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Leah Williamson Beth Mead Arsenal 2023-24Getty/GOAL
Aditya Gokhale and Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Leah Williamson tells Beth Mead to 'never stop holding my hand' after Arsenal defender return to Wembley with Lionesses for first time since ACL injury comeback

Arsenal's Leah Williamson made her return to the Lionesses squad after almost a year as she made the bench for their clash against Sweden.

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  • Williamson returns to Wembley with England
  • Mead congratulates team-mate after ACL return
  • Arsenal pair trained together during recovery

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Williamson did not get to play at Wembley on Friday, however, it was the first time she appeared with the Lionesses at their home stadium in well over a year. As such, she thanked fellow Gunners star Beth Mead for helping her through her recovery. The Arsenal forward also ruptured her ACL around the same period as Williamson, and it was revealed that the two friends worked towards fitness together along with Vivianne Miedema and Laura Wienroither.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Williamson has been a tremendous loss for England and Arsenal over the past year, but she is back to playing for club and country after a difficult stint on the sidelines, and both sides' squads will benefit greatly from having her fit again. She has already started playing regularly with the Gunners, and will likely do the same with Sarina Wiegman's team soon.

  • Beth Mead Arsenal Women 2023-24Getty

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Without Williamson, England stuttered to a 1-1 draw with Sweden. Alessia Russo opened the scoring in the first half, with Lauren James providing the perfect assist, before a Lucy Bronze error allowed Fridolina Rolfo to equalise for Sweden just after the hour mark.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMSON?

    It is possible that Williamson could make the return to the pitch with the Lionesses when they take on Ireland on April 9 in their next Euro 2025 qualifier. The Girls in Green kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to France last time out.