Leah Williamson: The leader of England’s soccer team makes a comeback to the Lionesses squad for friendly matches on the international stage following her recovery from an ACL injury.

Leah Williamson has received a call-up to the Lionesses squad for the first time since April 2023. The England captain and centre-back missed out on the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, she recently made her return to the Women’s Super League, playing for Arsenal in their 2-1 loss to West Ham.

Manager Sarina Wiegman has selected Williamson as part of the 23-player squad for upcoming international friendlies against Austria and Italy. These matches were arranged after the Lionesses failed to qualify for the UEFA Nations League finals. Instead, the team will head to Algeciras in southern Spain for a warm weather training camp and the two friendly matches.

There have been a few changes to the squad since the UEFA Nations League in December. Jess Park from Manchester City has returned to the squad, replacing Katie Zelem from Manchester United. However, Nikita Parris from United, who has been in great form with seven goals in her last six matches, has not been included.

Millie Bright, who captained England at the Women’s World Cup in Williamson’s absence, is still unavailable due to a knee injury. The Lionesses will face Austria on February 23 at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador, followed by a match against Italy on February 27. These games will serve as preparation for the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign, which begins in April.

Wiegman expressed her excitement about the upcoming camp, stating that it marks the start of the road to Euro 2025 in Switzerland. She believes that playing against strong teams like Austria and Italy will provide the necessary preparation before the qualifying campaign. The camp will also allow the squad to reconnect on and off the pitch, and give playing time to many players. Wiegman is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the team in Spain, with good weather and excellent facilities, to get them ready for another important year ahead.