Williamson's Determined Bid to Face Spain

To understand the significance of the England vs Spain match for the players, look no further than Leah Williamson. Despite being sidelined for nearly a month, the Lionesses captain is going to great lengths to prove her fitness and lead her team at Wembley on Tuesday. If the world champions weren't visiting, it's unlikely Williamson would be considered for the starting lineup, given the plethora of crucial games for club and country in the next two months. However, she has been putting in extra effort, working privately with the medical team and participating in all tactical preparations at St George's Park. With only the top team in the four-nation group guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, this match could be a defining moment in the qualification process. Williamson is determined not to miss out on this crucial game. If she is not risked, an alternative centre-back partnership could emerge, with Lotte Wubben-Moy and Esme Morgan being strong contenders. Both players have been given game-time during recent qualifiers and are battling with Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, and Maya Le Tissier for a starting spot. Wubben-Moy, the ultimate squad player, has been an unused substitute in several major tournaments, including the World Cup and Euros. Despite her limited playing time, she has been analyzing her performances and working on her physical fitness with her partner Tao Geoghan-Hart. Her dedication to the sport is balanced by her community work, which provides her with a different perspective on the game. 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. She has developed significantly since the move and played a crucial role in her club's back-to-back NWSL Championship games. If Morgan and Wubben-Moy 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.