'The worst decision of my entire life' - Arsenal star Leah Williamson opens up on World Cup final regret after watching Lionesses' heartbreak alongside England legend Jill Scott

Williamson missed last summer's tournament in Australia and New Zealand due to an ACL injury. It robbed her of the opportunity to captain England at a World Cup for the first time, and in a campaign which saw the Lionesses reach the final.

That injury also sidelined the defender for a long period, meaning she has not played for England since last April. She was set to make her return in February, until a hamstring problem delayed the comeback.

Speaking ahead of England's clash with Ireland, a game in which she will make her first appearance for her country in 12 months, Williamson talked about her experiences watching the Lionesses while recovering from her knee injury.

Asked if she was as calm in those moments as she often is when on the pitch, she joked: "Being at the World Cup final and sitting next to Jill Scott was one of the worst decisions I've ever made in my whole entire life. Not being at the World Cup final, just sitting next to Jill! I just live and breathe it. I love playing for England but I also love watching England. I was not a calming presence, as I'm probably known for on the pitch. Not on the sidelines."

Williamson's last appearance for England came in April of last year, in a 2-0 defeat to Australia. When she returns to the pitch on Tuesday for the UEFA Women's Euro qualifier against Ireland, it will be two days short of exactly a year since that game.

Williamson will hope she can help England get back to winning ways when she does set foot on the pitch again for them in Ireland, following the disappointing draw the Lionesses started their qualifying campaign with on Friday against Sweden.