Leah Williamson: England Women captain a major doubt for USA friendly as injuries mount before Wembley clash

England Women captain Leah Williamson is a major doubt for Friday’s friendly against world champions the USA after suffering an injury in training.

Williamson was today being assessed by Lionesses medical staff, but there are fears she will miss the sold-out game at Wembley Stadium.

Defender Lucy Parker will definitely miss the game, and the chance to make her senior England debut, after picking up an injury and returning to West Ham for further treatment.

Parker and Williamson’s injuries come off the back of striker Alessia Russo pulling out of the squad yesterday due to a small issue.

England have duly called up Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy and Manchester United forward Nikita Parris as replacements.

The absence of Williamson would be a particular blow to head coach Sarina Wiegman, whose European champions face the USA before taking on the Czech Republic in another friendly in Brighton on Tuesday.

Parker’s injury was picked up playing for West Ham in their League Cup tie against London City over the weekend.

Williamson’s absence would mean Alex Greenwood likely starting in the heart of defence against the USA alongside Chelsea’s Millie Bright, who would skipper the side.

Bright was named England’s vice-captain earlier this year and played a pivotal role in their run to Euro 2022 glory on home soil in the summer.

Russo’s withdrawal means Wiegman has a headache in attack and 21-year-old Ebony Salmon, who plays her football in the USA, could make only her second international appearance at Wembley.