Leah Williamson has been appointed as England’s new captain ahead of the 2022 Women‘s European Championships. Sarina Wiegman’s decision was made official on Tuesday, and Williamson will take over the captaincy from Steph Houghton on a permanent basis. In the absence of Steph Houghton, the 25-year-old has been guiding the Lionesses, particularly during their recent Arnold Clark Cup victory, but she will now undoubtedly keep the captaincy for this summer’s Euros on home soil.
Sarina Wiegman has appointed Williamson as the new captain. Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman claimed that despite the fact that Houghton may yet be fit for the Euros, giving the captaincy to Williamson will give continuity and clarity during the team’s training in case she does not return in time. This choice provides the team with stability over this crucial final stretch as the team prepares for the tournament.
Furthermore, Williamson is expected to become the captain for the first time against North Macedonia on Friday and Northern Ireland on April 12 in Women’s World Cup qualifiers. On July 6, England will face Austria in their first Euros match. “This is an extraordinarily gratifying moment for me and my family, and I am pleased to be chosen to lead us at the Euros,” Williamson said of her selection.
“Steph Houghton is one of the all-time greats in our country, and it means a lot to follow in her footsteps and all of the other outstanding personalities who have led the team in the past. She further added. Additionally, she said: “Although I will be wearing the captain’s armband, I am confident that we have a team full of players who share my pride and enthusiasm for representing our country.” Whether or whether I am captain, I will never take it lightly and will always give my all for England every time I put on the shirt.”