Captain Williamson named in Lionesses squad for first time since ACL injury

England captain Leah Williamson has been named in Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses squad for the first time since recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Williamson, 26, was forced to sit out the Women's World Cup last summer after suffering the serious setback while playing for Arsenal in April.

But she recently returned to action for the Gunners and is now in contention for England's upcoming friendly double-header against Austria and Italy.

Midfielder Jess Park is also back in the fold following her impressive form for Manchester City, with Manchester United skipper Katie Zelem dropping out.

Millie Bright and Bethany England are ruled out through injury, while there is also no place for Red Devils ace Nikita Parris despite her impressive run of scoring form for Marc Skinner's side.

Beth Mead has kept her place after recovering from the same injury as Williamson in time to make Wiegman's last squad.

The Lionesses face Austria at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Spanish city Algeciras on Friday, February 23 before locking horns with Italy the following Tuesday at the same venue.

Lionesses boss Wiegman said: "This camp is where the road to Euro 2025 in Switzerland begins. 

"Playing against strong teams like Austria and Italy is just the preparation we need before we kick off our qualifying campaign in April. 

"I am really looking forward to getting back on the grass with the squad."

The draw for Euro 2025 qualifiers takes place on March 5.

England squad to face Austria and Italy

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Tottenham), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona)

Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)