Heartbroken England skipper Leah Williamson will miss the Women's World Cup this summer after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament during Arsenal's 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Wednesday.

Williamson, 26, was withdrawn in the first half of the Women's Super League clash and the Gunners have now confirmed she will be absent for a lengthy period.

A club statement said: "Leah will undergo surgery in due course. 

"Everyone at Arsenal will be supporting her closely and we would ask that her privacy is respected at this time."

After the Gunners — who face Wolfsburg in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Sunday — broke the bad news, Williamson took to Instagram to express her disappointment. 

She said: "Unfortunately, the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for me. 

"Everyone will think that is the main focus but it's the day to day of what I am about to go through that's the most draining of my thoughts. 

"I had my tears and made my peace with it the night it happened and since then I have been following the steps I'm told to.

"In the past couple of years alone I have watched team-mates beat serious illnesses and adversity with the biggest of smiles on their faces. 

"So now I have to listen to my body, give it what it needs. If everything happens for a reason, we'll see what road this turn sends me down. 

"I have given and will continue to give everything that my body, mind and heart possibly has to the Arsenal and Lionesses. 

"I will still be there for all my team-mates and be their biggest supporter. I feel your love and support, so thank you!"

Sarina Wiegman must now figure out how to replace her talismanic captain for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand ahead of England's Group D opener against Haiti on July 22.