Sarina Wiegman: Leah Williamson’s Positive Progress
Leah Williamson is on the verge of making her long-awaited return for the England women’s national team, and Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman believes she is in a good place. Wiegman has confirmed that if Williamson features in the upcoming match against Sweden, she will captain the team.
Williamson, a 27-year-old centre-back who plays for Arsenal, last played for England in a friendly loss to Australia in April 2021. Since then, she has been recovering from a serious knee injury. However, she recently returned to full training with her England teammates ahead of their Euros qualifier match against Sweden.
The highly anticipated clash between England and Sweden will take place at Wembley Stadium. Sweden, who reached the semi-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will provide a tough challenge for the Lionesses.
Wiegman expressed her excitement about Williamson’s return, stating that she is fit and ready to contribute to the team. The coach also highlighted the importance of having quality players like Williamson in the squad.
In addition to Williamson, there are eight other England players who recently participated in the Conti Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, but the match was marred by an angry exchange between Chelsea manager Emma Hayes and Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall. The dispute involved a throw-in and the use of a multi-ball system.
Despite the confrontation, the Football Association (FA) confirmed that no action would be taken against either manager. Hayes accused Eidevall of “male aggression” after the match. Wiegman chose not to comment on the incident, as her focus is on the upcoming game against Sweden.
When asked about managers’ behavior on the touchline in general, Wiegman emphasized the importance of setting a positive example for everyone watching, both in the footballing world and in society. However, she made it clear that her main concern is preparing the team for the match against Sweden.
Unfortunately, England will be without goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who had to withdraw from the squad due to a knee injury. In her place, Wiegman has called up Southampton’s Kayla Rendell, who has previously represented England’s Under-23 team. Rendell expressed her pride and excitement about her first senior call-up.
Looking ahead to the Women’s Euros qualifiers, Wiegman wants her team to make a statement and show their rivals what they are capable of. After facing Sweden, England will play against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Wiegman believes that her team has moved on from the disappointment of last year’s Women’s Nations League fixtures and is ready to showcase their energy and playing style.
As Wiegman and her squad prepare for the important matches ahead, the focus is on Williamson’s positive progress and the team’s determination to succeed. With quality players returning from injuries and new talent being called up, England is poised to make a strong statement in the Women’s Euros qualifiers.