England are optimistic captain Leah Williamson will be fit for their Euro 2025 semi-final clash with Italy.
Williamson was forced off with an ankle injury during the Lionesses’ dramatic quarter-final with Sweden.
Sarina Wiegman’s side progressed 3-2 on penalties after fighting back from 2-0 down to force extra time.
The defending champions missed four spot-kicks, but survived as Sweden failed five times in a remarkable shoot-out.
Smilla Holmberg blazed over to secure England’s progression, but the potential absence of centre-back Williamson would be a significant concern given the vulnerabilities they have displayed at the back throughout the tournament.
But Esme Morgan, who came on for Williamson after she was taken off, is confident the Arsenal star will be ready to face the Azzurri.
“We’re very optimistic that Leah will be available,” Morgan told a press conference.
“She seemed in very high spirits this morning. I want what’s best for the team, and that’s absolutely having our captain on the pitch for us.
“[My preparation] is the same as every single game, be prepared to play if I’m needed, I’ll know the role, and just be absolutely ready to train at a high level over the next few days.
“But we’re very optimistic that Leah will be fine.”
On England’s process of recovering and switching focus to the clash with Italy, Morgan said: “Everyone who played significant minutes had a recovery day to be able to just sort of reset, get moving again. The finishers went to train and had a really intense session.
“It’s just a case of getting off feet, bringing yourself back down to earth, even mentally, just to have a chilled day to reset after all of the excitement of the night before.
“And then same again today. Just everyone being able to relax, switch off a little bit, ready to then turn our full focus to the Italy game and be ready to go with full energy into that.”
