England delighted to have fit-again Williamson back in starting XI for Dublin clash

yesterday, head coach Wiegman replied: “Yep.”

Tonight's game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin will be Williamson's first for the Lionesses since a friendly against Australia last April and Wiegman highlighted the 27-year-old's strengths.

“We've had hard choices to make in the team because I think the competitiveness is really high and we have many options in different positions,” she said. “I think what Leah brings us is vision, in possession she's just very bright and finds the right pass.

“The flexibility, the defence,

Leah Williamson: ACL injury being able to defend the space behind her together with everyone else, because defending doesn't just start with one player, it starts with the team, and I hope Leah will bring that to the team tomorrow.”

Williamson's England return was slightly delayed after she was forced to withdraw from the squad in February for friendly matches due to a hamstring strain, but she admitted her aim was to be “good enough” to return to the team.

“I've enjoyed watching the girls, I've enjoyed being part of that journey in a different way, obviously I've got people that play for the team who are very important to me,” Williamson said.

“It's been a difficult journey, I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the thing I'd had my focus on, this is where I wanted to get back to. I wanted to be good enough to get back into this squad, I've had some of the best memories of my life as part of this team.”

England began their qualifying campaign with a draw against Sweden after Fridolina Rolfo cancelled out Alessia Russo's opener. Ireland were narrowly beaten 1-0 by France in their opener on Thursday.