Williamson back in England squad for Euro 2025 qualifiers

Leah Williamson is in the England squad for Euro 2025 qualifiers against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland and could earn a first cap since last April.

The centre-back, 26, made her Arsenal comeback in January after nine months out with an anterior cruciate knee ligament (ACL) injury.

She was called up by England for friendlies against Austria and Italy in February but withdrew through injury.

Defender Millie Turner is also included after replacing Williamson in February.

Williamson, who captained England to Euro 2022 glory but has not featured for her country since a 2-0 defeat by Australia on 11 April 2023, has started the last three games for Arsenal, including Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.

England boss Sarina Wiegman said: “Of course I’m very happy. The squad looks good.

“I’m looking forward to working with [Williamson] again. We all didn’t expect [her to pull out in February] and she the least, so it was a hard one to take and a big disappointment for her and us too.”

It was a minor hamstring problem that caused Williamson to withdraw from the last gathering.

“But you have to get back playing games,” Wiegman said. “She recovered really well, it doesn’t take too long which is good. Now she is getting into a rhythm. Of course she has not played many games yet, but she is getting there and she needs the minutes now.”