da bwin： After the Arsenal star was ruled out of this summer's tournament with an ACL injury, who will step up in her absence?
da betsson： On Friday, England were dealt the news that they will be without captain Leah Williamson for this summer's Women's World Cup.
It's a hammer blow for so many reasons. The Arsenal star is the Lionesses' leader and an excellent centre-back who forms part of such a formidable back line.
Not only does head coach Sarina Wiegman need to select the personality best-suited to taking her armband, but also the right player to replace her in the heart of defence.
The latter might not have the most straightforward solution. With the versatility that exists throughout the England player pool, there are a number of possible options and the route the coach takes could have quite a domino effect.
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GOAL takes a look at the candidates to captain the Lionesses at the 2023 Women's World Cup, who could replace Williamson in the starting line-up and who might take her spot in the squad as a whole with the reshuffle that may be needed.
GettyMillie Bright
When Williamson was missing from England squads during the first half of the season due to an ankle injury, it was Millie Bright, her centre-back partner, who took over the role as the Lionesses' captain.
The Chelsea defender is currently sidelined with her own knee injury and expected to be out for several weeks. But if she is fit in time for the World Cup, it is expected that she will wear the armband.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLucy Bronze
Another candidate for captaincy is Lucy Bronze. The Barcelona full-back has assumed the role before but not under Wiegman. She boasts a wealth of experience, having won 18 major honours – including three Champions League titles – with five different clubs.
Bronze is likely to be near the top of the list when it comes to the coach's options for the armband and could certainly come into consideration if Bright does not recover from the injury that has kept her out since late March.
GettyAlex Greenwood
Like Bright, Alex Greenwood has worn the captain's armband for England this season, leading the team out in the Arnold Clark Cup in February when they faced Italy. Not only is she a contender to take Williamson's role as skipper, though, but also her spot in the centre of defence.
Greenwood has often been Wiegman's go-to to play there when Williamson or Bright have been missing, or when Williamson has been deployed in midfield, and she is probably the most likely candidate to partner the latter at the 2023 Women's World Cup now.
GettyJess Carter
When England were without Bright during the April international window, Wiegman moved Greenwood into centre-back and had her role at left-back, that she played in during February's games, filled by Jess Carter.
The Chelsea star is a very versatile player, capable of operating in any position in the backline and also in midfield. With Williamson dropping out of the line-up, moving Greenwood inside would open up a spot in the XI on the left of that defence that Carter could well be chosen to occupy.