Northern Ireland vs England: Leah Williamson ‘proud’ to begin captaincy in Euros ‘practice run’

Leah Williamson will lead out England for the first time since being named as permanent captain when the Lionesses face Northern Ireland in their World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park tonight.

The Arsenal defender has been officially made skipper for the delayed home European Championship this summer.

“It is obviously a very proud moment,” said Williamson, who has 27 senior caps for England to her name. “The biggest honour in football. I appreciate that and I am aware of the responsibility that comes with that title, especially in England.”

England can secure qualification for next year’s World Cup tonight if they win and Austria drop points against Latvia. The Lionesses remain unbeaten in qualifying, having scored 63 goals without reply, and thrashed North Macedonia 10-0 on Friday.

England face Northern Ireland in the group stages of the Euros, too, and Williamson has described tonight’s game as a “practice run” for that.

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