Lionesses captain Leah Williamson aiming for first England appearance in 12 months after injury nightmare

The Arsenal defender took part in an individual training session at St George’s Park on Tuesday ahead of Sweden clash

Leah Williamson hopes to be fit to make her England comeback on Friday.

The Lionesses captain is back in the squad for the start of their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign, which Sarina Wiegman’s side kick off against Sweden at Wembley.

Williamson could be a doubt, however, after she came off for Arsenal at half-time in their 1-0 win over Chelsea in Sunday’s League Cup final at Molineux.

Her knee was heavily strapped before that game and, while Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall hinted afterwards that it was just a precautionary move, she is a doubt for England.

Arsenal stalwart Leah Williamson has not played for England since April 2023
The FA via Getty Images

Williamson arrived at St George’s Park on Monday with the rest of the England squad and took part in an individual training session on Tuesday morning, with some other players also doing the same.

Williamson will be desperate to face Sweden. She has not played for the Lionesses for 12 months and missed last summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after suffering a serious knee injury.

She had been due to return for England in friendlies against Austria and Italy last month, but was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a hamstring strain.

After the Sweden game, the Lionesses play the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin next Tuesday. France complete their qualifying group.

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