Euro 2025 qualifier: England captain Leah Williamson will start against Ireland
Lioness Captain Leah Williamson is to make her first England appearance in a year in Tuesday’s Euro 2025 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed.
Williamson has recently returned to the Arsenal starting lineup following an ACL injury in April 2023 – the captain missed out on the World Cup.
“It will be emotional,” said Williamson, who captained England to the Euro 2022 title.
She added: “I’m an emotional person. We’ve all seen me cry on many occasions. It was emotional on Friday because if there’s a team you want to be in, in the world, England would be right up there. I love playing for England.”
All 23 players trained at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Monday, including Williamson.
“I think who I am on the pitch is exactly who I was off the pitch. I don’t think I was a calming presence for anyone especially,” said Williamson.
“But I’ve enjoyed watching the girls and being a part of that journey in a different way. Obviously, I’ve got people that play for the team that are very important to me but it’s been a difficult journey.
“I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t what I had my focus on – this is where I was trying to get back to. I wanted to get back into this squad because I’ve had some of the best memories of my life as part of this team.
“Being at the World Cup final and sitting next to Jill Scott was one of the worst decisions I have ever made, in my entire life! I just live and breathe it. I love playing for England and I love watching England.”