The defender will represent the Lionesses for the first time since sustaining a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) in April 2023 in Tuesday's (09.04.24) Euro 2025 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland and is prepared for the tears to flow as she plays for her country once more.

Williamson - who captained England to victory on home soil at Euro 2022 - said: "It will be emotional. I'm an emotional person. We've all seen me cry on many occasions. It was emotional last week because if there's a team you want to be in, in the world, England would be right up there. I love playing for England.

"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.

"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."

Wiegman is ready for a tough match against Ireland and hopes that Williamson's composure in possession proves to be a useful attribute for her team.

The coach said: "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.

"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."