To understand the significance of the England vs Spain match for the players, one need only observe Leah Williamson's dedication. Despite being sidelined for nearly a month, the Lionesses captain is working tirelessly to prove her fitness and lead her team at Wembley on Tuesday. If the world champions weren't visiting, Williamson's chances of starting would be slim, given the numerous crucial games upcoming for club and country. However, she has been putting in extra effort, working privately with the medical team and participating in tactical preparations at St George's Park.
The stakes are high, with only the top team in the four-nation group guaranteed a World Cup spot, making this match a potential defining moment for qualification. Williamson's determination is unwavering, and if she's not risked, 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, along with Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, and Maya Le Tissier, having both seen game-time during recent qualifiers.
Wubben-Moy, the ultimate squad player, has been an unused substitute in major tournaments and has only 16 appearances since her first call-up nearly six years ago. She has admitted to having doubts but has a unique perspective on the game, closely analyzing her performances and physical fitness with her partner Tao Geoghan-Hart. Additionally, Wubben-Moy's community work keeps her grounded, as seen when players from her foundation attended her training session last week. Morgan's path has been different; she took a significant risk by leaving Manchester City for Washington Spirit, which has paid off, as she's developed significantly and helped her club reach back-to-back NWSL Championship games.
A potential start for Morgan and Wubben-Moy at Wembley would be a full-circle moment, given they were first called up together in 2020 and have spent many hours on the bench together. Now, they may become England's most crucial players as they face the world's number one ranked nation.