Arsenal defender Leah Williamson has been confirmed as England’s captain for this summer’s European Championships, which take place in England.
The Gunners number six has skippered England every time she has been available under new coach Sarina Wiegman, though Sarina has stopped short of confirming her as the permanent skipper.
Steph Houghton has had the role since 2013 and she has been unable to play for England since Wiegman’s appointment, although Wiegman said that Houghton was not certainly going to be captain.
With Houghton unlikely to be available for the Euros, 25-year-old Williamson will take the armband for the tournament, as well as for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Northern Ireland. England kick off the Euros on 6th July when they take on Austria at Old Trafford.
“I am not sure it will ever sink in, it’s the biggest honour in football,” Leah said. “It’s very, very special and something I will never take for granted.”
"I hope that I do the armband and the shirt proud." 🏴 💪
Congrats on being named our captain for #WEURO2022, @leahcwilliamson! pic.twitter.com/KLF1gQfltM
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) April 5, 2022
Beautiful. Astonishing. Mesmerizing. I run out of words to describe those news.
What a feeling that must be! Happy for her
Leah Williamson is a model professional footballer & a top class player in both central defence and midfield positions. And a natural leader!
The Gunners have a history of providing England with their captains and Leah is the latest in a long line of succession. Well deserved! I admire Steph Houghton (another ex-Gunner skipper of course!) for what she has done in the past but the last couple of seasons have highlighted that she is in the Autumn of her career. She did give a very dignified response on social media to her credit but I think even she believes it is time to hand over the batten for continuity sake going into the Euros and then the World Cup knowing full well… Read more »
Congrats Leah, you continue to make everyone proud. Best of luck at the Euros
Well deserved. Leah is a super star in a team of stars! A superb defender and leader. Always a joy to watch. Many congratulations.
Congratulations, Leah! This is such good news and thoroughly deserved. A wonderful player and a leader through and through.