Carsley leaves new England boss Tuchel with perfect present

It's too easy for Ramirez! Clinical Chelsea look ominous

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

The best Premier League loanees of the season so far

Kane the lock-picker! Perfect pass opens England floodgates

How to watch Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson from anywhere

Kroos opens door to Real Madrid return 

Ronaldo stunner the cherry on top for five-star Portugal 

Mount to be handed second chance at Man Utd under Amorim

England's post-Kane era finally looks far more rosy

Should he stay or should he go? Miami's Luis Suarez dilemma

Guardiola 'reaches agreement in principle' over future

Man Utd confirm Ruben Amorim's coaching staff

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Williamson recalled to Lionesses squad by Wiegman</li><li>Walsh can't wait to reunite with her on the pitch</li><li>England set to play Euro 2025 qualifying matches</li></ul>

‘A massive boost’ - Lionesses star Keira Walsh buzzing to have ‘best friend’ Leah Williamson back in England set-up after lengthy absence through injury

Friendlies

England

Williamson's<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-star-leah-williamson-reacts-after-returning-lionesses-squad-first-time-since-acl-injury/blt427b63bda83eca38#cs30544be084bd72b3" target="_blank"> comeback marks a significant milestone </a>in her journey to reclaim her position on the international stage, following a debilitating ACL injury that prevented her from participating in the 2023 Women's World Cup. And as she gears up for a comeback, midfielder Walsh elaborated on the profound impact Williamson's return would have on the team, citing her invaluable presence and composed demeanour on the pitch.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to Sky Sports, Walsh said: "I am really happy. Obviously, she has a massive presence on the pitch. You can feel the aura by just being there. She is just so calm and composed. Definitely, having my best friend back is a massive boost."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">"Having my best friend back also is a massive boost" ❤️ Keira Walsh is buzzing to have Leah Williamson back 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/LOCxvFFKRg">pic.twitter.com/LOCxvFFKRg</a>— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsWSL/status/1775810554864513424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WHAT WALSH SAID

Despite her commendable progress, Williamson has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-leah-williamson-fitness-gunners-jonas-eidevall-medical-lionesses-conti-cup-final/blte4f0ebeaefd332e3#cs6e716aeb0961e04b" target="_blank">encountered setbacks along the way.</a> Initially called up for England's friendlies against Austria and Italy in February, she was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a hamstring injury. Her last international appearance dates back to April 2023 in a match against Australia.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Williamson's return not only bolsters England's defensive prowess but also underscores her resilience and determination in overcoming adversity. The Lionesses will come against formidable challenges in their upcoming Euro 2025 qualifying fixtures against Sweden and Republic of Ireland, scheduled for April 5 and 9, respectively. However, the decision rests with head coach Sarina Wiegman on whether to grant Williamson a starting role or opt for a phased approach to reintegrate her into the side.

WHAT NEXT?

‘A massive boost’ - Lionesses star Keira Walsh buzzing to have ‘best friend’ Leah Williamson back in England set-up after lengthy absence through injury | Goal.com Tanzania

Keira Walsh says it is a &quot;massive boost&quot; to have &quot;best friend&quot; Leah Williamson back with England after her year away from the squad through injury.