Leah Williamson Makes Triumphant Return to England Squad After ACL Injury
Leah Williamson, the talented defender and captain of the England women’s national team, has made a remarkable comeback after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury last year. She has been selected by head coach Sarina Wiegman for the upcoming international friendlies in February. This will be Williamson’s first appearance for the national team since her injury.
Williamson’s absence was deeply felt during the 2023 World Cup, where she was unable to participate due to her injury. However, she showcased her resilience and determination by returning to the Arsenal squad in January. Just recently, she made her first Women’s Super League start in a match against West Ham United.
Meanwhile, Millie Bright, who admirably captained the England squad in Williamson’s absence during the World Cup, continues to be sidelined due to a knee injury. Her absence has created an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark on the team.
In terms of squad changes, Manchester United midfielder Katie Zelem will not be joining the England squad this time. On the other hand, Jess Park of Manchester City has been given a well-deserved recall. Park’s impressive performances have caught the attention of the coaching staff, earning her a spot in the national team.
Interestingly, despite her outstanding goal-scoring record of 15 goals in 18 appearances across all competitions this season, Nikita Parris has not been included in the squad. Parris was a key member of England’s successful Euro 2022-winning squad but lost her place in the team leading up to last summer’s World Cup. This decision highlights the fierce competition for places in the England squad and the high standards set by the coaching staff.
Looking ahead, England will face Italy and Austria in a pair of international friendlies scheduled for February. The team will embark on a warm weather training camp in Spain, where they will be joined by Emma Coates’ Under-23 squad. The two fixtures will take place at Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras, Cadiz.
Unfortunately, England will not be participating in the Nations League action in February as they failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition. However, this gives the team an opportunity to focus on their preparation for the upcoming friendlies against Italy and Austria.
The first match will see England face Austria on Friday, February 23, a team they previously encountered during their Euro 2022 campaign. They will then take on Italy on Tuesday, February 27. These matches will serve as important opportunities for the team to fine-tune their performance and build chemistry ahead of future competitions.
Leah Williamson’s return to the England squad is a testament to her determination and resilience. Her presence will undoubtedly bolster the team’s defense and provide valuable leadership on the field. As the Lionesses gear up for their upcoming friendlies, all eyes will be on Williamson and her teammates as they continue to strive for success on the international stage.