The Resilience of England’s Women’s National Team Amid a String of Injuries
The England Women’s National Team, like the rest of the world, has been preparing for their World Cup appearance. Unlike other countries, last-minute roster adjustments have had fans worrying about their World Cup success. Some of the team’s best players who helped them qualify will now not be able to bring their talent to the women’s World Cup due to injuries.
The Injuries
As news of Leah Williamson's World-Cup-ending ACL injury breaks, the words of her England team-mate @BMeado9 have never rung truer.
More. Research. Needed.pic.twitter.com/0fnCLgCECo
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) April 21, 2023
In the past year, England has lost three crucial additions to their World Cup roster due to knee injuries. These injuries have been heartbreaking for both the team and the players themselves.
To begin, Beth Mead, a forward for Arsenal, tore her ACL. While the surgery went well, she has not recovered enough to play in the World Cup. In February, Fran Kirby, a Chelsea midfielder, hurt her knee and is soon to undergo knee surgery. Later in April, Leah Williamson, an Arsenal defender, tore her ACL as well. This has been devastating as she cannot participate in both the World Cup and missed the Champions League.
Without these world-class players, England has now lost a top scorer, Beth Mead, a midfield star, Fran Kirby, and their captain, Leah Williamson. This has been particularly worrisome after England ended their 30-game winning streak recently after losing against Australia and Brazil.
Looking Toward the World Cup
Time for some BTS content… 🎬 pic.twitter.com/nmMVfHzaoF
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 7, 2023
Adjusting to these changes will be difficult, but England has also added recovered players to their World Cup roster. Millie Bright, a defender, had been out with a knee injury this year. Despite this, she has still been added to the roster for a possible appearance. Additionally, Lucy Bronze, a defender for Barcelona, has completely recovered and can now play in the World Cup.
The recent games that have been lost are also moments for improvement. They now have the opportunity to tighten up their mistakes and work together as a team. We know that England has a high level of play, but it is better for them to be improving going into the World Cup rather than finding out their faults in an important match.
The manager of the team, Sarina Weigman, has shared her feelings about the World Cup and missing valuable players: “I’m very excited about the team we are taking to Australia…We have enough leaders in the squad to support the inexperienced players in the team and we have to be supportive but I am confident in the dynamic.”
Plus, the team is ushering in some younger players that are showing a lot of promise. Forwards Lauren James and Alessia Russo and midfielders Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway are just a few of the shining talents under 25 years old.
It is important to acknowledge the drastic change the team is going through, but it is impressive to see how they can adjust and bounce back. Their situation is unique, but it gives them a lot to prove in this World Cup and for their country.
Look out for the England Women’s National Team playing their first World Cup game on July 22, 2023, against Haiti!
Featured image via Getty Images
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