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Alex Morgan, Mal Pugh among USWNT players to miss Friday’s England friendly

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?

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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.

“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

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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.

Taylor Kornieck

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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.

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.

Two other English players are ruled out as Manchester United forward Alessia Russo and West Ham defender Lucy Parker both picked up minor injuries.

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.

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