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Leah Williamson: Arsenal defender named in England squad for April’s Euro 2025 qualifiers | Football News

Leah Williamson has been named in the England squad for subsequent month’s Euro 2025 qualifiers in opposition to Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

Last month, the Lionesses captain was compelled to withdraw from her first England squad since April 2023 after injuring her hamstring, however the Arsenal defender has since recovered to be included in the 23-player squad.

The 26-year-old, who was captain for England’s Euro 2022 triumph, missed final summer season’s World Cup after struggling an anterior cruciate ligament harm that stored her out for 9 months.

England Women’s April squad

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Tottenham, on mortgage from Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).

Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

But Williamson’s inclusion for the beginning of England’s European Championship title defence raises hopes she’s going to make her first Lionesses look since April 11, 2023.

England boss Sarina Wiegman mentioned of Williamson’s inclusion: “I’m very comfortable. I’m trying ahead to working along with her once more.

“She [Williamson] recovered very well and it did not take too lengthy and now she’s getting right into a rhythm.

“She hasn’t played that many games yet but she’s getting there and she needs the minutes now.”

Manchester United defender Millie Turner, who changed Williamson in final month’s squad, retains her place however team-mate Maya Le Tissier misses out.

Chelsea centre-back Millie Bright, who captained England on the World Cup in Williamson’s absence, misses out on the squad resulting from harm.

Image:
Chelsea defender Millie Bright stays out injured

Wiegman mentioned of Bright’s absence: “We’re a little disappointed. We hoped it would be quicker but she’s taking her time and wants to do the right thing to avoid setbacks.

“She must do extra work in the health club to get stronger and that takes time. Emma Hayes (Chelsea boss) mentioned she needs to be again after the worldwide break, however she’s [Bright’s] doing accountable issues.”

But Bright’s Chelsea team-mate Fran Kirby has made a return to the squad having missed the games in February after pulling up in the pre-Austria warm-up with a knee problem.

Tottenham midfielder Grace Clinton, who is on loan from Manchester United, retains her place after scoring on her international debut against Austria last month.

Grace Clinton
Image:
Tottenham’s Grace Clinton has been named in the 23-player squad

Sarina Wiegman’s aspect face Sweden in their opening qualifier on April 5 at Wembley, the scene of their well-known Euro 2022 ultimate victory, earlier than enjoying the Republic of Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium 4 days afterward April 9.

England will even face France in their League A qualifying group, with matches happening from April to July.

The winners and runners-up from the 4 League A teams will qualify mechanically for the Euros finals, becoming a member of a Switzerland aspect already assured to be there as hosts.

The third and fourth-placed groups will enter the play-offs, together with groups ending in the highest three in every of the 4 League B teams.

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