The Women's World Cup is well underway, with England's Lionesses already proving they're a force to be reckoned with and us all clamouring to buy England shirts to support them. But one thing seems to be missing - and that's Leah Williamson.
After leading her team to victory in the 2022 Euros, Leah was all set to captain England for the 2023 Women's World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand this summer. The Lioness squad – including the likes of Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly – has a strong chance of taking home the trophy this year.
But after a devastating injury in April, Leah is unfortunately unable to play and has been left out of the squad.
Opening up on Instagram about her injury, Leah Williamson said: ‘World cup dream is over for me’, adding that her biggest challenge was now the ‘day to day’ of recovery.
Whilst Leah has been cheering on her teammates from afar, she recently opened up about how it hasn't been easy for her to sit back and watch.
Talking on Capital FM, she said 'I don't want to get in too much, but at the same time it's them. They're like my family. It's nice just watching and being proud of them, but I'd much rather be involved.'
And Leah also had some choice words about the Lioness WhatsApp group drama...
After also being left unable to play due to an injury, fellow teammate Beth Mead recently revealed that she'd been booted from the team's group chat.
Opening up about whether she too was kicked out the group, Leah said 'That's not a funny situation, by the way, just to clarify. No, I think I was in for a while. Then they all started doing prep, and I was like "It's probably time for me to leave now." I'm gonna say I took control and was like, "am I needed for anything? Or can I just dip out now, thank you."'
With a very different summer supporting her teammates from afar, here’s everything you need to know about Leah Williamson – including the injury that put a stop to her World Cup dream.
Who is Leah Williamson?
Leah is a footballer who made history captaining England to their historic Euro 2022 win last year, solidifying herself as the heart of their defence. Aside from the England national team, the star currently plays for Arsenal.
How old is Leah Williamson?
Born the 29 March 1997 in Milton Keynes, Leah is currently 26 years old. What is Leah Williamson's star sign then? This also makes her an Aries – long thought to be the most athletic Zodiac sign.
Who is Leah Williamson's brother?
Leah has one younger brother, named Jacob. However, there's hardly any details out there about the him, as he lives a life away from the limelight.
During the Euros, Leah's mum Amanda joked that Jacob often feels the stress far more than her footballer daughter during matches. She joked, '[He has his] head in his hands, looking down and fingers in ears so he couldn't hear anything.'
What injury does Leah Williamson have and is she playing in the World Cup?
The England Captain will miss the 2023 World Cup after Arsenal confirmed that the defender ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament – otherwise known as an ACL – during a match against Manchester United in April. She picked up the injury in the 15th minute, whilst tussling with Katie Zelem for the ball. Whilst there was minimal contact, Leah landed awkwardly on her right leg – resulting in her being stretchered off the pitch.
An injury of that sort includes surgery and a long road to recovery, meaning Leah is in no fit state to be playing in the current World Cup.
At the time, Arsenal released a statement saying everyone at the club would be supporting Leah, adding the athlete would ‘now begin a period of rehabilitation and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines. She will undergo surgery in due course.’
What is an ACL rupture?
ACL ruptures are a common injury across women’s football, with female players considered to be more likely to rupture an ACL than their male counterparts. It’s not known exactly why, with theories ranging from the shape of women’s bodies and menstrual cycles (yeah, we're not sure either), to the fit of women’s football boots.
And Leah isn’t the only Lioness left on the sidelines due to this type of injury. Arsenal foreward Beth Mead has also been left out of the England World Cup, having not fully recovered from an ACL rupture last November.
Who is the new England women's Captain?
With Leah out of the running, Lioness manager Sarina Wiegman had to pick a new captain. The chosen one? None other than Leah’s defensive partner, Millie Bright.
Is Leah Williamson married?
No, Leah Williamson is not married. Leah has also not publicly confirmed if she is in a relationship.
Is Leah Williamson writing a book?
She might not be on the pitch, but the athlete is certainly keeping herself busy in other ways! Announcing on her Instagram that she’d be adding author to the CV, Leah shared that she would be releasing a children’s book called The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers on August 31st as part of a collaboration with her cousin!
Does Leah Williamson have endometriosis?
Last year, Leah opened up about how an endometriosis flare-up nearly caused her to miss out on leading the Lionesses to victory at the Euros. The athlete was diagnosed with the condition in 2021, with major pains leaving Leah questioning whether or not she could make it onto the pitch.
In an interview with Women's Health, Leah said 'Before the Euros I had a concussion, which they say can really impact your next period, and it was bad - like, really bad.'
'You know when you're on the bathroom floor and literally like, "I can't move." When it's too late to take the tablets because I'm in it now.'
'I was like, "It cannot happen." Like, I actually won't be able to play. [An endometriosis flare-up] is a big fear when you get to a tournament not injured.'
Endometriosis is a common condition, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and Fallopian tubes. Some of the symptoms can include pain in your tummy, back, and severe period pains. Treatments range from painkillers and hormone medicines, to surgery removing the endometriosis tissue.
Does Leah Williamson have Instagram?
Of course she does! You can follow her over on Instagram @leahwilliamsonn, where she shares snaps of everything from her holidays to chilled days with her teammates.