Leah Williamson, the captain of the England Lionesses, has admitted to experiencing frustration with the team's performances at the Euro 2025 tournament, despite their impressive comebacks. England edged past Italy in a Euro 2025 semi-final thriller. Michelle Agyemang scored a 96th-minute equaliser after England had trailed from the first half, before fellow substitute Chloe Kelly nudged home the rebound from her missed penalty in extra-time to send her team into Sunday's final.
Williamson acknowledged that the journey to the final has been anything but smooth sailing for the defending champions. She stated that "things haven't necessarily gone to plan" for England during the knockout stages of Euro 2025. Despite the challenges, Williamson expressed immense pride in her team's resilience and ability to bounce back from difficult situations. "I am very proud," said Williamson. "I think everybody that plays for this team knows how lucky they are to have stepped into a time when we are so successful, but also just being a part of it, how inspirational it is for us, let alone everybody watching."
The Lionesses' captain highlighted the team's unwavering belief and determination, even when facing adversity. "Whilst there are seconds on the clock, there are seconds that we're just waiting - it's less 'if' and more 'how'," Williamson said. She admitted to being "annoyed that we get ourselves into certain situations, miscommunications or not doing exactly what the plan says, but to bounce back like that you can't take away anything from the team or those girls".
Williamson emphasized the rising level of competition in the tournament, noting that "the level just keeps rising, there are more and more unknowns and you have to be ready for anything". She added that "It has not been smooth sailing and I feel like things haven't necessarily gone to plan". "And I don't think it has gone smooth sailing for anybody yet, which is the point. It makes a great tournament and it shows what is going on. We just have to keep rising as well, this new England has to find their feet quicker, which is good".
Looking ahead to the final, Williamson issued a rallying cry, promising that the Lionesses would give it their all. "We have one more to go, I promise we'll give it everything we have", she said. She also praised the impact of the team's substitutes, stating that they "deserve their flowers" for their contributions to England's success. Williamson, who also captains Arsenal, has had an impressive career, including captaining England to their first UEFA European Championship victory in 2022. She was also named to the Team of the Tournament. Williamson achieved her 50th England cap on 29 October 2024, against South Africa, and scored a goal in their 2–1 victory. On 5 June 2025, she was named to England's squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2025.
