Leah Williamson returns as England face Iceland in historic match – all the team news | OneFootball

England captain Leah Williamson returns to the defence as the Lionesses take on Iceland in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier in Reykjavik.

It will be England’s 500th official game.

Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman had confirmed to the media on Friday that Williamson was taking full part in training but that she had not yet decided on her starting line-up for the match.

“She will train and the final decision we always make after the session,” Wiegman told journalists.

Leah Williamson, Laura Blindkilde Brown in

Williamson replaces her Arsenal team-mate Lotte Wubben-Moy, who drops to the bench.

Esme Morgan retains her place in the centre of defence, with Alex Greenwood and Lucy Bronze at full back, and Hannah Hampton between the sticks.

Laura Blindkilde Brown comes in for Lucia Kendall, with Keira Walsh, Lauren James, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo keeping their places from the midweek match against world champions Spain.

That 1-0 win put England on top of their group and in prime position for the one automatic qualification spot for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

It featured the quickest-ever goal scored by a Lioness at the new Wembley, courtesy of Lauren Hemp.

Women’s World Cup 2027: the qualification standings so far

England are thus far unbeaten in Group A3.

Spain are in second place, with two wins to their credit.

Iceland have one win, and a goal difference of minus 4.

Ukraine are at the foot of the table, having lost all three of their games so far, with a goal difference of minus 8.

Full England line-up to face Iceland

1. Hannah Hampton 2. Lucy Bronze 3. Alex Greenwood 4. Keira Walsh 5. Leah Williamson (captain) 6. Esme Morgan 7. Lauren James 8. Georgia Stanway 9. Alessia Russo 10. Laura Blindkilde Brown 11. Lauren Hemp

Substitutes

12. Maya Le Tissier 13. Anna Moorhouse 14. Lotte Wubben-Moy 15. Jess Carter 16. Taylor Hinds 17. Chloe Kelly 18. Lucia Kendall 19. Beth Mead 20. Jess Park 21. Ellie Roebuck 22. Niamh Charles 23. Erica Meg Parkinson