England head coach Sarina Wiegman will manage June’s England Women’s World Cup qualifiers without captain Leah Williamson. The defender is ruled out by a hamstring injury as the European champions visit Spain on 5 June, then meet Ukraine at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
There is also a change in goal. Khiara Keating withdrew after suffering concussion in training last week, shortly before Manchester City’s FA Cup win over Brighton. Liverpool captain Grace Fisk and Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley have been added to Wiegman’s squad.
Despite those absences, the Lionesses hold a strong position in Group A3. England lead the section with maximum points from four qualifiers. Only the side finishing first secures direct entry to the 2027 World Cup, so the Spain and Ukraine fixtures carry major weight.
Fisk first joined a senior England squad in 2020, yet is still waiting for a debut cap. These qualifiers may provide that chance, depending on selections. Baggaley’s inclusion strengthens cover in goal after Keating’s setback, as Wiegman reshapes options for this international window.
England’s recent dominance in Group A3, combined with tournament experience from Euro success, places expectation on progress. However, injuries to Williamson and Keating test squad depth. Performances against Spain and Ukraine will show how effectively Wiegman’s group adapts under qualification pressure.