Women’s football

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. Leah Williamson is set to captain England tomorrow in her first appearance for the Lionesses since last AprilCredit: PASarina Wiegman’s side will face the Republic of Ireland in their second game of the qualifiers for the 2025 EurosCredit: PAEileen Gleeson’s Republic of Ireland players are after their first win of the qualifiersCredit: SportsfileThe 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.Read More Football StoriesWhile 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. Most read in Football”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 FridayAnd 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.”Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy will be up against Arsenal team-mate and Republic of Ireland ace Katie McCabeCredit: GettyAmong the Republic of Ireland’s key players is Williamson’s Arsenal team-mate Katie McCabe.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.McCabe was part of the Rep. of Ireland side that lost 1-0 to France in their opening Euros qualifier gameCredit: Sportsfile”She has been authentic with that, with the fans so a lot of people connect to her in that way.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.” More

SARINA WIEGMAN insists Leah Williamson is in a good place with the Arsenal star nearing her long-awaited England return.And the Lionesses boss confirmed the centre-back, 27, would captain her side should she feature against Sweden on Friday evening.Leah Williamson returned to full training with her England team-mates ahead of their Euros qualifier match against SwedenCredit: GettyWilliamson’s last appearance for England was in a 2-0 friendly loss to Australia last AprilCredit: PAEverton’s Hanna Bennison is among the WSL stars who could feature for Sweden when they take on the Lionesses at WembleyCredit: AlamyEngland will face the World Cup semi-finalists at Wembley in their Women’s Euros qualifying opener. The clash comes after 43-capped Williamson took part in a full-training session on Thursday after doing an individualised session on Tuesday.Wiegman said: “We needed to manage her a little bit. She had a full training session on Wednesday.”She’s still building but she’s in a good place and ready.”It’s really good that she’s back, first of all for herself, because she’s so excited to come back.”And that means she’s fit so it’s good to have another quality player in the squad.”Williamson, who last played for the Lionesses last April before being sidelined by a serious knee, is among eight England aces who played in the Conti Cup final on Sunday.The match saw Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 before ending with an angry exchange between Blues chief Emma Hayes and Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall.Most read in FootballA touchline spat occurred between the rival WSL bosses following a throw-in dispute involving Eidevall and Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert. It was preceded by the Blues wanting to use a multi-ball system despite initially opting for a single ball usage.And it was followed by Hayes shoving the Gunners gaffer shortly after the final whistle. On Wednesday the FA confirmed they will not be taking action against either bosses with Hayes accusing Eidevall of “male aggression”.Wiegman, 54 said: “It (the Conti Cup) was a great final, very competitive, so that emotion goes up.”I haven’t been there in that situation so of course I do not want to comment on that one day before we go into our most important game.On if she has concerns about the touchline behaviour of managers, Wiegman added: “In general – not just in this specific situation but in general – we are an example as coaches for everyone who’s watching, but also in society. “We’re being watched a lot and it’s good to have good behaviours.”But I just don’t want to continue talking about this. We have such an important game.”We are playing Sweden and that’s what I want to focus on, that’s my main job right now.”England will be without the services of goalkeeper Khiara Keating with the Manchester City starlet, 19, withdrawing from the squad due to the knee.Keating’s departure has led to Wiegman calling up Southampton shot stopper Kayla Rendell.The Women’s Championship ace, who was voted Saints player of the season last term, has made four appearances for England’s Under-23s.And in a post shared via social media she described her first senior call-up as a “proud moment” for herself and her family.Following their friendly defeats of Austria and Italy in February, Wiegman wants England to lay down the gauntlet for their rivals in the Women’s Euros qualifiers.A clash with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next Tuesday will following their duel with Sweden.And Wiegman insists her side have put the disappointing end to last year’s Women’s Nations League fixtures to bed.She said: “We’ve passed by that disappointment now because we went on a camp in February, and we played two games.”The team really showed this is who we are, this is how we want to play and really showed there was so much energy.Southampton goalkeeper Kayla Rendell has been drafted into Wiegman’s England squad following Khiara Keating’s withdrawal due to a knee problemCredit: Getty“But they were friendlies, although we didn’t really approach them as friendlies.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It gave us an opportunity to play many players, to see where we’re at as individuals but also as a team.”But now, it’s for qualifiers. So yes, it’s absolutely an opportunity for us to show again what we can do.” More

JESS PARK aims to heed Sarina Wiegman’s advice and keep up her “hard work and consistency” on the pitch.And the England forward, 22, hopes to replicate the stunning form that boosted Manchester City’s charge to the top of the Women’s Super League.Jess Park, Lucy Bronze and their England team-mates will face at Sweden at Wembley on April 5 in their first Women’s Euros qualifier game this yearCredit: ReutersPark hopes to maintain consistency in her form with the versatile forward impressing for Man City this seasonCredit: GettyPark and Lauren Hemp are among six Man City aces in Sarina Wiegman”s 23-player squadCredit: GettyThe Lionesses’ Friday night Euros qualifier clash with Sweden at Wembley could see Park in international action. The game comes just under two weeks after her standout shift in the WSL Manchester derby.Park’s two goals and a classy assist for Man City striker Khadija Shaw earned the playmaker plaudits from pundits and match observers.Amongst the Etihad crowd watching the player and City and Man United’s England aces, was Lionesses boss Wiegman.Read More Football StoriesAnd the two-time Euros-winning head coach is encouraging the forward to keep the momentum going.Park, who helped City beat Brighton 4-1 on Saturday with the team going top of the WSL,  said: “Sarina just says keep up with the consistency, keep doing well and keep working hard and good things will come.“I managed to show that in that game in particular.“I’m working hard at club and waiting for the opportunity and when it comes, hopefully taking it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPark’s stock has risen considerably since her goal-scoring cameo for England on her senior international debut in November 2022.Following a call-up as a replacement for England heroine Fran Kirby, who was contending with a viral infection at the time, forward made a cameo appearance during a 4-0 trouncing of Japan.Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours listBack then the Yorkshire-born WSL star, who was on loan at Everton, came on as an 89th minute substitute scoring a minute after her run out.Seven-capped Lioness Park is one of six City stars included in England’s squad for their April Euros qualifier games against Sweden this week and the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, Chloe Kelly, Khiara Keating and Esme Morgan are the other City aces called up by Wiegman.And the forward feels having club colleagues in the camp could help with the continuity of her performance.She adds: “Me and Alex are quite close at club, so she helps me get involved here. “Hempo and Esme and the City girls really do help me when I’m away here, but all the girls (at international camp) are genuinely lovely.“They try and include me as much as possible. And I think that’s really important from them. And it’s really nice for me as well.“The girls are incredible girls, and they (all) make you feel comfortable as soon as you come into the environment, off pitch (and) on pitch.”Park’s progress this season follows a successful loan spell at Everton last term.It’s a move she credits with helping her become more “confident and capable” to play for City.The forward, who made 17 top-flight Toffees appearances helping Everton finish sixth, has since gone on to play in 14 WSL games for City this season. scoring three times.When asked which aspects of the game have improved the most since her return to City from Everton, Park said: “I think my game awareness off the ball and my confidence on the ball.“Going on loan last season really helped with that and being in and around squad has also helped, but I’d say they’re probably the main things.“It’s feels at the moment I’ve been very patient.“I went out on loan got some experience last year, came back and now finally getting an opportunity to show a bit more about me (as a player).”One player who Park credits as helping to influence her career and growth is former England captain Steph Houghton.Last month the veteran Man City centre-back, who made 121 Lionesses appearances, announced her plans to hang up her boots at the end of this season.With her retirement the Durham-born English football heroine, 35, will end a trophy-laden playing career in which she won 16 domestic trophies including 3 WSL titles and five FA Cups.Park said:  “I remember watching the (London 2012) Olympics and seeing her score a free-kick and I idolised that.“Being able to meet her, play with her and just actually get to know Steph as a person. Park paid tribute to Man City team-mate Steph Houghton with the former England skipper due to retire at the end of this seasonCredit: Getty”She’s an absolutely incredible person. The stuff she does on the pitch is obvious to everyone and it’s incredible.“But with the stuff away from the pitch and how she’s helped me and the advice she’s given me – she’s a top person.” Only the top two teams from England’s Euros qualifiers group will claim automatic qualification for next year Women’s European Championship taking place in Switzerland.The Lionesses, who won the Euros on home soil under Wiegman in 2022, will also France in addition to Sweden and Republic of Ireland in the battle to reach next year’s tournament.And the teams who finish outside the top two places in their group will have to battle it out in play-offs for a place in the contest.Tottenham’s Matilda Vinberg and Everton’s Hanna Bennison are among the WSL stars who could feature for Sweden when they take on England this monthCredit: GettyPark adds: “We all know it’s a difficult group. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a range of teams and we are going to face different challenges with each and every one. “I think, just focusing on us and making sure we’re prepared and we’re ready is very important More