England captain Leah Williamson says that this evening’s opponents Northern Ireland have developed significantly in recent years and their threat must be taken seriously.
The Lionesses travel to a sold out Windsor Park to face The Green and White Army in a FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 qualifier. It is very much ‘last chance saloon’ for the hosts who need to win the game to have any chance of making the play-offs.
Northern Ireland are the lowest ranked team in this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO while they have pushed hard to qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. When speaking in the pre-match press conference, England captain Williamson said that Northern Ireland have grown over the last couple of years and they are now a very tough opponent.
“It has (come on a lot in Northern Ireland),” Williamson said. “The amount of girls that are playing in the English league, we see them week in, week out and when they come together (on the international stage) they raise their game and what they expect of themselves. They are showing with each game that comes that they are a serious contender in any game that they play now in terms of being able to deliver. I think the qualification for the EUROs is just another example of that.
“The only way to take a nation forward is to put yourselves in those positions. I am delighted for them and I think that the sell-out crowd speaks for itself.”
Williamson will return to the England side this evening for the first time since being handed the captaincy for this summer’s EUROs. The player said that being handed the captaincy was a reward for her family’s dedication.
She said “It was a very proud moment, it is the biggest honour in football. I appreciate that and I understand the pressure which comes with that title, especially in England.
“My family are obviously very happy for me. For us, it’s our job and something that we do on a daily basis but for them, it’s something nice to enjoy after all these years following me around to watch me. To do it on the biggest stage with that responsibility is a really proud moment for them.”
England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 qualifier against Northern Ireland kicks-off at 7.55pm.
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