England captain Leah Williamson is expected to be fit for Tuesday's Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy, despite rolling her ankle in the dramatic quarter-final win over Sweden. Esme Morgan, who replaced Williamson for the final 20 minutes of regular time and all of extra time, expressed optimism over her teammate's recovery.
“We’re very optimistic that Leah will be available,” Morgan said on Saturday. “She seemed in very high spirits this morning and I want what’s best for the team, and that’s absolutely having our captain on the pitch for us.” Morgan, who impressed against Sweden, added that she is ready if needed: “For me it is the same as every single game — be prepared to play if I’m needed.”
The Lionesses needed 120 minutes and a penalty shootout to overcome Sweden after falling 2-0 down. Morgan admitted she briefly worried about elimination but maintained belief. “There was a moment at the end of the first half where I thought ‘I’ve not packed anything!’,” she said. “But I really had a sense throughout the game, even when we were down, that it wasn’t our time to go.”
With Italy enjoying an extra day's rest, England have little time to dwell on the quarter-final. Morgan stressed the squad's readiness: “Every training session you’re pushing to be a starting player. My mindset doesn’t change at all and I will prepare in the same way.”
