Leah Williamson Won’t Rule Out Strike Action Over Fixture Congestion

In a recent press conference in England, Leah Williamson said she would "never rule out" strike action over scheduling concerns.

Players in the women's game have been significantly more open about congestion and injury risks, with governing bodies adding more competitions, such as the Champions Cup and the Club World Cup, to players' schedules.

Williamson missed out on the World Cup in 2023 due to an ACL injury late in the WSL season. She has also not played regularly this season following knee surgery after the Euros 2025. 

These March World Cup qualifiers are the first time she will represent England since the final.

England's captain highlights the links between congested fixtures and injury risk "The more successful you are, and this team has been very successful,   then the less rest you have and the higher risk of injury there is. It's an accumulation."

She stressed that players are keen to play football, but also aim to ensure their perspective is considered in scheduling discussions: "We use our voice, and we try to get involved in conversations with the hierarchy so that they at least have our perspective. Whether they listen to it or not is out of our control."

This comes after the official confirmation that clubs in the Champions League will no longer be allowed to compete in the League Cup, in response to game congestion and to ensure lower-league cups get a chance at silverware. Some players do not mind the extra three games, including Lucy Bronze, who says she likes to play more football.

A FIFPro report in November 2025 showed that last year marked the first time since 2020 that the top 15 women players globally played 50 games or more in a season.

England midfielder Keira Walsh previously urged governing bodies to listen to players regarding the congested fixture schedule.

Williamson noted that strike action is not the first choice, but could be considered if players feel unheard: "I would never take it off the table… I think we're still in a place where we can collaborate, listen and educate."

Williamsonemphasisedd that players have been proactive in sharing training load and female health data with governing bodies: "It's mainly around the rest periods and trying to get all governing bodies to align. It always sounds like we're asking for a holiday, but that's not the case."

She questioned why professional rest periods for female athletes aren't prioritised to the same extent as those for men, despite being integral to performance and recovery.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PSA) highlighted the consequences of a year-round calendar. That innovation and calendar expansion cannot compromise player welfare, and that strike action by players is not taken lightly and would only occur as a last resort.

Joint legal action is underway with French and Italian unions against FIFA over the "overloaded and unworkable" football calendar.

The PFA warned: "We are seeing the defined season disappear… with consequences for performance, recovery, mental wellbeing and career longevity."

This comes after 11 England players were sidelined due to injury, with Sarina Wiegman having limited options in the squad since the Euros final, unable to select her preferred players across the pitch in three international windows. These include Beth Mead, who currently has a hairline fracture in her shin; Michelle Agyemang, who ruptured her ACL; and Ella Toone, with a bone stress response in her hip. All of these players have a big impact on the summer tournament.

Williamson stressed the need for balance between fixture growth and player welfare: "Across men's and women's football, the possibility for growth never seems to end… There has to be a balance, and I would never rule out further action from the players."

Women's football faces unique challenges compared to men's, including reduced preparation and strength training at a younger age. Small squad sizes limit rotation and the ability to rest players, increasing the risk of injury. Less funding and staff support, especially when it comes to research on biological factors, such as menstrual cycles and their impact on injuries.

Many will be quick to criticise footballers for complaining about playing too many games, saying "stop complaining, you get paid loads of money". Women's players are not played as much, especially compared to men's. This is about their own health and safety, something which is important in every job.

Williamson's comments have faced criticism online from men's football fans, often framed as 'complaints'.

However, comparing WSL and Premier League schedules ignores structural and historical differences in player preparation, resources, and seasonal planning.

The PFA reinforced: "The women's game is going through a period of intense change… But innovation and calendar expansion cannot come at the expense of player welfare, or we risk repeating mistakes from the men's game."

Williamson's stance reflects the genuine need for rest, recovery, and research to protect careers and ensure sustainable growth in women's football.

While the world took Williamson's comments about striking to the fullest extent, it is unlikely that this would occur. But it is never ruled out if players feel ignored and not treated with decency and respect.