England boss Sarina Wiegman has discussed her “happiness” after recalling Captain Leah Williamson following a 9-month injury lay-off.
Williamson’s Return To England Squad
England Captain Leah Williamson has been recalled to the Lionesses’ squad for the first time since returning from a serious knee injury.
The Arsenal defender captained England to victory in the 2022 European Championship but was forced to miss the World Cup after injuring her ACL in April of last year.
After 9 months out, Williamson returned to action in a 2-1 loss to West Ham, where the centre-back managed 45 minutes, before upping her minutes contribution to 77 in the 1-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City on Sunday.
But now, Williamson has been deemed ready by England boss Sarina Wiegman for a return to international football for upcoming friendlies against Austria and Italy.
🗣️ "It's really good to have her back"
Sarina Wiegman has recalled England captain Leah Williamson, who returned to action last month with Arsenal after nine months out with a serious knee injury 🏴 pic.twitter.com/SM5Xf4j76m
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 13, 2024
Wiegman On Williamson’s England Return
Speaking to the media following the announcement of her England squad, Wiegman said on Williamson: “It’s really good to see her next week in camp.”
Asked how key the Arsenal defender is to her squad, Wiegman responded: “Of course, it’s really nice to have her back because she’s a very good player, we’ve seen that too.
“Even though she has been out for months, she’s coming back now. Her decision-making is just really good and yeah, she’s still building.
“I think the team picked up the last year very well. I think players stepped up, but it’s really nice to have her back.”
England’s Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating.
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy
Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Fran Kirby, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh,
Forwards: Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo
Do you think Williamson is ready for a return to international football with England?
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