Leah Williamson has spoken of the 'awful' experience of watching the 2023 World Cup final from the stands as she prepares to lead England against Spain in the Women's Euros final on Sunday. The 27-year-old missed the tournament in Australia and New Zealand due to an ACL injury, having captained the Lionesses to European glory in 2022.
England lost 1-0 to Spain in that World Cup final, but now have a chance for revenge in Basel. Williamson, back in the armband, admitted the pain of being sidelined: 'Once you're part of a team, being on the outside... to be completely useless, that probably bothered me the most.' She watched the final alongside former teammate Jill Scott.
The defender has also faced frustration during the current tournament, being substituted in both the quarter-final and semi-final. However, she stressed her continued influence off the pitch: 'Even if you're off the pitch you have a role to play... it means you get to run on and celebrate with the team.'
England's route to the final has been anything but smooth, requiring extra-time against Italy and a penalty shootout victory over Sweden. Manager Sarina Wiegman admitted to feeling the pressure, saying: 'I'm having a heart-attack too, I just don't show it.' Williamson, meanwhile, is focused on collective success rather than personal accolades.
