Who is the England captain for the Women’s World Cup? Arsenal star Leah Williamson misses tournament through injury

England will be under new direction for the Women’s World Cup with captain Leah Williamson unavailable this summer.

Arsenal defender Williamson has been the Lionesses’ skipper since last year and has lifted both the Euros and the Women’s Finalissima.

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But the 26-year-old is absent from the tournament in Australia and New Zealand after suffering an ACL tear in April.

England Women’s manager Sarina Wiegman has now chosen her replacement captain ahead of the opening game against Haiti.

Who is the England captain for the Women’s World Cup?

Chelsea star Millie Bright will be the Lionesses’ captain this summer.

The 29-year-old was previously vice-captain for Williamson under Wiegman having played alongside her in central defence.

Bright was an injury doubt for the tournament herself having not featured since March after sustaining a knee problem.

But she is now back in full training ahead of England’s first match.

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Bright has been checking in with centre-back partner Williamson during their injury lay-offs and hadn’t given much thought to wearing the armband.

Bright told reporters: “Straight away I was just in shock that she had suffered such a severe injury. I don’t think the captaincy crossed my mind at all, hand on heart.

“Then I got my injury so my head was just fully on my rehab and trying to make the selection. [The captaincy] was probably the last thing I thought of.”

Talking about the privilege of being England captain, she added: “There aren’t enough words.

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“Anyone in my position would say honoured and proud.

“I feel really grateful to be selected, let alone to be captaining the girls. It is a massive honour.

“But for me, nothing changes. I stay the same. I’d like to think people see the same Millie every day no matter what. I always lead for the team, that’s just natural to me. I expect standards from the group.

“I see myself as the driver because I am so competitive. You have to keep pushing to be better year in, year out. I’m incredibly proud.”