England women’s national team manager Sarina Wiegman is facing a tough time selecting her squad for the upcoming World Cup, with several key players out due to injury. Captain and centre-back Leah Williamson tore her ACL, while attacking midfielder Fran Kirby and forward Beth Mead have also joined the injury list. Wiegman can choose to replace players directly or adjust the team’s tactics in response to these losses. The decisions she makes could have a big impact on England’s performance this summer.
The forward line was a key factor in England’s success at the 2022 European Championship. However, injuries to Kirby and Mead mean that Wiegman will have to find replacements for these players going into the World Cup. Manchester City winger Chloe Kelly will replace Mead, while Manchester United forward Ella Toone will replace Kirby. Toone is a hybrid of a withdrawn striker and playmaker, while Kelly is a ball-hungry player constantly looking to make something happen for her team. Wiegman’s choice of players and tactics will be crucial for the team in the upcoming World Cup.