Leah Williamson back in England squad for March friendlies

Leah Williamson is back in the Lionesses squad ahead of friendlies against Austria and Italy in Spain.

Williamson led England to European Championship triumph in 2022 and is back in the squad for the first time since injuring her ACL in April last year. The serious injury meant she missed the Women's World Cup, but she made her return to action in January in Arsenal's 6-0 win over Reading.

Since then, she has started against West Ham in the WSL and Manchester City in the FA Cup and will look to play her first international football later this month since helping the Lionesses triumph in the Finalissima in April 2023.

“Yes, of course, it's really nice, especially for her,” England coach Sarina Wiegman said of Williamson. “She's back and getting minutes at Arsenal. She's doing well and it'll be great to see her next week in camp. It's really nice to have her back, she's a really good player. Even though she's away for months, her decision the realization is really good and she continues to build.”

The only other change to the team that faced the Netherlands and Scotland in England's last two Nations League matches in December sees Jess Park take the place of Katie Zelem. Millie Bright remains unavailable due to injury. “Millie is in rehab and is on the plan,” Wiegman said. “She's in a good position and needs more time. It's step by step.”

But there is no place in the team for in-form Manchester United striker Nikita Parris, who has 15 goals in 16 matches. “Of course, the competition is very high,” Wiegman said of Parris. “Due to the competition, we made other decisions. We noticed that she played well in the No. 9 position. We had a conversation with her but I made decisions with other players in this camp. She is available and we “I am watching her very closely.”

England face Austria on February 23 and Italy on February 27 at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras before beginning their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

“This camp is the starting point of the road to Euro 2025 in Switzerland,” Wiegman said. “Playing against strong teams like Austria and Italy is just the preparation we need before we kick off our qualifying campaign in April. I’m really looking forward to getting back on the pitch with the team.

“This is the first time we will be together as a group again since last year. Traveling for this camp will give us a great opportunity to connect again on and off the field and allow us to give minutes to many players. Being in Spain with hopefully good weather and excellent facilities, it's the perfect setting for the work we need to do as a team to prepare for another very important year ahead.”

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating.

Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy

Midfielder : Grace Clinton, Fran Kirby, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh,

Advantages: Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo