There’s something special about the energy in the room.
It’s not just the anticipation of a major final — it’s the presence of a leader who’s seen it all.
Leah Williamson enters the press conference not with nerves, but with the calm control of someone who knows what it takes to stand tall under pressure.
The media space is buzzing — every chair taken, journalists lining the aisles, all eager to catch every word ahead of what could be another landmark in England’s football journey.
Symbol of Strength and Pride
On her ear, she’s still wearing the tiny Arsenal cannon — a piece of jewellery she’s worn proudly since that unforgettable night in Lisbon, where Arsenal lifted the Champions League trophy.
It’s more than an accessory; it’s a quiet nod to her journey, her resilience, and her pride in where she’s come from.
Williamson catches a few friendly faces in the crowd, including ex-Arsenal teammate Jen Beattie.
She takes a sip of water and smiles — completely at ease.
A Touch of Humor and Real Talk
When asked about teammate Lauren James, her answer is both supportive and diplomatic.
“Lauren brings something different, just like the others,” she replies.
But it’s the next question — about whether England have timed their peak perfectly — that gets a bigger reaction.
“Yeah, it was all part of the plan. We’ve just been making sure fans have got their money’s worth,” she jokes, drawing laughter from the room.
This is a woman who’s enjoying the moment — not someone weighed down by expectation.
From the Sidelines to the Spotlight
What makes this moment even more meaningful for Williamson is how far she’s come since the last tournament.
Two years ago, she was sidelined with injury, forced to watch helplessly as England’s dreams slipped away.
“Once you’re part of a team, you understand how exhausting a tournament can be,” she reflects.
“To sit with the families and feel that helplessness — it really puts things in perspective. And honestly, we haven’t been the easiest on our families this time around either.”
Her words show not just empathy, but a deep understanding of the emotional toll this level of sport can take — on players and their loved ones.
Pushing Past the Pain
This tournament hasn’t been without its own scares.
In the quarter-final, Williamson rolled her ankle — a moment that could’ve spelled trouble.
But she pushed through, playing 85 minutes in the semi-final and bouncing back stronger.
And she’s not alone.
“I can speak for every single member of the squad when I say that we will play through absolutely anything to be involved on this stage,” she says firmly.
No Underdogs Here
As they gear up to face Spain — statistically the stronger side, with more goals, fewer concessions, and dominant possession — Williamson refuses to adopt the underdog label.
“They’re the world champions and a brilliant footballing team — no doubt about that.
But we think we’re pretty good, too. We have our strengths, and we’ll need to be at our very best.”
She adds, “I think they’ll need to be at their best to beat us as well.
There’s a lot of respect between the two teams, and I wouldn’t say there’s a clear underdog. This is a new game.”
What’s Next?
What’s next is simple: one match, one shot at glory, and one team ready to give everything.
Leah Williamson isn’t just leading England onto the pitch — she’s leading them with belief, poise, and a heart that’s all in.