Leah Williamson ruled out of England's World Cup qualifiers versus Spain and Ukraine in 2026

England captain Leah Williamson will miss crucial World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine due to a hamstring injury.

Key injury update England’s captain Leah Williamson will not feature in the upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. The Arsenal defender, aged 29, has been sidelined with a hamstring issue despite completing a rehabilitation plan intended to prepare her for play. The squad remains on track to qualify for the 2026 tournament in Brazil with a strong start to the campaign. Currently, England sit at the top of their group after securing four consecutive victories and hold a three-point lead over reigning world champions Spain. ## Schedule and lineup changes The Lionesses face Spain in a must-watch qualifier on Friday at 20:00 BST. England will then travel to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Ukraine on Tuesday, 9 June, also at 20:00 BST. Williamson, who captained England to back-to-back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025, has featured in only two Women’s Super League matches this season. A knee procedure followed England’s Euro 2025 success, and she has since managed just three appearances for her country. ## Squad reinforcements Liverpool skipper Grace Fisk has been added to the squad to take Williamson’s place. Brighton’s Sophie Baggaley also joins the England set-up, providing cover in goal. Manchester City’s Khiara Keating will miss the Spain game while following concussion return-to-play protocols. Keating was unavailable for Sunday’s FA Cup final win over Brighton, where Baggaley served as an unused substitute. ## Goalkeeper availability and preparations A follow-up assessment will determine if Keating can be ready in time for the Ukraine match. Hannah Hampton is tipped to start in goal if Keating remains unavailable. The team is scheduled to arrive at St George’s Park on Monday ahead of their departure for Spain later in the week.