Leah Williamson is primed to make her return to the England squad for the first time since April, following her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The 26-year-old centre-back will lead the Lionesses in the upcoming friendly matches against Austria and Italy on 23rd and 27th February, both of which are scheduled to take place in Spain after a training camp.
Former England leader at the 2023 World Cup, Millie Bright, has unfortunately been excluded from this squad selection due to a knee injury. On the other hand, Williamson has been gradually reintegrating into play, beginning with a substitute appearance for Arsenal on 25th January, followed by a starting position in the Gunners’ match against West Ham on 4th February. However, Williamson has not yet completed a full 90 minutes of play since her return.
In spite of her ACL injury in April, which resulted in her missing out on last summer’s World Cup, Williamson previously guided the Lionesses to victory in the Euro 2022. In addition to her return, uncapped Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Grace Clinton and Manchester City’s Jess Park have been called up, alongside City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who has also not yet been capped by England. Notably, the in-form forward Nikita Parris from Manchester United has not secured a spot in the squad.
Looking ahead to the 2025 European Championships, England is also focused on shaping their squad for the qualifying rounds that commence in April. The draw for the championships is scheduled for 5th March, and the squad announcement reflects the team’s preparations for the upcoming qualifying matches.
The 23-strong squad also features familiar names such as Lucy Bronze, Fran Kirby, and Chloe Kelly, among others. As the Lionesses gear up for their upcoming friendlies and set their sights on the European Championships, the return of Williamson and the introduction of new talent such as Clinton and Park will undoubtedly be crucial in solidifying the team’s lineup.
In conclusion, as the England squad readies itself for the challenges ahead, the inclusion of Williamson signifies a significant boost for the team as they strive to once again make their mark on the international stage.