Esme Morgan says England squad 'very optimistic' Leah Williamson will play against Italy in Euro 2025 semi-final
Published 19/07/2025 at 14:03 GMT+1
England's Esme Morgan said the Lionesses are "very optimistic" that Leah Williamson will feature against Italy in the Euro 2025 semi-final on Tuesday. The England skipper was forced off with an ankle injury in extra-time of Thursday's quarter-final, as Sarina Wiegman's side came from 2-0 down to beat Sweden on penalties. Williamson was subsequently seen using crutches and a protective boot.
'I'm in a presser!' - Hilarious moment Hampton takes phone call during interview
Video credit: UEFA
England defender Esme Morgan said the Lionesses are "very optimistic" that Leah Williamson will play against Italy in Tuesday's Euro 2025 semi-final.
On Thursday, Sarina Wiegman’s side came back from 2-0 down to beat Sweden on penalties and qualify for their seventh Women’s Euro semi-final.
However, England skipper Williamson went off in extra-time after rolling her ankle, and was subsequently seen using crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Williamson’s likely replacement, Morgan, stressed that the Arsenal defender should be available to take on Italy.
"She seemed in very high spirits this morning. I want what's best for the team, and that's absolutely having our captain on the pitch," said Morgan.
"It is the same as every single game - be prepared to play if I'm needed, know the role, just be absolutely ready and train at a high level over the next few days. But we're very optimistic that Leah will be fine."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/07/18/image-c90658d7-a6d5-4884-90a6-17b99877db5a-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
England squad react to 'incredible' shoot-out victory over Sweden - 'I felt sick!'
Video credit: SNTV
Morgan, who made her tournament debut against Sweden, added: "It was really, really special. Apparently my mum was sobbing when I came on, bless her.
"It doesn't take much to set her off watching the football. I think she was crying again when we won, so a lot of tears were shed. It was just really nice to get that opportunity.
- Arsenal sign England international Noni Madueke from rivals Chelsea
- Bayern Munich plan to sign Luis Diaz as Liverpool close in on Hugo Ekitike transfer - Paper Round
"I have been working hard throughout the tournament to stay prepared if I was called on. I felt really ready when that happened to be able to make an impact.
"I was really excited and to be able to turn it around and get the win at the end was such a joyous moment."
England are the first reigning champions to reach a semi-final since Germany back in 2013, while Wiegman is on course to reach her third final in a row, having done so as the Netherlands boss in 2017 and England manager in 2022.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/07/18/image-db581d5f-e704-49cb-9496-9acd249a6aae-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'I'm in a presser!' - Hilarious moment Hampton takes phone call during interview
Video credit: UEFA
Morgan said: "When you speak to Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood about it, because they've been part of many tournaments, it's amazing speaking to them about the journey and the things that have changed.
"It's a big source of pride that England have got to the latter stages of this tournament.
"We've had three must-win games that we've come through now. It's exciting for the fans back home to get through to these stages of the tournaments."
Stream the Premier League, Men's and Women's FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement