Zoe Stratford, the captain of England’s World Cup-winning team, has revealed that she is expecting her first child.
“We are extremely thankful and thrilled,” Stratford expressed in an Instagram post announcing her pregnancy. She is expected to give birth in September, which means she will miss the forthcoming Women’s Six Nations.
Stratford was named captain of England at the beginning of 2025 and guided the Red Roses to victory in the World Cup held on home ground. For her accomplishments, she was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
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She is the third player from England to announce a pregnancy following the conclusion of the World Cup, joining Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward.
England will kick off their Six Nations campaign on April 11 against Ireland, with coach John Mitchell expected to announce his squad on Friday.
