Arsenal's Leah Williamson leading England into a home Euros
By Rio Rosenberg, Hayters
At the age of 25, the Arsenal player has been named Lionesses captain for the upcoming 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championship.
Williamson steps into this new role after Steph Houghton’s numerous injuries which has led her to be a doubt for the tournament.
Houghton has led the Lionesses for seven years and been captain on 70 occasions, leading the side to multiple semi-finals, so it is big task to follow her.
Williamson said: “Steph Houghton is one of this country’s all-time greats and to follow in her footsteps, and all of those special names who have led the team in the past, means so much”.
Williamson has made a remarkable rise captaining the U17 to U20 England sides. It’s not only international success that has led her to this position but her progression at club level. The Arsenal player is a natural leader, appearing more than135 times, making her the youngest player to reach the 100-club in Arsenal’s history.
Sarina Wiegman, the England coach, has put full faith in Williamson and named her captain for the first Arnold Clark Cup, which England won earlier this year as the Lionesses overcame tough opposition against Canada, Germany and Spain to win the competition.
With Houghton injured, it gave Wiegman even more confidence that Williamson can lead the side to success and get over the hurdle of semi-finals which has afflicted England in the past.
Wiegman believes Williamson will be a “great leader” and it’s not only the head coach that believes this but the rest of the England squad.
Leah Williamson knows that she needs the whole squad to be leaders in order for England to go the distance in the upcoming tournament. This squad has young characters that are all eager to make a difference, the likes of Ella Toone and Alessia Russo who have been in fine form for club and country.
The European Championship this summer will be another opportunity to inspire the next generation of girls and boys. This Lionesses squad clearly understands their responsibility and are aiming to go all the way in this summer’s tournament.
Will Leah Williamson end up holding the trophy aloft at Wembley on July 31?
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