England's talented defender, Leah Williamson, has faced a setback in her anticipated return to the national squad due to a recent hamstring injury. The injury occurred while she was playing for her club, Arsenal, forcing her to withdraw from the roster for upcoming matches against Austria and Italy. This comes after Williamson's recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that kept her sidelined for nine months, with her return to action for Arsenal happening just last month.
Leah Williamson, who last played for England in April 2023 and captained the team to victory in the Women’s Finalissima and UEFA Women's Euro 2022, has been a key player for the Lionesses. However, she missed the recent World Cup where England fell to Spain in the final. In her absence, Millie Turner has been called up to the Lionesses squad as a replacement for the upcoming fixtures.
The Lionesses are preparing for matches against Australia and Italy, to be held in southern Spain, as part of their build-up for the Women’s Euros title defense. These important games will set the tone for the team as they aim to continue their success in international competition. The upcoming Women’s Euros 2025 qualifying draw in March will be crucial in determining the path for the Lionesses as they strive to secure their spot in the tournament hosted in Switzerland.
The journey of Leah Williamson and the England Women's national team showcases the resilience, skill, and determination of these athletes as they strive for excellence on the international stage. Despite setbacks, injuries, and challenges, they continue to inspire fans and aspiring players around the world with their passion for the beautiful game.