Serina Wieghman’s solid and consistent side, Leah featured in 22 games of England’s amazing 30 game unbeaten run.

Hard to replace

England have not only lost a talismanic captain, who was respected by the whole team, but they have also lost a versatile player as well. Leah played both defence and midfield, giving Wieghman lots of options to switch things around if other injuries occurred at the tournament. To make matters worse, her centre-back partner, Millie Bright, is also currently injured and in a fight to be fit for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The latest in a series of losses

The England team on your Women’s World Cup Predictor game is starting to look rather different from the all-conquering side that won the Euros, with as many of five of the starting eleven missing from the current team sheet. As well as captain Leah Williamson, England will also be without Euros’ Golden Boot winner, Beth Mead, who also has an ACL injury, with Fran Kirby joining Millie Bright with knee problems. Add in a number of recent retirements, including Queen of the Jungle, Jill Scott and Ellen White, and you have a team depleted of both star players and big game experience.

What impact will the injuries have?

There’s no two ways about it, the growing injury list will significantly dent England’s chances of victory, both in the tournament and in your Women’s World Cup Predictor game selections. The bookies have already shortened the odds for favourites the USA to 5/2, while England have drifted out to 4/1. Until recently, there was little difference between the odds for the two sides.

What can England do about it?

Sarina Wieghman will need every bit of her vast international experience if she is to patch up England’s leaking boat before July. She could recall experience players, such as former captain Steph Houghton, but she is now 34 and hasn’t started an England game since Wieghman has been in charge. Alternatively, she could include some promising new players, such as Lotte Wubben-Moy, Maya le Tissier or Lucy Parker, throwing them in the deepest of deep ends at the very pinnacle of the women’s game.

The latest twist in the World Cup thriller

The injury to Leah Williamson is just the latest twist in what is turning out to be a gripping rollercoaster road to the World Cup for England’s women. You’ll need to follow every twist and turn if you want to succeed in the Noise Women’s World Cup Predictor, so keep coming back here to read the very latest updates on the England side.

Meanwhile, to find out more about the Noise Women’s World Cup Predictor game, talk to our friendly team today on 01524 68446 or visit the website and complete the contact form.