Ultimately, Leah Williamson’s injury has left England and Arsenal with a monumental task to replace her. Her influence on and off the pitch will be sorely missed but her legacy will remain, inspiring the next generation of Lionesses.
Leah Williamson gave a philosophical response to the news that her dream of winning the World Cup with England and the Champions League with Arsenal is, for this year at least, over. The England captain has asked for “some quiet time to let it all sink in” after being ruled out for the foreseeable future with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. But her club and international managers now face a monumental task in replacing a player who has had such a pivotal role in their recent success.
Leah Williamson has grown from an unassuming defender to a leader and role model in a short space of time. She succeeded Steph Houghton as captain in April 2022 with manager Sarina Wiegman saying: “Leah has been a great leader for us and I know she will continue to set the example we need in her work on and off the pitch.” During an astonishing 30-match unbeaten run with England, Williamson featured in 22 of the games, lifting four trophies in the process – two Arnold Clark Cups, the inaugural Finalissma and Euro 2022. A mural was made in her hometown of Milton Keynes, she was awarded Freedom of the City and made an OBE after the Euros. Williamson even brought out a book titled You have the Power in her efforts to inspire the next generation.
The respect she garners from her England team-mates speaks volumes. Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp said: “She is a leader – not just on the pitch but off it as well. She’s such a calm head. I know whenever I’m struggling in a game, Leah is someone I will always look to as she’ll be level-headed and will make me feel more relaxed. I really respect her as a player and a person.”
England and Arsenal now face a monumental task in replacing Leah Williamson. Her influence on and off the pitch will be sorely missed but her legacy will remain, inspiring the next generation of Lionesses. England manager Sarina Wiegman will have to find a replacement at the heart of her defence for this summer’s World Cup, while Arsenal join a long injury list at a crucial point of their season as they bid to reach the Champions League final and stay in the Women’s Super League’s top three. Possible replacements for Williamson include Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood, Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly, Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy, Manchester United’s Maya le Tissier, or West Ham’s Lucy Parker. There is also a possibility that former captain Steph Houghton could return to Wiegman’s squad. Ultimately, it is just Leah Williamson’s time.