England defender, Leah Williamson is eager to create mor “best memories” ahead of the Lionesses’ Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Republic of Ireland.
Williamson has been sidelined for the last 12 months with an ACL injury and despite returning to club football for Arsenal earlier this year, the 27 year-old missed February’s international friendly wins over Austria and Italy due to a setback.
Manager, Sarina Wiegman left Williamson on the bench as an unused substitute in their 1-1 draw against Sweden on Friday (5 April), but has confirmed that she will start against Ireland in Dublin.
Addressing the difficulties in having watched from the sidelines in the last 12 months, Williamson commented: “I think who I am on the pitch, who you’ve always seen on the pitch, is exactly what I was off the pitch.
“I don’t think I was a calming presence for anyone during the World Cup, especially, but I’ve enjoyed watching the girls.
“I’ve enjoyed 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.”
Williamson also admitted that she is eager to continue making memories with the team now that she is back, as she continued: “I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the thing, that I sort of had my focus on. This is where I wanted to get back to.
“I wanted to be good enough to get back into this squad, to have some of the best memories of my life as part of this team.”
Williamson went on to describe this international window as “emotional” following her return after she withdrew in February.
“I’m an emotional person. We’ve all seen me crying on many occasions but yeah, it was emotional on Friday because as I said, if there is a team that you want to be in the world, I think the Lionesses will be up there and I just I love playing for England.”
On facing Ireland who suffered a narrow defeat at France in their opening qualifier, Williamson is anticipating a difficult contest for England.
“I’m expecting them to be really disciplined in the way that they defend, with the 1-0 result against France, so I think it’s going to be a test for us to move the ball and move them.
“Obviously, they’ve got key players up top but also a strong defensive line as well. I know all those girls really well, so it’s going to it’s going to be a good one.”