sport news Sarina Wiegman confirms Leah Williamson is 'ready' to make her England return ... trends now

Sarina Wiegman says Leah Williamson is 'ready' to make her England return in Friday's Euro 2025 qualifier and will captain the side if selected.

Williamson has not played for the Lionesses since April 2023 after rupturing her anterior cruciate knee ligament, an injury which caused her to miss last summer's World Cup.

The Arsenal defender was called up to England's warm-weather camp in February for friendlies against Austria and Italy but was forced to withdraw due to a hamstring injury.

There was concern Williamson's return may have been delayed again after she was substituted at half-time during Arsenal's League Cup victory over Chelsea last weekend, but Wiegman assured she is in a 'good place' ahead of Friday's qualifier with Sweden.

'We needed to manage her a little bit, she had a full training session yesterday and she will be on the pitch today,' Wiegman said.

'So, that looks really good. As we know, where she comes from, she's still building but she's in a good place and ready, if she comes through today of course.'

Millie Bright captained England at the World Cup in Williamson's absence but the Chelsea defender has been sidelined with a knee injury since November.

Wiegman has shared the captaincy around in the last few camps but confirmed Williamson will wear the armband if selected.

'Leah is our team captain, that will not change,' Wiegman said. 'But we want to get through this training session and see what final decision we make tomorrow.

'If she plays, she's the captain. We just want to get through this training session and see how she is and how the

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