Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby World Cup absences explained

England have started their Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign as one of the favourites to get their hands on the biggest prize in the game.

But they will have to play the competition without Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, who have all been ruled out of the tournament through injury.

The three Lionesses played a crucial role in England’s Euro 2022 victory on home soil last, but like the rest of us, they will be forced to watch the action back home on TV.

So, why exactly aren’t Williamson, Mead and Kirby playing for England at the World Cup?

Here is everything you need to know.

Why isn’t Leah Williamson playing for England at the World Cup?

Williamson was ruled out of the tournament after rupturing her ACL during Arsenal’s WSL game against Manchester United back in April.

The 26 year-old appeared to get her studs caught in the pitch before seemingly twisting her knee, and her thumping of the ground was a clear indication of the agony she was in.

Arsenal have not put a timescale on her return to action but it is expected to be at the end of the year at the very earliest having undergone successful surgery.

Williamson, who has lifted the Euro and Finalissima trophies as England captain in the last year, will be replaced as skipper by fellow centre back Mille Bright.

Why isn’t Beth Mead playing for England at the World Cup?

Mead injured her ACL in Arsenal’s WSL defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates last November.

The former Sunderland star had surgery in December and claimed she was ahead of schedule in April but ultimately ran out of time to recover her fitness.

Mead has said it was a ‘clever decision’ by head coach Sarina Wiegman to leave her out of the World Cup squad to ensure she is fully fit for next season.

Mead’s dominant midfield performances saw her named the Euro 2022 Player of the Tournament, finishing as top goalscorer with six goals and five assists.

Why isn’t Fran Kirby playing for England at the World Cup?

Kirby sustained a knee injury during Chelsea’s Continental League Cup semi-final against West Ham in February.

The forward underwent surgery and her club have confirmed she is ‘expected to be sidelined for a significant period.’

Kirby made her debut for England in 2014 and has scored 17 goals in 65 appearances for the national team.

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