The Lionesses captain was ruled out of the 2023 World Cup but is back lead a ‘new challenge’ in Switzerland
England captain Leah Williamson said missing the World Cup was on her mind ahead of the Eurosopen image in gallery
England captain Leah Williamson said missing the World Cup was on her mind ahead of the Euros (The FA via Getty Images)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
England captain Leah Williamson has revealed she held some “anxiety” ahead of leading England’s Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland after being ruled out of the last World Cup with a serious knee injury.
Williamson captained the Lionesses to their historic victory at Euro 2022 three years ago but played no part in their run to the World Cup final in 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury just weeks before the tournament.
On the eve of England’s opening game against France in Zurich, Williamson said she was “excited” and “intrigued” to experience another Euros but admitted the pain of missing the World Cup had weighed on her mind before the tournament.
“I've probably held some anxiety, I suppose, up until this moment just because I wanted to be here and I wanted to be with the team,” Williamson said at England’s pre-match press conference.
“I wanted to experience another tournament for England, and being away from home. It's special when you come to another country to represent your country and just take everything in.
“It's a bit different England in 2022, so I'm just taking everything in. I'm very excited, but also so much has changed, so I'm intrigued to come back and enjoy that tournament football.”
England head coach Sarina Wiegman has told her players to not focus on defending their European title, but instead challenge themselves to go out and win another major trophy.
There are seven England players who will be making their first appearance at a major tournament and Wiegman has looked to motivate her squad by drawing a line under their past achievements.
Williamson was a key part of England’s victory at Euro 2022 and is back to lead the Lionessesopen image in gallery
Williamson was a key part of England’s victory at Euro 2022 and is back to lead the Lionesses (Getty Images)
“We absolutely cherish what we have done before,” Wiegman said. “We’ll never forget it and it was the experience of a lifetime for us and for our families and also for the fans, but you have to move on and you have to be on top of it.
How to watch logo
Get 4 months free with ExpressVPN
Servers in 105 Countries
Superior Speeds
Works on all your devices
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
How to watch logo
Get 4 months free with ExpressVPN
Servers in 105 Countries
Superior Speeds
Works on all your devices
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
“Things are changing very quickly, things are developing very quickly, so we have to do too. And we came together, it was actually in February and then we came to, to this day we said, yeah, it's a new challenge. The approach was there anyway, but we call it the ‘new’ England.”
Williamson said the England squad are looking at the Euros as “new territory” for the team. “You explained it very well,” Williamson said while turning to Wiegman. “Not necessarily looking at it as a defence, but a new challenge and a new opportunity to do something new.
“We take any challenge that comes our way, but it's more about focusing on the day to day, and that's always a dream. Every team in the tournament has a dream, but I suppose nobody really connects to it.”