England will be all White without crocked skipper Leah

Former captain Faye White has downplayed the impact of absent skipper Leah Williamson to England's hopes at the Women's World Cup.

Arsenal defender Williamson, 26, led the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory last summer but will play no part in Australia and New Zealand due to an ACL injury suffered in April.

Yet White, who skippered her country at the World Cup in both 2007 and 2011, believes Sarina Wiegman has the right players to turn to.

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, she said: "I think there are enough leaders in there. 

"Even before the Euros, there were questions on how Leah was going to cope with it being her first tournament as captain.

"Yes, she's a big player. She's the focal point of coming out from the back and playing through. Her passing is really good, she was up there in the passing stats with Keira Walsh.

"So I think they'll miss that but it's about someone else taking that lead. I think we have a team of young players that relish that moment and want to be that star.

"They know all the things that can come off the back of it as well. So I don't doubt that they're hungry and there are leaders. There's passion, there's desire."

Bronze's value

The Lionesses continue to break new ground and have their sights set firmly on lifting the World Cup for the first time to go alongside their European crown. 

White, 45, added: "Look at Lucy Bronze. After winning the Euros, she said, 'I'm done with that, I want to move on and go and win the World Cup'.

"It's that mindset of being relentless and being driven to succeed." 

Strange surroundings

After being roared on by a raucous crowd during Euro 2022, England could hardly be further from home as they embark on their trip to the Southern Hemisphere.

Ahead of the Lionesses jetting off Down Under, White said: "I think it's a completely different experience, without a doubt. 

"A lot of the girls now play abroad, they know what that feels like. 

"Equally, it's about how players and staff create a bubble, a team and a strong environment from when they step on the plane.

"It's different because of the travelling involved, the jet lag, but I don't think the culture of the food will be quite so difficult like it was for us in China [in 2007]!

"With the rise of the Women's Super League, there are plenty of Australians who play here to ensure there will be interest from fans in seeing the English players.

"They are European champions now. So while Australians and New Zealanders will be supporting their team, there will also be fans of English players."

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Haiti on July 22 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

KIND Snacks have created a GIANT message of support for the Lionesses as they head off to Australia for the first game in the tournament. The 100m wide sign was made out of thousands of messages of support from the public, including ex-Lionesses Rachel Yankey and Faye White.