Leah Williamson's injury raises concerns ahead of Euro 2025 semi-final

In Zurich, Switzerland, Leah Williamson, the captain of the England women's football team, suffered an ankle injury during a dramatic Euro 2025 quarter-final match against Sweden. This match took place on July 17, 2025, where England managed to come from two goals down and secured a victory by winning in a penalty shootout, thus keeping their title defense alive. After rolling her ankle in the first period of extra time, Williamson was forced to leave the pitch and later seen using crutches, raising concerns regarding her availability for the semi-final against Italy scheduled for July 21, 2025. Following the match, England's coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed that Williamson would undergo assessment for her injury to determine her fitness for the upcoming game. Despite the severity of the injury being uncertain, team optimism surged as her condition was deemed not as serious as initially feared. Defender Esme Morgan, who filled in during extra time after Williamson's exit, expressed hope that the captain would be fit to play. Furthermore, reports emerged that the team's morale remained high, with other players showing determination to continue regardless of individual fatigue. Williamson's leadership qualities have been a significant motivator for her teammates throughout the tournament. Esme Morgan reiterated that Williamson's presence on the field is crucial for the team's performance, reflecting the captain's influential role. Additionally, the team engaged in an intense training session leading up to the semi-final, with all players participating including those who had experienced minor injuries during the quarter-final match. As the semi-final approaches, England is focused on preparing for what could be an intense clash against Italy, a team that has not reached the semi-finals since 1997. England, having a strong track record in recent major tournaments, is set to compete with the hopes of advancing to the final again. The squad's spirit seems unyielding as they aim to overcome the injury concerns and deliver a strong performance against Italy to keep their title defense alive.