Leah Williamson insists ‘standards are high’ in inexperienced England squad

Captain Leah Williamson admits England’s “fresh” European Championship squad may have less experience than the one which won the tournament in 2022 but insists standards have not dropped.

The Lionesses have faced a whirlwind few weeks after goalkeeper Mary Earps and playmaker Fran Kirby announced their international retirement, while defender Millie Bright pulled out to prioritise her mental health.

There are also seven new faces taking part in their first major tournament in Switzerland – Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, Khiara Keating, Maya le Tissier, Anna Moorhouse and Jess Park.

Preparations are well under way for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who will begin the defence of their European crown against France on July 5.

Asked what the mood is like with so many changes in camp, Williamson said: “Everyone has a good attitude towards the job. This week is graft and then next week you start really focusing and honing in on the tournament.

“It’s a fresh team in that sense. We probably carry less as a team now in terms of the experiences people have had, but I also see a group that is focused and wants to be better all the time.

“The standards are high, the standards from the more experienced players. It was a great session today and then it gets a bit more exciting, come Monday.”

Williamson played a major part in England’s Euro 2022 success but was ruled out of the entire World Cup campaign two years ago as the Lionesses made it to the final before losing to Spain.

The 28-year-old ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament just three months before that tournament and is excited to be back with the group.

She added: “Personally, it’s been a rocky period of time, like highest of highs and lowest of lows.

“I try and put that aside and I think it’s a very different scenario now.

“I feel my age, if that makes sense, like I’ve definitely aged in the last couple of years for good and bad reasons. But it does feel slightly different. It’s slightly different vibes, but I’m so excited to be back.

“I’m still keeping my head down and focusing on staying healthy and being in a good place. But I missed the last time and I’m very, very grateful to be here again.”

Williamson enjoyed a successful season with Arsenal and was part of the team that helped the Gunners to European glory as they beat Barcelona 1-0 in the Champions League final last month.

The Lionesses skipper insists she is now hungry for more success.

“I think one of the greatest things about being an athlete is that when you think you’re done, you always have that extra part of yourself that you can tap into,” she said.

“You win and you think you want to just bathe in that euphoria. But there’s always something else coming, and the best feeling in the world is being hungry for it, and I’m wanting to go again, winning in the summer.

“Being reminded of what that feels like (the Champions League win), I can’t wait for the next challenge.”