Leah Williamson is set to make her first England appearance in a year after being named to Sarina Wiegman’s team for the start of Women’s Euro 2025 qualification next month.
The Arsenal defender, who led her country to victory at Euro 2022 on home soil, missed the World Cup last year due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Williamson was named to the February squad for friendly victories against Austria and Italy, but he had to withdraw due to a hamstring injury.
England’s Euros defence begins on April 5 with a visit from Sweden to Wembley Stadium, followed by a four-day travel to the Republic of Ireland.
France is also in the heavyweight division, with the top two automatically qualifying for the event in Switzerland next year and the worst two entering the playoffs.
“I’m looking forward to working with (Williamson) again,” said Wiegman on Tuesday.
“She recovered really well, it doesn’t take too long which is good.
“Now she is getting into a rhythm. Of course she has not played many games yet, but she is getting there and she needs the minutes now.”
Wiegman’s women overcame their disappointment after losing out on the Paris Olympics by defeating Austria 7-2 and Italy 5-1 last month.
Fran Kirby of Chelsea has returned to the squad following a knee injury, although her club teammate Millie Bright, who captained the Lionesses in Williamson’s absence, is still injured.
“February’s window showed who we are and where we want to go and we’ll look to continue that momentum from the minute we arrive at St. George’s Park next week,” added Wiegman.
“We know it’s a challenging group, but it’s really exciting. These are all big games that will test us and that’s the kind of fixtures we want to play in.”