Leah Williamson ready for first England start in a year against Republic of Ireland… as the defender admits it will be an ’emotional’ occasion after ‘difficult journey’ back from ACL injury

Leah Williamson is looking forward to an “emotional” return to England, with the defender starting against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night.

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

The defender was an unused substitute against Sweden on Friday, but England coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed she will start in Tuesday’s crucial Euro 2025 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.

“Yes, it will be (emotional),” Williamson said.

‘It was emotional on Friday, I am an emotional person, we have all seen me cry on many occasions.

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“If there’s a team you want to be on in the world, I think the Lionesses would be right up there.” I love playing for England.

‘I’ve enjoyed seeing the girls and being part of that journey in a different way.

‘It’s been a difficult journey, but I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t what I was focused on, but rather it’s where I was trying to get back to.

“I wanted to come back to this team because I have had some of the best memories of my life as part of this team.

“Coming back, I knew there’s pressure to reach a certain level, and I’ve been chasing it all the time.”

England drew with Sweden on Friday, but Wiegman did not want to put a “must win” label on Tuesday’s match, despite the Republic of Ireland being the lowest-ranked nation in their qualifying group, which also includes France.

‘We never underestimate anyone, especially Ireland. What we expect is that they are a very physical team, that they are very, very organized and that they can also play on the counterattack.

“I don’t really want to talk about how we should win, but we really want to win this game.” If we win this match, we will be in a better position. “If the result is not good, it puts us in a more difficult situation.”