Leah Williamson ready for first England start in a year against Republic of Ireland… as the defender admits it will be an ’emotional’ occasion after ‘difficult journey’ back from ACL injury
- Williamson has not played for England for a year due to a cruciate ligament injury
- She will start for the Lionesses against Ireland on Tuesday
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Leah Williamson is looking forward to an ’emotional’ return to England, with the defender set to start against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday evening.
Williamson has not played for the Lionesses since April 2023 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, an injury that forced her to miss last summer’s World Cup.
The defender was an unused substitute against Sweden on Friday, but England coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed she will start the crucial Euro 2025 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.
“Yes, it will be (emotional),” Williamson said.
‘It was emotional on Friday, I am an emotional person, we all saw me cry many times.
Leah Williamson (pictured) will make her first England start in a year tonight
She has admitted she will be ’emotional’ after a cruciate ligament injury that kept her out of last year’s World Cup
“If there’s a team you want to play for in the world, I think the Lionesses would be up there. I like playing for England.
“I’ve enjoyed watching the girls and being part of that journey in a different way.
“It’s been a difficult journey, but I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t where I focused my attention, this is what I was trying to get back to.
“I wanted to come back into this team because I have had some of the best memories of my life being part of this team.
“Coming back in, I know there’s pressure to reach a certain level, and I’m chasing that all the time.”
England coach Sarina Wiegman refused to label tonight’s match as a must-win after her team was held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden on Friday
England were held to a draw by Sweden on Friday, but Wiegman declined to place a ‘must-win’ tag on Tuesday’s match despite Ireland being the lowest-placed country in their qualifying group, which also includes France.
‘We never underestimate anyone, especially Ireland. What we expect is that they are a really physical team, that they are very organized and that they can also play on the counter-attack.
‘I don’t really want to talk about the ‘must-win’, but we really want to win this game. If we win this match we will be in a better position. If the result is not good, we will be in a more difficult position.’