Football
Tom Hamilton, Senior Writer 2y

Leah Williamson to captain England at Euro 2022

Leah Williamson has been confirmed as England's captain for the 2022 UEFA Women's European Championship.

Williamson, 25, has stepped in to cover the captaincy while Steph Houghton has been out through injury. With Houghton continuing her comeback from an Achilles injury, the Lionesses' manager Sarina Wiegman has opted to hand Williamson the captaincy for this summer's championship.

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"This is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family and I am honoured to be asked to lead us at the Euros," Williamson said. "Although I will be wearing the armband, I know we have a squad full of leaders who share my pride and passion in playing for our country. Whether I am captain or not, I will never take anything for granted and will always do my best for England every time I pull on the shirt."

With Williamson confirmed as England skipper, Wiegman has also announced centre-back Millie Bright as vice-captain and striker Ellie White as the third in line.

Houghton had captained England since 2014 and Williamson paid tribute to her:

She said: "Steph Houghton is one of this country's all-time greats and to follow in her footsteps -- and all of those special names who have led the team in the past -- means so much."

England are in camp preparing for two World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Northern Ireland. And then attention shifts to the Euros with England opening their campaign against Austria on July 6.

"This decision gives us continuity at this important final period as we build towards the tournament," Wiegman said. "It is important we give everyone clarity at this stage.

"Leah has been a great leader for us and I know she will continue to set the example we need in her work on and off the pitch. While I know this is significant news for our fans, for me the most important thing is that we work hard in training and perform to the best we can in our matches as a team. The main thing is we are ready for our World Cup qualifiers and then the Euro this summer.

"She joins a proud list of England captains and will be following in the footsteps of the likes of the first captain Sheila Parker but also her predecessor Steph Houghton who have all been integral for the women's game."

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