England's Lionesses are breathing a sigh of relief as captain Leah Williamson appears to have avoided serious injury ahead of their pivotal semi-final clash with Italy. The Arsenal defender caused concern when she limped off during England's hard-fought victory over Sweden, but initial assessments suggest the knock isn't as bad as first feared.
Key Player's Fitness Boost
Medical staff have been working round the clock to ensure Williamson's availability for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. "Leah's responding well to treatment," revealed a team insider. "She's determined to lead the team out for this crucial match."
Tournament Defining Moment
The semi-final represents England's biggest test of the tournament so far, with Italy having shown impressive form throughout the competition. Williamson's leadership and defensive solidity could prove decisive as the Lionesses chase a place in the final.
Sweden Victory Comes at a Cost
While England celebrated their quarter-final triumph over Sweden, the sight of their captain hobbling off cast a shadow over proceedings. Manager Sarina Wiegman admitted: "We held our breath when Leah went down, but the early signs are positive."
Fans will be keeping everything crossed as England prepare for their biggest game since last year's World Cup, with Williamson's fitness likely to be confirmed in the coming days.
