Leah Williamson relishing England battle for locations forward of France double-header | Soccer Information

Leah Williamson says she is able to battle for a spot in England’s backline for the double-header with France, starting with Friday night time’s conflict at St James’ Park.

England boss Sarina Wiegman might pair Euro 2022-winning centre-backs Williamson and Millie Vibrant collectively for the primary time since February final yr, with each having recovered from knee accidents.

Arsenal defender Williamson and Chelsea’s Vibrant haven’t began collectively for his or her nation since a 6-1 demolition of Belgium at Ashton Gate.

Nonetheless, Williamson, who suffered anterior cruciate ligament harm in April final yr, is taking nothing as a right as she chases a return to the line-up for the Euro 2025 qualifiers towards France, with central defence an space of energy for the Lionesses.

Williamson mentioned: “It is the primary time that, clearly, me and Millie have been again within the squad collectively for a very long time, so it has been good in that regard.

“I believe we have a very sturdy unit – I discussed coming again into the squad about how effectively they’ve carried out and the way they’ve raised the extent, so it is good to be again.

“It’s a competitive unit to try to get into. I’ll look forward to the challenge, I think, as everybody does.”

James dominated out of double-header

Wiegman and England have been dealt an enormous blow forward of the double-header after Lauren James was pressured to withdraw from the squad.

The 22-year-old attacker reported for worldwide responsibility with a foot harm and has needed to admit defeat in her efforts to show her health forward of Friday Group A3 fixture at St James’ Park and the journey to St-Etienne which follows on Tuesday.

Wiegman, who confirmed Tottenham’s Jess Naz had been drafted into the squad from the stand-by record, mentioned when requested if everybody was match: “No, not everyone is available for selection.

“Lauren James did not make it, so she’s not chosen for tomorrow. Jess Naz will probably be added to the group.

“She already had some foot problems at her club, so she came in and we hoped that we could build to tomorrow, but just too early, so unfortunately she can’t stay with us.”

Requested if that might apply to the return in France, Wiegman added: “Yes. She’s going to get prepared for the July window.

“In fact, it is a disappointment. We did all the things, she did all the things, it is simply too early now and it is not ok. You must be actually high, high match to prepare for tomorrow.

“For her and for the team, it’s unfortunate. For Jess, she’s ready, she’s shown good stuff this week in training and with her club, so we have to move on.”

Vibrant: Win over France could be big

Vibrant insists victory towards France could be a press release win for this England aspect.

“It would be huge,” she mentioned. “It’s an extremely competitive group, and France are an incredible team and pose a lot of threats.

“But there’s a lot of things that we can do to put the threats on them. We have to be extremely prepared. We know it’s going to be two tough games.

“However it could be a large message and, as at all times, we do not exit for something apart from wins and a great efficiency.”

Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying: New format explained

Taking inspiration from the Nations League, qualifiers have been cut up into League A, League B and League C, based mostly on their Nations League rankings.

England have fixtures towards Republic of Eire, France and Sweden to look ahead as they start the defence of their trophy.

As with a common Nations League or European Qualifying marketing campaign, every workforce will play one another twice – as soon as at dwelling and as soon as away – in a desk format.

The highest two groups from every of the League A teams will robotically qualify for Euro 2025.

The third and fourth-placed groups will then enter the play-offs, alongside groups from League B and C.