England Women's National Team Captain, Leah Williamson, is set to return to the squad after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that kept her out of action for almost a year. Manager Sarina Wiegman has included Williamson in the group for upcoming fixtures against Austria and Italy later this month.
The 26-year-old defender suffered the ACL injury in April of last year, which sidelined her for a lengthy nine-month period. Although she recently made a comeback for her club Arsenal, Williamson is yet to complete a full 90 minutes on the field. Her return to the England squad marks her first appearance since she led the team to victory in the Women's Finalissima trophy back in April 2023.
In addition to her Finalissima triumph, Williamson played a pivotal role in leading the Lionesses to the Euro 2022 title. However, she unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to participate in last year's World Cup, where England fell to Spain in the final.
Wiegman expressed her delight at Williamson's return, stating, 'It's really nice, especially for her. She's back, she's gaining minutes at Arsenal, and doing well. Even though she has been out for months, her decision-making is really good.'
The England Women's National Team has two upcoming fixtures scheduled. They will be facing Australia on February 23 and Italy on February 27, with both matches taking place at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras, Spain. These games serve as crucial preparation for the team's title defense in the upcoming Women's Euros.
The qualification phase for Women's Euros 2025 will kick off in April, following the draw on March 5. The Lionesses' match schedule during qualification will be determined during the draw and will run from April to July. Alongside the hosts, a total of 15 teams will earn their place in the tournament, based on their performance in the qualification phase.
Wiegman emphasized the significance of these upcoming fixtures, stating, 'This camp is where the road to Euro 2025 in Switzerland begins. Playing against strong teams like Austria and Italy is just the preparation we need before we kick off our qualifying campaign in April. I am really looking forward to getting back on the grass with the squad.'
The manager also highlighted the importance of the team's time together in Spain, as it provides an opportunity to reconnect both on and off the pitch. With hopes for good weather and excellent facilities, the setting in Spain is ideal for the team's preparations for another important year ahead.
In addition to Williamson, Jess Park, who last appeared for the Lionesses in October, is also making a return to the squad. However, defender Millie Bright will not be available for selection due to an injury.
The England Women's National Team has named a strong and talented squad for the upcoming fixtures. The selected players include Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton as goalkeepers, along with Khiara Keating as the third choice. The defensive line features players such as Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Leah Williamson, and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
In midfield, the team will benefit from the skills of Grace Clinton, Fran Kirby, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, and Keira Walsh. The forward line comprises Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, and Alessia Russo.
As the team prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the return of powerhouse Leah Williamson adds another layer of strength and experience to the squad. With the determination and talent within the England Women's National Team, fans can look forward to another exciting and competitive year for women's football.
