Why is England's captain Leah Williamson not competing in the Women's World Cup?
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The Fifa Women's World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand in less than 24 hours and we are counting down until the first England match of the competition this Saturday.
Whilst we can't wait to see the Lionesses take to the the pitch, one member of the team who won't be competing is England captain Leah Williamson. So why is Leah not playing in the World Cup?
This is everything you need to know about England's captain Leah Williamson.
Who is England's captain Leah Williamson?
Leah Williamson is a 26-year-old professional footballer from Milton Keynes. She's been playing football since she was a young child and joined the Arsenal centre of excellence at nine years old.
Leah is a defender and has played as part of the Arsenal team her entire adult career, officially joining the team in 2014.
She made her debut for the England team in 2018 and scored her first England goal in November 2019. Leah was made captain of the team in 2022 and lead the Lionesses to victory against Germany in the UEFA Women's Euros last year.
Leah has also competed in the Olympics in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games as part of the Great British team.
Why is Leah not playing in the Women's World Cup?
Ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 which is being held in Australia and New Zealand, Leah announced she would be unable to join her team mates due to an injury.
Posting on her Instagram in April earlier this year Leah said: "Unfortunately the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for and everyone will think that’s the main focus, but it’s the day to day of what I’m about to go through that is the most draining of my thoughts."
She added: "I have to listen to my body, give it what it needs and if everything happens for a reason, then we’ll see what road this turn sends me down.’
"I have given and will continue to give everything that my body, mind, and heart possibly has to Arsenal and the Lionesses – I will still be there through thick and thin for all of my teammates, and their biggest supporter. All I ask for is a little bit of time and space to deal with all that is to come."
Arsenal confirmed Leah suffered a major injury whilst playing a game against Manchester United in April, rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament.
Now that Leah is unable to take part in the World Cup, England manager Sarina Wiegman has selected Millie Bright to take over as captain for the World Cup.
What other projects does Leah have going on?
As well as being a full time professional footballer, Leah is also about to become a published children's author with her debut novel The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers set to be released on 31st August.
Does Leah have Instagram?
She sure does, and she currently has nearly 1 million followers, you can follow Leah on Instagram here.
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