With the Women's World Cup just weeks away, England manager Sarina Wiegman is busy preparing her 23-player squad. Their first match against Haiti on July 22nd will be followed by games against Denmark and China in Group D, as the European champions set their sights on dominating the group stage. However, Wiegman faces the daunting task of formulating a winning strategy without key players Beth Mead, Fran Kirby, and skipper Leah Williamson, all sidelined due to long-term injuries.
Adding to the squad's setbacks, England's talented attacker, Leah Galton, has decided not to participate in the tournament, opting instead to remain in Australia for personal reasons unrelated to fitness. Despite Galton's exceptional performance last season in the WSL, where the 29-year-old Manchester United forward played a vital role, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists in 20 league appearances, she will not be considered for Wiegman's final 23-player squad.
Galton's notable contributions, such as scoring against rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and netting crucial goals during challenging matches, demonstrated her ability to shine in important moments. However, her absence from Wiegman's selection is due to Galton's self-imposed exclusion from international duty since withdrawing from a training camp in 2018. Despite being one of the WSL's most consistent players over the past two seasons, Galton remains uncapped for England.
England had shown interest in utilizing Galton this season, particularly in light of Beth Mead's anterior cruciate ligament injury in November. However, even that did not sway Leah Galton to reconsider her decision. Consequently, Sarina Wiegman has turned to alternatives, including Lauren James and Katie Robinson. While the World Cup could have been a chance for Galton to reverse her stance, it now appears highly unlikely that she will represent England again.
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