England injuries for Women's World cup 2023 with Keira Walsh, Fran Kirby, Beth Mead out for FIFA tournament
England's Euro 2022 title success had boosted confidence over Sarina Wiegman's side being able to challenge for a World Cup crown in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
However, despite the positivity over the Lionesses making a big impact Down Under, Wiegman's plans have been thrown into chaos due to an ongoing injury crisis in her squad.
Key players from the Euro 2022 final were confirmed to miss out on World Cup duty in 2023 after suffering late-season injuries in the final weeks of a gruelling 2021/22 WSL domestic campaign. Then,
Injury setbacks are always part of tournament planning, but Wiegman will now be forced to significantly readjust with starting players frustratingly missing out on the competition.
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As the domestic season wraps up in England, Wiegman has confirmed captain Leah Williamson and key forward Fran Kirby both missed out on a World Cup place, as they both required surgery on ACL injuries to their knees.
Beth Mead's fitness chances were rated as doubtful as she joins Williamson on a growing list of knee injuries this season, with the signs not looking positive for the Arsenal striker coming into the tournament, and that was confirmed as she was not ready to earn a place in the squad.
Experienced defender Millie Bright also faced a race against time to be fit for the tournament, but Chelsea boss Emma Hayes confirmed the 29-year-old was on track to join up with the Lionesses, and she was named as part of the squad.
During England's second match of Group D play, midfielder Keira Walsh was stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious knee problem, and while tests have yet to confirm the extent of her
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