Sarina Wiegman has a tough decision ahead of her just months before England begin their campaign at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Leah Williamson, suffered a a ruptured ACL during Arsenal’s Women’s Super League match against Manchester United on Wednesday night, meaning that she will miss the upcoming tournament.
Williamson has been key for the Lionesses under Wiegman’s reign thus far. Her performances at centre-back during the 2022 Euros were a massive reason that England went on to lift their first ever major trophy, and her ability to play both in defence and in midfield is a huge asset that will be missed.
The England coach will now have to assess her options based on what she has seen at previous training camps and make a decision on who goes to the World Cup.
During the Lionesses’ Euros win, Wiegman called up seven defenders, plus Williamson, who was listed as a midfielder.
Of those eight players, five are able to play as centre-backs: Williamson, Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood (who can also play as a left-back), Lotte Wubben-Moy, Jess Carter (who predominantly plays as a full-back for Chelsea).
During the Euros, the starting centre-back partnership was Williamson and Bright, but with the latter also struggling with a knee injury and, according to Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, is out for at least a few weeks, Wiegman may be going into the World Cup with a brand new centre-back pairing.
It almost goes without saying that if Bright is fit, she starts for England.
She was arguably one of the sides’ most important players during last summer’s Euros, and is equally as dominant for Chelsea. Her interceptions, tackles, and clearances make it difficult for the world’s best strikers to get past her, and she’s a massive set-piece threat on the other end as well.
Her experience would also be a major advantage in helping whoever plays alongside her in the absence of Williamson.
Greenwood is most likely on this list to start at the World Cup now that Williamson is out. Whether she starts alongside Bright or someone else remains to be seen.
The Man City player has made 23 appearances for Manchester City this season, and has been part of a Gareth Taylor side going through transition. She’s…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at 90min EN…