Williamson given the job to lead Lionesses’ at forthcoming Euros

Leah Williamson has been confirmed as England’s captain for the forthcoming 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championships.

Williamson, 25, has stepped in to cover the captaincy while Steph Houghton recovers from an Achilles injury.

Lionesses’ manager Sarina Wiegman has opted to hand the captains arm band to the Arsenal defender for this summer’s eagerly anticipated championships.

Wiegman has also announced centre-back Millie Bright as vice-captain and experienced striker Ellie White as third in charge.

Williamson has already led the team to success in the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup last month, which featured Spain, Canada and Germany.

”The centre-back said “This is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family and I am honoured to be asked to lead us at the Euros. 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”.

Having joined Arsenal’s centre of excellence as a nine year old in 2006, the Milton Keynes born defender has gone on to make over 135 appearances for Arsenal, becoming the youngest to reach 100 appearances in an Arsenal shirt.

During her time at Arsenal she has won five major honours with the club and was pivotal in Arsenal’s Barclay’s FA Women’s Super League title in 2018/19.

Her international career with England started in November 2017 when she was called up into the England national team and was involved with the side that went on to win the She Believes Cup in 2019.

She made her senior team bow in Russia 2018, with her first senior team goal was a late winner in the Czech Republic in November 2019.

Williamson, has starred for her country in every age group from the U15’s right up to the senior side. She captained the U17’s at the home Euros in 2013 before representing her country at the U20 World Cup a year later.

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