Leah Williamson returns! England captain back with the Lionesses for first time in 10 months as Sarina Wiegman names squad for Austria and Italy fixtures

The skipper hasn't played for her country since April of last year after suffering that huge blow just a few days later, one that forced her to miss last summer's Women's World Cup. However, the Arsenal star is back for the February fixtures with Austria and Italy, as is Jess Park, who missed the camp in December. Manchester United pair Millie Turner and Katie Zelem drop out of the squad as a result.

Williamson's return is an even bigger boost for England because of the continued absence of Millie Bright. The Chelsea star has been sidelined with a knee problem since November, leaving the Lionesses worse off in the centre-back department and also lacking her leadership, with Bright having worn the armband for her country while Williamson was out.

Nikita Parris was another name some expected to make a return to the England squad this month, having scored seven goals in her last six games for Manchester United. However, head coach Sarina Wiegman has opted not to bring her back at this moment, with Parris having now been out of the picture for the Lionesses since November 2022.

The Lionesses take on Austria on February 23 in the first of their friendlies this month, before a clash against Italy follows four days later. The games will take place as part of a warm weather training camp in Spain.