‘Feels like Christmas Eve!’ - Leah Williamson can’t contain excitement at making Lionesses return as Sarina Wiegman gives captaincy reassurance in her first England match in a year

The Lionesses captain missed the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after she suffered a heartbreaking Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. Over a year later, the 27-year-old is set to make her return when Sarina Wiegman's squad take on Sweden in the Euro 2025 qualifier. Williamson clearly couldn't hide her excitement as she reposted a story on Instagram.

She said on her repost: "Can't wait to see you at Wembley tomorrow night. Feels like Christmas Eve."

Instagram

The return to the England squad has not been easy for Williamson as she had also been called up by Wiegman during the February international break but pulled out due to an injury to her hamstring. Her last international appearance came in last April when the Lionesses took on Australia.

There has been some discourse recently regarding Williamson's place in the England squad and her safety in the role of captain, however, Wiegman has cleared all doubts regarding her status.

Wiegman told reporters: "She is in a good place and is ready. We needed to manage her a little bit. She had a full training session yesterday and will be on the pitch again today [Thursday]. That is really good. She is still building but she is in a good place - if she comes through today, of course."

"Will she be captain? If she plays, she's the captain. We just want to get through this training session and see how she is and how the team is."

Depending on how Williamson's recovery has faired and how match-sharp she is, Wiegman may not start her for the match against Sweden on Friday, April 5. However, it is likely that Williamson will feature in some capacity the Euro 2025 qualifier.