Cliff Notes
- England’s captain Leah Williamson is “very optimistic” about returning for the Euros semi-final against Italy after rolling her ankle during the match against Sweden.
- Teammate Esme Morgan highlighted the team’s pride in reaching the semi-finals for six consecutive tournaments, praising the spirit shown in crucial matches.
- Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton received commendation for her performance, particularly her decisive penalty save that helped secure the team’s progression in the tournament.
Lionesses ‘very optimistic’ Leah Williamson will be fit for Euros semi-final after drama of Sweden shootout | UK News
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The Lionesses are “very optimistic” captain Leah Williamson will be back for the Euros semi-final against Italy, according to teammate Esme Morgan.
Williamson rolled her ankle during Thursday’s dramatic win over Sweden – with Morgan covering her position – but the defender said it’s looking good for her to return for the last-four clash.
The 24-year-old said the team are “very optimistic Leah will be fine”.
She told Sky’s Rob Harris it’s a “big source of pride” that England’s women have now got to the semis for six tournaments in a row.
“Every tournament has a different journey. Obviously ours didn’t start so well but we’ve had three must-win games that we’ve come through now.
“It’s really exciting and a lot of fun for the fans back home, seeing us get to these crucial moments of tournaments.”
Morgan came on with 20 minutes to go against the Swedes as England scored two late goals to set up a nail-biting penalty shootout.
She praised her fellow sub Michelle Agyemang, 19, whose goal kept them in the game – as well as the inspiration provided by “freak” England legend Lucy Bronze.
The tournament veteran converted her spot kick in a shootout that saw nine of the 14 penalties missed.
“[She’s] such an incredible leader in this team – we are all inspired by her mentality,” said Williamson.
“She’s a freak really, in that she just has so much passion, energy, fight. And she infects everyone else with it.”
Morgan told Sky News that Sarina Wiegman’s message was “just proud of the togetherness, of the fight we showed, that we were never beaten – we kept pushing and pushing to the very end”.
The 24-year-old also praised goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who made the game-winning penalty save from Smilla Holmberg to take England through.
The Chelsea player has big boots to fill after taking over from Lionesses‘ great Mary Earps
“I’m really proud of how she’s handled, the noise, the pressure of taking the England number on shirt for the first time in a major tournament,” said Morgan.
“I think she’s been brilliant and made a couple of incredible saves in the shootout to take us through.”
The defender also revealed that some of the team stayed up late watching Love Island to try to tire themselves out and let the adrenaline subside after the last-gasp win.
All eyes are now on Tuesday’s clash with Italy in Geneva.
The holders are strong favourites due to their record at big tournaments, with the Italians having never made a semi-final since 1997.
If they win, it could set up a re-run of their World Cup final against Spain two years ago. The Spaniards will play either France or Germany in their last-four match on Wednesday.