England captain Leah Williamson has suggested players would be willing to go on strike if concerns about player welfare and playing schedules are not resolved.
Williamson was called up to the Lionesses for the first time since Euro 2025 after undergoing surgery on a knee injury after the tournament.
The 28-year-old missed the 2023 World Cup after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier that year and has since said the schedule was becoming unsustainable for the player.
The England squad had 10 days off from competitive matches ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
Williamson praised the FA’s efforts to ease the burden on players, but admitted more needs to be done.
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Sky Sports News’ Anton Troi summarizes Sarina Wiegman’s press conference announcing England’s 25-man squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
“The FA have been very good about prioritizing our welfare as players and Sarina (Wiegman) is obviously very passionate about that and vocal about it,” Williamson said.
“It’s a bit of a luxury to take advantage of this time, but I hope it’s good for us as players too, because I don’t know if it was the last time the girls had 10 days off between games.”
“I don’t think people are against it just for fun. There’s a reason for it and if you listen to the players, of course we all always want to play games, of the highest quality. But the fact is that the more successful we are, and this team is very successful, but when you combine that with the club’s schedule, the players get less rest and have a higher risk of injury.”
“I think it’s cumulative, and as we look to the future, I’m sure we all want to just get together and play football, but we’re trying to make our voices heard and be part of the conversation with the hierarchy so that at least our perspective is understood. Whether that’s heard or not is out of my control.”
Williamson went on to say he would not rule out drastic action being taken if players’ concerns were ignored.
“There aren’t many people, if any, who have the scientific background or expertise beyond experience. So all we can do is talk about how we feel and the damage it’s doing to us. Provide data like training loads and women’s health.
Williamson has suffered two serious knee injuries in the past three years and has previously expressed concerns about his playing schedule.
“We’re pretty active in giving it to people so they can make more educated decisions, but it’s mainly around break time and all the umbrella bodies are trying to align. It sounds like people are asking for time off all the time. I said yes, but it’s not. I’m a professional footballer and taking time off is part of the job, and it’s encouraged by the manager and the environment we play in. So why isn’t it a priority when we’re left with it?
“It’s always a possibility (to take drastic action). Like I said, everyone wants to play football and no one wants games, years, seasons and especially tournaments to be taken away from them. But across men’s and women’s football, the potential for growth of the game never seems to end and the money on the table for everyone involved will benefit from that as well.”
“There needs to be a balance and if people need it to protect themselves I would never rule out further action by the players because I don’t blame anyone.
“Right now, we haven’t had any conversations about this (going on strike).
“History shows that when a group of people doesn’t feel heard, that’s sometimes the only way to be heard. I don’t exclude it or take it off the table. I just don’t think that’s where we are. We’re still at a point where we can all work together and listen and educate.”
