It’s been almost seven months since captain and WH January cover star, Leah Williamson, led the Lionesses to victory in the UEFA Women’s Euros.
Here’s all you need to know about the footballer as the England Women’s Football team competes in the Arnold Clark Cup, taking on South Korea, Italy and Belgium in the group stages.
Who is Leah Williamson?
Leah Williamson is the current captain of the England Women’s football team, taking over from Steph Houghton before the UEFA Women’s Euro’s in summer 2021.
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Her footballing journey began at the age of six when her gymnastics teacher threw a football out for the girls to play with after a session. And for Leah, it was love at first kick.
Falling in love with the game, Leah’s mum got her to try out for the local boys’ team Scot Youth, based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, where Leah Williamson was born. Despite being the only girl on the team, Leah became the star striker for the next year.
What club does Leah Williamson play for?
When she’s not on the pitch representing England, Leah Williamson plays for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.
The 25-year-old is a defender and is known for having a knack at being in the right place at the right time. You can catch her wearing shirt number six when she plays.
When did Leah Williamson start playing for England?
The 5ft 7 (170cm) defender started playing for England at a young age, representing the country in every age group from the U15s team, right up to securing her spot on the senior team and eventually being made captain in time for the Euro’s.
She made her England senior debut in June 2018 when the team played in Russia as part of their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying matches. Originally, she was used sparingly, with her first senior team goal coming in November 2019 when she scored a late winner in the Czech Republic.
Now Leah has an impressive total of 39 senior England caps and is believed to be worth around £4 million.
What is a standout moment from Leah Williamson’s career?
Leah first burst into the sporting limelight in 2015 when she was playing for the England U19 team in a tournament at Seaview Stadium in Belfast.
Facing Norway, England were trailing 2-1 when Leah scored an injury-time penalty, however, the referee ruled it wasn’t a goal due to player encroachment – when any part of a player’s foot, who isn’t the kick-taker or goalie foot, enters the penalty area while the penalty kick is taken.
Rather than retake the kick, Norway were granted a free-kick and England lost… until five days later when UEFA ruled that the final seconds of the game should be replayed. Leah Williamson then retook the penalty and calmly sealed the deal and ensured qualification for England. This girl has nerves of steel!
What awards has Leah Williamson won?
Early on in her career, Leah Williamson was named England’s Young Player of the Year for 2014.
The footballer comes from a divided footballing family, with her brother and father Tottenham Hotspur fans, while her mother, grandmother, and herself, support Tottenham’s main rivals, Arsenal.
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Throughout her time playing with Arsenal, Leah has won the FA Women’s Super League title as well as the Women’s FA Cup title.
And her wins don’t stop there. With England, she won the SheBelieves Cup in 2019, when the team beat Japan 3-0; as well as last year’s Arnold Clark Cup. Of course, who could forget this summer when the Lionesses secured their first ever Women’s Euro’s win after beating Germany in the final.
With so many triumphs under her name, it is no wonder that Leah was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year Honours list for her services to football. Her role as captain has made her a role model for many young girls wanting to get into football and put pressure on the FA to support the progression of the women’s game.
In her WH cover star interview, Leah said: “If you’re not prepared to [be famous], you’re doing a disservice to the game and all those women that had to pretend to be boys to be able to play. I understand that I stand on the shoulders of those people.”
Pretty inspiring stuff.
What does Leah Williamson do off the pitch?
Most recently, Leah Williamson announced the news that she is releasing a book, titled: Leah Williamson: You Have The Power. It is set to be the first in a three-book deal with Macmillan Children’s Books where the captain will share guidance to young children on how to realise their dreams and live life to their full potential.
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“It’s a positive guide, full of stories from my life, tips and advice and I hope it will inspire young people to be the TRUE and best version of themselves,” shared Leah on her Instagram, @leahwilliamsonn.
You can also catch up with the Lioness captain on Twitter, @leahcwilliamson.
