Leah Williamson has revealed a flare-up of endometriosis nearly ruined her chances of participating in England’s victorious 2022 European Championship campaign.
The 25-year-old Arsenal defender led the Lionesses to Euros glory at the heart of the defence, replacing Steph Houghton as national team captain just before the tournament, but Williamson nearly had to miss the tournament herself due to severe pains.
Williamson was diagnosed with endometriosis last year after suffering from intense period pains, and a concussion injury just before the Euros put her tournament participation in doubt.
In an interview with Women’s Health, Williamson said: “Before the Euros I had a concussion, which they say can really impact your next period, and it was bad – like, really bad.
What is endometriosis?
“You know when you’re on the bathroom floor and literally like: ‘I can’t move.’ When it’s too late to take the tablets because I’m, like, in it now.
“I was like, ‘it cannot happen.’ Like, I actually won’t be able to play. [An endometriosis flare-up] is a big fear when you get to a tournament not injured.
“I don’t change too much around [my cycle] now. Unless I’m on the floor. And then I’m like: ‘I won’t make it today’. I’m a professional athlete, I’ve always been like, ‘let’s get on with it’.”
Williamson played in every minute of the tournament and the Lionesses conceded only two goals in the entire tournament.
The defender was also named in the Team of the Tournament alongside fellow Lionesses Mary Earps, Keira Walsh and Player of the Tournament Beth Mead.
Five months since the Lionesses created history and won the Euros, Sarina Wiegman reflects on a summer that transformed women’s football.
Wiegman was described by captain Williamson as the “missing ingredient” the Lionesses needed to win their first major tournament. What is the legacy of that famous victory so far? How has women’s football changed and what would winning the World Cup in 2023 mean? Sky Sports News spoke to the head coach of the England women’s team at the stadium where they created history.
England players have continued their talks with the government as they attempt to get equal access for girls to play football in schools.
Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Baroness Sue Campbell met officials and ministers from the Department for Education earlier this month following talks with then PM Liz Truss in October, Sky Sports News can reveal.
Following their Euros success, the Lionesses wrote an open letter to government urging them to ensure girls have access to at least two hours of PE each week and the guidance of female teachers in the subject.
It comes as the FA also released the latest participation and growth of women’s game figures, which show Women’s Super League attendances in 2022/23 have increased by 227 per cent compared to last season.
Other figures include:
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