Sarina Wiegman Delighted as England’s Leah Williamson Returns to Lionesses
Leah Williamson, the talented England defender, is set to make her return to the national team after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, expressed her delight in including Williamson in the squad for the upcoming international fixtures. Williamson’s last appearance for England was in April last year when the Lionesses secured victory in the Women’s Finalissima against Brazil.
Wiegman praised Williamson’s skills and decision-making on the pitch, stating that even though she has been out for months, she is still a valuable asset to the team. However, Wiegman remained tight-lipped on whether Williamson will captain the side for the upcoming matches against Austria and Italy.
The inclusion of Williamson in the squad marks an important milestone in her recovery journey. She suffered a knee ligament tear last April, which forced her to miss England’s World Cup run last summer. The team reached the final of the tournament for the first time but narrowly missed out on the trophy. Williamson’s return will undoubtedly boost the team’s defensive capabilities.
Wiegman also emphasized the importance of match scheduling and congestion issues faced by players. She believes that FIFA and UEFA need to address these concerns to ensure that players can stay fit and fresh throughout the season. The demanding schedule has led to shorter breaks for players, affecting their performance and increasing the risk of injuries.
In preparation for next summer’s Euros, England’s February fixtures will serve as an opportunity for Wiegman and her players to fine-tune their strategies. The team will play their first qualifier games in April and aims to win back-to-back Euros trophies.
The squad selection for the upcoming fixtures included Manchester City forward Jess Park, who returns to the national team alongside uncapped goalkeeper Khiara Keating. Tottenham midfielder Grace Clinton, currently on loan from Manchester United, was also named in the squad. However, in-form Red Devils forward Nikita Parris did not make the cut. Parris has been in outstanding form, scoring 15 goals in her last 16 games across all competitions. Wiegman admitted that it was a tough decision to leave Parris out but highlighted the fierce competition for positions in the team.
As the Lionesses gear up for their upcoming matches, the return of Leah Williamson provides a significant boost to the squad’s defensive options. With Wiegman at the helm, England aims to build on their recent successes and continue their pursuit of glory in international women’s football.