Leah Williamson has admitted that captaining England in their Euro 2022 opener in front of a home crowd will be a memory she will cherish forever.
Williamson is set to lead the Lionesses out at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening as they kick off their European Championship campaign against Austria on home soil, with the fixture also marking her maiden start in a major tournament at senior level.
The fixture sold out within hours of going on general sale, and the Lionesses are considered one of the pre-tournament favourites. While the England captain admitted her side were aware of the external pressure on them, she insisted they were keen to enjoy the experience.
“I’m very proud obviously, just as proud as I was yesterday,” Williamson said. “I’m sure tomorrow when I look back, it will be a moment I’ll want to remember forever.
“Knowing how big a moment tomorrow is… we know what to expect, we’re ready for it. Pressure’s a privilege and it’s something we’re embracing. That comes with it, that’s part of a job, but it doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy it as well.
“We’re not robots, there’s going to be nerves. We’re aware of the expectation but we’re aware of that from external sources, but within the camp it’s all about the excitement of it and the enjoyment of it. And this is my job; if I wasn’t ready for tomorrow and if I wasn’t allowed to enjoy tomorrow, why would I do it? That kind of mentality.”
Williamson was restricted to one substitute cameo at the 2019 World Cup three years ago, but has established herself as a regular starter under Sarina Wiegman and was officially named England captain in April.
The 25-year-old is typically followed home and away by a loyal band of family support – and their excitement on Wednesday evening will be a close second to hers.
“I think the only thing that could top being on the pitch and being with my team will be sitting with them (my family),” Williamson said. “They’ll be really excited and again, very proud moment and I hope they drink it in and enjoy it as much as I will.”
