Sarina Wiegman confirmed that Leah Williamson will start for England in their European Championship qualifier against Republic of Ireland.
The Arsenal defender is set to make her Lionesses comeback after nearly a year out following an ACL injury.
Williamson made the bench for England’s 1-1 draw against Sweden in Group A3 on Friday, but when asked if she would be starting against Ireland in a pre-match press conference, head coach Wiegman replied: “Yep.”
Tuesday’s game will be Williamson’s first for the Lionesses since a friendly against Australia last April and Wiegman highlighted the 27-year-old’s strengths.
“We’ve had hard choices to make in the team because I think the competitiveness is really high and we have many options in different positions,” she said.
“I think what Leah brings us is vision, in possession she’s just very bright and finds the right pass.
“The flexibility, the defence, being able to defend the space behind her together with everyone else, because defending doesn’t just start with one player, it starts with the team, and I hope Leah will bring that to the team tomorrow.”
Williamson’s England return was slightly delayed after she was forced to withdraw from the squad in February for friendly matches due to a hamstring strain, but she admitted her aim was to be “good enough” to return to the team.
“I’ve enjoyed watching the girls, I’ve enjoyed being part of that journey in a different way, obviously I’ve got people that play for the team who are very important to me,” Williamson said.
“It’s been a difficult journey, I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the thing I’d had my focus on, this is where I wanted to get back to. I wanted to be good enough to get back into this squad, I’ve had some of the best memories of my life as part of this team.”
England began their qualifying campaign with a draw against Sweden after Fridolina Rolfo cancelled out Alessia Russo’s opener.
Ireland were narrowly beaten 1-0 by France in their opener on Thursday and Wiegman is determined not to underestimate them at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
“They were promoted to this group and I think don’t underestimate anyone, especially not Ireland,” she said.
“They’ve had a 1-0 result against France, that was really good. What we expect is they are a physical team and are very well-organised, so they can play the counter attack.
“You can try to take that opportunity and moments that they will probably jump and press out, so we have to be aware of that. We’re definitely going to think that’s hard to break down their defence.”
Williamson is also expecting a “disciplined” performance from Ireland, who are led by Arsenal team-mate Katie McCabe.
“I’m expecting them to be really disciplined in the way they defend, we saw a 1-0 result against France so I think it’s going to be a test for us to move the ball and move them, I see those battles,” Williamson added.
“Obviously they’ve got key players up top but also a strong defensive line as well, I know all those girls really well so it’s going to be a good one.”
Kane to miss Bundesliga finale after seeking treatment on back injury
Harry Kane will miss Bayern Munich's final game of the Bundesliga season after leaving Germany to undergo treatment on a back problem.
Kane has scored 36 league goals in his debut campaign in Bavaria, though he will finish yet another season without silverware, with Bayer Leverkusen having clinched their first top-flight title.
He will end 2023-24 five goals adrift of Robert Lewandowski's single-season goal record of 41, set in 2019-20, after sustaining a back injury.
Ahead of Saturday's trip to Hoffenheim, departing Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel revealed Kane had been struggling before the second leg of their Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid.
"Harry is being treated by his personal doctor and he is not here anymore," Tuchel said.
"He won't be with us. In Madrid it was already touch and go."
Kane missed Bayern's 2-0 win over Wolfsburg in their penultimate game of 2023-24 last week, with Lovro Zvonarek and Leon Goretzka on target in his absence.
The news will cause concern for Gareth Southgate, who is set to name his preliminary England squad for Euro 2024 on Tuesday.
The Three Lions' final squad for the tournament – which is being held in Kane's new home of Germany – will be revealed after they face Iceland in a friendly on June 7.
Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw credits teammates after historic FWA Player of the Year win
Manchester City Women and Jamaica striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw graciously credited her teammates after being awarded the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year. Shaw, who received the prestigious accolade on Thursday, expressed her gratitude towards her fellow players for their role in her success.
The prolific Jamaican striker received an impressive 53 per cent of all votes cast, setting a new record for the highest percentage received by a player in FWA history for a women’s award. She edged out colleagues Alex Greenwood and Chelsea’s Lauren James to claim the top spot, capping off another phenomenal season where she scored 22 goals and provided five assists before an unfortunate injury cut short her campaign.
Reflecting on her achievement and the season, Shaw emphasized the importance of her teammates in her individual accolades. "I’ve had a little hiccup, but overall it’s been a good season and I’m happy," Shaw commented at the FWA awards evening. "It’s been a good season. I’ve always said that the team makes me look good. I’m playing with world class players and that makes me look good at the end of the day."
Shaw highlighted her team-first mentality, focusing on contributing to the collective success rather than individual accolades. "I just try to do the bits I can at the end of the pitch and work for the team and ultimately arrive at the end of the season winning stuff. Here we are," she added.
Despite being sidelined due to injury for Manchester City Women's crucial WSL match against Aston Villa, where a victory could secure them the league title, Shaw expressed her confidence and support for her teammates. "It’s exciting times. I’m going to be very nervous to be honest but I believe in my team and I love every single one of them out there," she shared. "Once we do our best, hopefully the best is good enough."
As Manchester City Women aim to clinch their second-ever league title, Shaw's recognition as the FWA Player of the Year underscores her impact and the team's collective drive for success. With inspiration drawn from the club's men's team and a shared commitment to achieving excellence, Shaw and her teammates are poised to continue pushing boundaries and striving for further glory in women's football.
Brazil to host 2027 Women's World Cup
Brazil have seen off competition from a joint bid by Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany to earn the right to host the 2027 Women's World Cup.
The United States and Mexico were thought to be favourites to host the next edition of FIFA's showpiece women's football tournament, but they withdrew their bid in April.
They signalled their intention to focus on a bid for the 2031 tournament, while a South African bid for the 2027 event was also withdrawn last November.
That left Brazil and the joint European bid as the only contenders, and on Friday, it was confirmed the 2027 tournament will be the first to be held in South America.
"Congratulations to Brazil," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
"We will have the best World Cup in Brazil. Many thanks as well to the BNG bid, who have been fantastic."
The decision was made at FIFA's annual congress in Bangkok, becoming the first Women's World Cup to be awarded via an open vote of member nations.
Brazil – the host nation for two men's World Cups in 1950 and 2014 – garnered 119 votes to their rivals' 78.
Brazil had launched a bid to hold the 2023 tournament, only to withdraw it due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Australia and New Zealand ultimately co-hosted, with Spain beating England in the final for their first world crown.
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