England return was the biggest focus for defender Williamson after injury | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Leah Williamson says that returning to the England squad was her biggest focus during her rehabilitation from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.

The 27-year-old missed a year of action for The Lionesses, however, she returned to the squad for this month’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifying double-header against Sweden and The Republic of Ireland.

When speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s fixture against The Republic of Ireland in Dublin, Williamson said that England was what really kept her motivated during her long battle to regain her fitness.

“Who I am on the pitch, what you’ll have seen on the pitch is exactly how I was off the pitch,” Williamson said when speaking about her time on the sidelines. “I don’t think I was a calming presence for anyone, during the World Cup especially.

“I’ve enjoyed watching the girls, I’ve enjoyed being a part of that journey in a different way. There are people that are part of that team that are very important to me.

“It has been a difficult journey but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that this was the thing that I had my focus on. This was where I wanted to get back to, I wanted to be good enough to get into this squad. I’ve had some of the best memories of my life with this team.”

Going on to discuss England’s latest opponents The Republic of Ireland, Williamson anticipates a battle in which The Lionesses will have to be good in possession.

She said “I’m expecting Ireland to be really disciplined given how they defended in the 1-0 defeat to France. It’ll be a test for us to move the ball and move them. There will be some good battles, they have some key players up top but also a strong defensive line as well. I know some of those girls really well, so it’s going to be a good game.”

England’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifier against The Republic of Ireland in Dublin kicks-off at 7.30pm tomorrow night.