Leah Williamson will make her first start for England in almost a year when they take on the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.
The 27 year old has not played for the Lionesses since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in April 2023, which forced her to miss the World Cup last summer.
She was included in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for England’s 2025 European Championship qualifiers this month and was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Sweden last Friday.
Wiegman confirmed during his press conference on Monday that Williamson would start in their next match.
Williamson said: “The one I am on the field, the one you always saw on the field, that’s exactly who I was off the field. I don’t think I was a calming presence for anyone, especially during the World Cup.
“I enjoyed watching the girls. I loved being part of this journey in a different way. I have people who play for the team and who are very important to me. It has been a difficult journey. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t the thing I was focused on. This is where I wanted to come back. I wanted to be good enough to get back on this team. I have had some of the best memories of my life with this team.
“It was emotional on Friday for me (being on the bench against Sweden). I am an emotional person. We have all seen me cry many times. If there’s a team you want to play for in the world, I think the Lionesses will be up there and I love playing for England.
“Going to the World Cup final and sitting next to Jill Scott was one of the worst decisions I have ever made in my entire life. Not being at the World Cup final, just sitting next to Jill. I live and breathe. I love playing for England, but I also love watching England. I was not a calming presence, as I am probably known for on the field, but not on the sidelines.
Williamson also complemented her England teammates by saying the “performance level” within the squad “is so high”, adding “I knew there was pressure to reach a certain level and I sought it all the time”. .
Williamson was named to Wiegman’s final two squads but was forced to withdraw from February camp due to a hamstring injury.
She has featured four times in the Women’s Super League (WSL) for Arsenal this season.
England are third in the Group A3 qualifying table after one match, two points behind France who beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in their opening match.
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