To understand the significance of the England vs Spain match for the players, look no further than Leah Williamson's unwavering dedication. Despite being sidelined for nearly a month, the Lionesses captain is pushing herself to the limit to ensure she's fit to lead her team at Wembley on Tuesday. In a normal situation, Williamson wouldn't be considered for selection with so many crucial games on the horizon, but the prospect of facing the world champions has driven her to work tirelessly with the medical team and participate in all tactical preparations at St George's Park.
The stakes are high, with only the top team in the four-nation group guaranteed a spot at the World Cup in Brazil. If Williamson is deemed unfit, the centre-back partnership may fall to two of England's most patient players. Lotte Wubben-Moy and Esme Morgan are vying for a starting spot alongside Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, and Maya Le Tissier, having both seen game-time in recent qualifiers. 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 worked closely with her partner Tao Geoghan-Hart to analyze her performances and optimize her physical fitness. Wubben-Moy also prioritizes community work, which helps her keep the demands of football in perspective. Morgan's journey to becoming a starting centre-back has been different; she took a risk by moving to Washington Spirit from Manchester City, but it has paid off. Morgan has developed significantly since her move to the States and has played a crucial role in her club's back-to-back NWSL Championship games.
If Morgan and Wubben-Moy line up together at Wembley, it would be a full-circle moment for the pair, who were first called up to the national team in the same camp in 2020.