Grace Fisk’s Injury Complicates England’s Defensive Options Ahead of Friendly Against Ghana

Grace Fisk, the captain of Liverpool, has sustained a calf injury during training, which has further limited England’s already diminished defensive options ahead of their final friendly match of the year against Ghana.

At 27 years old, Fisk was included in manager Sarina Wiegman’s original squad for the first time, having been called up during the October window due to Katie Reid’s withdrawal from the team. This injury now prevents her from earning her first cap in the upcoming match at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT.

“She was really enjoying it and embracing the step up,” said Wiegman. “It is unfortunate that she has picked up this minor injury, which is disappointing primarily for her. However, it is good that she had the opportunity to train. My hope is that she recovers quickly and can return to play for Liverpool soon.”

Fisk is the latest in a series of defenders unavailable to Wiegman, who is already contending with several injuries among her center-backs. Captain Leah Williamson is in recovery from a knee injury sustained during Euro 2025, while Arsenal teenager Reid withdrew from last month’s friendlies due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Additionally, Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood is also injured, and Jess Carter was given a rest following Gotham FC’s victory in the National Women’s Soccer League Championship.

This situation positions Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier to potentially start her fourth consecutive match for England, likely alongside either Washington Spirit’s Esme Morgan or Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy. All three players participated in the 8-0 friendly victory against China last Saturday.

As England has faced teams from four different continents during their final two international windows of the year, the focus remains on the upcoming 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification process beginning next year. While celebrating their Euros victory in this four-game ‘homecoming’ series, the team has also sought varied opposition.

England has never previously played against Ghana, and there is a significant difference of 63 places between the two nations in FIFA’s world rankings. The Lionesses are strong favorites, having convincingly defeated China, and Wiegman hopes Ghana will provide a substantial challenge.

“That’s exactly what we want. We often discuss playing against African nations, which present distinct styles and approaches, characterized by speed and physicality,” Wiegman remarked during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. “Ghana has a well-defined structure; they aim for possession but can also play directly. We intend to pressure them and prevent them from having time on the ball. This challenge is beneficial as we prepare for the next phase.”

Wiegman expressed her desire for the match, which is expected to attract a crowd of 24,000 in Southampton, to draw attention in Africa and promote greater visibility for women’s football.

“The women’s game is expanding rapidly, particularly in England, where we are leading the way in this growth,” she added. “I see this as an opportunity for broader engagement. I hope we receive considerable attention from Africa, especially from Ghana. The growth of the women’s game in Africa is essential, and I wish it could progress even faster.”