Lucia Kendall withdraws from England squad with groin injury

Lucia Kendall has withdrawn from England’s squad as she continues to manage a minor groin injury sustained in league action last weekend.

The Aston Villa midfielder’s withdrawal was confirmed in the official England team update for Friday’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece.

England have not provided a recovery timetable in that update.

Lucia Kendall misses Greece play-off

Kendall was absent from the matchday squad for the first leg in Crete, with Sarina Wiegman selecting Keira Walsh, Laura Blindkilde Brown and Georgia Stanway in midfield.

Leah Williamson returned to captain the side after missing the previous camp through injury. Alex Greenwood also came into the starting XI.

Lexi Potter was among the substitutes, alongside Ella Toone and Jess Park. Read our analysis of Potter’s opportunity in England’s midfield.

When is England’s return leg?

England host Greece at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday 13 October, with kick-off at 7.30pm BST.

Kendall’s availability for Aston Villa’s next match remains unconfirmed. The description of the injury as minor does not establish a return date.