England captain Leah Williamson revealed how she and the reigning European champions plan on negating the impact of Arsenal and Republic of Ireland star Katie McCabe.
The highly-anticipated Euro 2025 qualifier between the Lionesses and the Irish has an added dash of excitement, with Williamson confirmed to start and captain England against Ireland captain and Arsenal teammate McCabe.
McCabe has been the star for Eileen Gleeson's side, helping her nation to a first-ever Women’s World Cup last summer while playing for one of women’s football’s biggest clubs, supplying memorable game-clinching moments along the way.
But Williamson said that styling McCabe’s influence boils down to simple tactics.
“Well if she doesn’t have the ball then she can’t do anything, so that’s a good start,” Williamson said jovially when asked about how to limit McCabe during Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“I was hoping for that answer,” echoed England boss Sarina Wiegman.
Williamson will make her long-awaited return to the England starting XI after a year-long absence due to an ACL injury. The Arsenal centre-back shared her pride at returning to the apex of her game.
“The level in this team is so high and the way that, especially in my unit, the versatility is so good for England," she said. "Coming back in, I know there is pressure to reach a certain level."
Williamson confirmed that there's been "no communication" with her Arsenal teammate ahead of Tuesday's clash, though she heaped praise on her fellow Gunner, particularly her penchant for game-defining moments.
“Katie [McCabe] is a big personality,” Williamson said. “She’s always been someone who is really proud of where she comes from and she’s been authentic in that with friends so a lot of people connect with her in that way.
“She knows her strengths and she has those strengths that can be game-changing, which has raised the profile of her game and subsequently Arsenal’s, so she’s been an important player for us over the last couple of years.”
The Lionesses slugged out a difficult 1-1 draw with Sweden to start their Euro 2025 qualification campaign and European title defence. Many have dubbed the qualification group, which features three of the top six FIFA-ranked nations, the dreaded “group of death”. And while the Republic of Ireland are not one of the group’s top-six ranked nations, Williamson underlined the challenge they will pose.
“They had a 1-0 result against France, I think it is going to be a test for us. They have key players up top but also a strong defensive line as well."
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