“Leah Williamson; she’s one of our own.” is the chant you will hear all around you if you venture down to the Emirates or Meadow Park. The support and love for the vice-captain stretches from the local pub, where she’s been found pulling pints for fans, across to the stadium touchline.
She had not graced our screens for 291 days, since she sustained an ever-prominent ACL injury in the April of 2023. Her comeback came in the Continental Cup clash against Reading on Wednesday 24th. In typical Williamson fashion she marked her return with an assist for fellow gunner Beth Mead in Arsenal’s 6-0 victory.
She made her first start back as captain for the gunners on Sunday in a disappointing FA cup defeat against Manchester City.
There are positives for Arsenal fans however: with 3/5 of their ACL nightmare injuries now back on the pitch playing 60+ minutes, taking set pieces, and contributing to the scoreline.
Embed from Getty ImagesThere was another star guest at Meadow Park on Sunday. England gaffer Sarina Weigman made a lowkey appearance ahead of announcing her Lionesses squad for the first camp of 2024. With a pitch side view of number 6’s backline domination and her involvement in set pieces it seemed like Leah Williamson had never been away as she showed Weigman the fruits of her laborious recovery.
England and Arsenal fans suffered blow after blow in the 2022/23 season – with ACL ruptures suffered by regular Arsenal starters and England superstars Beth Mead and Leah Williamson. As well as Dutch star Vivianne Miedema, Laura Wienroither and Teyah Goldie. It left the club short of players and a very bare bench.
A Uniquely Inspiring Role
England suffered from similar injuries during the 2023 World Cup that consigned them to silver after losing to Spain in the one goal final – leaving fans to wonder what difference Williamson and Mead might have made. Leah Williamson isn’t just a world class centre back for England and Arsenal.
She IS England, and she IS Arsenal. They are in her blood. The leadership and stability which she brings to both club and country at such a young age, is a rare attribute.
When Leah captains a win she encourages and celebrates with the younger players. When she captains a loss Leah carries the burden and responsibility as a leader. Her return to the Arsenal squad and starting lineup gives hope to the fans.
Hopes of a possible title race and surge to retain the Continental Cup after a year of devastating injuries.
Embed from Getty ImagesWith the 2025 Women’s Euros approaching, nations will be preparing for the road to Basel and England fans will be hoping to retain their title of European champions.
After the return of Mead to the England squad a month after her Arsenal debut, rumours were circling of a possible Williamson return for the first England camp of 2024. The Lionesses play Austria and Italy at the end of February. And fans will be excited to see Williamson’s name published under the defenders called up to the squad.
Weigman announced her very anticipated return on Tuesday morning. Saying that it was “really nice” to have her back in the team. Hopefully this means fans won’t have to wait too long to see the England skipper’s return for her country.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
