Williamson's Determined Effort to Regain Fitness for England's Clash with Spain
To understand the significance of the England vs Spain match for the players, one need look no further than Leah Williamson's unwavering dedication. Despite having not played for almost a month, the Lionesses captain is leaving no stone unturned in her bid to prove her fitness and lead her team at Wembley on Tuesday. England manager Sarina Wiegman had expressed uncertainty over Williamson's inclusion due to her recent layoff, but the Arsenal centre-back is working tirelessly with the medical team and participating in tactical preparations to ensure her readiness. With the world champions coming to town and a World Cup spot on the line, Williamson's determination is a testament to her commitment to the team. If she is not risked, however, the centre-back partnership may fall to two of England's most patient players, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Esme Morgan, who have been battling for a starting spot alongside Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, and Maya Le Tissier. Wubben-Moy, the ultimate squad player, has been an unused substitute in major tournaments and has only made 16 appearances since her first call-up almost six years ago. She has been working closely with her partner to analyze her performances and optimize her physical fitness. Morgan, on the other hand, took a risk by moving to Washington Spirit and has since developed significantly, playing a crucial role in her club's back-to-back NWSL Championship games. If Wubben-Moy and Morgan were to start together at Wembley, it would be a full-circle moment for the two players, who were first called up to the national team in the same camp in 2020.