Euro 2025: England 'Very Optimistic' Leah Williamson Set For Semis vs. Italy

The England team is "very optimistic" that captain Leah Williamson will be ready to face Italy in the semifinals of the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro. 

Williamson had to come off during extra time of England’s dramatic quarterfinal victory over Sweden on Thursday and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches, with coach Sarina Wiegman saying it was too early to tell how bad the injury was.

Washington Spirit defender Esme Morgan filled in for Williamson during extra time when England was forced to reshuffle its defense and could make her first start if her captain fails to recover in time.

"We’re very optimistic that Leah will be available," Morgan said Saturday. "She seemed in very high spirits this morning and I want what’s best for the team and that’s absolutely having our captain on the pitch for us.

"So I’m the same as every single game: be prepared to play if I’m needed, I’ll know the role and just be absolutely ready, train at high level over the next few days, but we’re very optimistic that Leah’ll be fine," she added.

Morgan was brought on in the 70th minute against Sweden, for her major tournament debut, with England 2-0 down. The Lionesses then came roaring back, with two goals in as many minutes to force extra time.

England then won a chaotic — or "ridiculous" as Morgan termed it — penalty shootout, that saw only five of 14 spotkicks converted.

Defender Lucy Bronze powerfully dispatched what turned out to be the winning penalty, as Sweden teenager Smilla Holmberg missed the last one.

Bronze, who scored the goal that got England back into the game, had played with strapping around her right leg during the match but ripped it off to take her spotkick.

"She is such an incredible leader in this team, we are all inspired