England have suffered a major blow after it was confirmed captain Leah Williamson will miss Friday’s friendly against world champions USA and next week’s clash with the Czech Republic.
Williamson had been a doubt on Tuesday morning after the FA confirmed the defender suffered an injury in training.
The Arsenal centre-back has since been assessed and it has now been confirmed she will miss Friday’s friendly with USA at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.
Williamson will also miss next Tuesday’s clash with the Czech Republic, which is taking place in Brighton, and she is returning to Arsenal for treatment.
The defender is the latest player to pull out of the squad after West Ham defender Lucy Parker and Manchester United striker Alessia Russo also withdrew due to injury.
Williamson’s absence will mean Alex Greenwood could well start in the heart of defence alongside Chelsea’s Millie Bright, who is likely to captain the side now.
Bright was named England’s vice-captain earlier this year and played a pivotal role in the run to winning Euro 2022 this summer.
