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United States women’s national team fans watching Friday’s friendly might be asking, “why is Alex Morgan not playing vs England?”
Morgan is among several big-name players for the U.S. that will miss the massive game between the defending World Cup champions and the Euro 2022 winners.
Why Is Alex Morgan Not Playing vs England?
Morgan is recovering from a minor knee injury that ruled her out of the USWNT’s friendlies against England and Spain. U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski hinted that the injury isn’t too serious and if the games were higher stakes, Morgan would be playing.
.@USWNT Coach Vlatko Andonovski expands on the knee injury keeping star forward Alex Morgan out of October's camp. pic.twitter.com/Ldeox1CKGy
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) September 29, 2022
“We decided that for her health, and long-term health especially, the best thing for her would be not to travel,” Andonovski said.
Other USWNT Players Missing
Mal Pugh
The USWNT’s attack will be missing two key pieces as Mallory Pugh also won’t make the trip across the pond.
Pugh pulled out of the upcoming friendlies due to a family commitment. She won’t have a replacement for the friendlies.
: #USWNT forward Mallory Pugh will not be on the roster for the upcoming friendly matches in Europe due to a family commitment.
She will not be replaced at this time. pic.twitter.com/Sf3HoGVP5w— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 5, 2022
Taylor Kornieck
USWNT newcomer Taylor Kornieck has broken into the national team with five appearances in 2022. The San Diego Wave midfielder — standing at 6 feet one inch tall — had to withdraw from the upcoming friendlies due to an ankle injury.
: Midfielder @jaehowell18 will replace @taylorkornieck on the #USWNT roster for the upcoming matches in England and Spain » https://t.co/bHzUixh23X
Kornieck has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. Get well soon, Taylor! pic.twitter.com/Xx2CENdns4— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 1, 2022
England Players Missing
England will also enter Friday’s friendly shorthanded. The defending European champions will be missing captain Leah Williamson due to an injury she suffered during training.
Leah Williamson has withdrawn from the England squad.
She will now return to the club for further assessment.— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) October 4, 2022
Two other English players are ruled out as Manchester United forward Alessia Russo and West Ham defender Lucy Parker both picked up minor injuries.
Alessia Russo has pulled out of the England squad for their friendlies against the USWNT and Czech Republic due to injury. pic.twitter.com/33hqdi6DzZ
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) October 3, 2022
We can confirm that Lucy Parker has withdrawn from the @Lionesses squad due to injury.
She will now return to the Club to continue with her rehabilitation.➡️ https://t.co/JD2UzVWwyP pic.twitter.com/9iP7QmQkqn
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) October 4, 2022
The USWNT will play England on Friday in a sold-out Wembley Stadium at 3 p.m. ET. The game can be watched on FOX.
