Leah Williamson looking forward to playing for England after ‘emotional’ return to Lionesses squad

LEAH WILLIAMSON admits being back in England's squad has been "emotional" with her return to national action drawing closer. 

On Tuesday, Williamson is due to make her international comeback when her team play the Republic of Ireland in the Euros qualifiers. 

The group stage clash between the Euros champs and Eileen Gleeson's contest hopefuls will be Williamson's first game in an England shirt since last April.  

It comes almost a year after a knee ligament rupture on Arsenal duty led to the 43-capped Lioness missing last year's World Cup.  

Her last appearance for the Lionesses was on April 11th last year when Sarina Wiegman’s side fell to a 2-0 friendly loss to Australia.

Five days before that game, Williamson led the Lionesses to victory against Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima.

While she was called up before England's February friendly defeats of Austria and Italy, a hamstring issue forced her to withdraw from the squad.

Williamson, who was on the bench for England's Friday night draw against Sweden, said: "I'm an emotional person and you've all seen me cry on many occasions. 

"But it was emotional for me on Friday because if there's a team that you want to play for in the world, I think the Lionesses will be up there.

"I love playing for England. I don't think I was a calming presence for anyone during the World Cup, especially.

"But I've enjoyed watching the girls, I've enjoyed being a part of that journey and in a different way. 

"I've got people that play for the team who are very important to me.

"But it's been a difficult journey and I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the thing that I sort of have my focus on. 

"This is where I wanted to get back to. I wanted to be good enough to get back into this squad."

Williamson, who made her senior England debut in a World Cup qualifier defeat of Russia in 2018, made history when she captained the side to Euros glory in 2022.

Of the difference the centre-back could make to her team, Lionesses boss Wiegman said: "In possession, she's just very bright.

"She finds the right pass, the flexibility with the defence being able to defend the space behind her together with everyone else.

"Defending doesn't just start with one player, it starts with the team.

"But that's what I hope Leah will bring to the team.”

England's duel with their rivals at Dublin's Aviva Stadium will see both teams chasing their first win in their quest to qualify for the Euros. 

Only the top two teams from their group are guaranteed automatic qualification with the third and fourth-placed sides entering play-offs. 

The Republic of Ireland, who competed in a Women’s World Cup for the first time ever last year, are currently bottom of group A3 in League One after their narrow 1-0 loss to France on Friday

And Williamson expects the Lionesses will come a well-organised side on Tuesday.

Of the challenge she expects England to face, Williamson added: "I'm expecting them to be really disciplined in the way that they defend.

"We saw their result against France, so I think it's going to be a test for us to move the ball and move them. 

"They've got key players up top but also a strong defensive line as well.

"I know those girls really well so it's going to it's going be a good one."

Among the Republic of Ireland’s key players is Williamson’s Arsenal team-mate.

The versatile winger, made history last summer when she became the first player to score for her country at a Women’s World Cup during their group stage duel with Canada.

On if she has had any contact with her Gunners team-mate before the game, Williamson said: “There's been no contact.

"She would know that there's no communication this week. That's not necessary.

Of the threat McCabe poses to England, the Lioness captain adds: “Katie is a big personality, someone who is very proud of where she comes from.

"She has been authentic with that, with the fans so a lot of people connect to her in that way.

"She knows her strengths and she has those strengths that can be game-changing as well.

“And she is someone who has raised the profile of the game, her game, and subsequently Arsenal."