You wouldn’t guess there’s a major tournament final just hours away judging by Leah Williamson’s cool and confident demeanor.
The England captain strolled into the pre-match press conference as if it were just another day at the office.
No nerves, no theatrics—just that steady, grounded energy that’s become her trademark.
Every seat was taken. Journalists even stood in the aisles, leaning forward to catch every word from England’s skipper and her manager.
This is more than just another football match—this is a moment in English football history, and everyone knew it.
A Reminder of Her Arsenal Roots
If you looked closely, you’d spot something special in her ear: the iconic Arsenal cannon.
It’s been a constant in her wardrobe ever since that unforgettable night in Lisbon two months ago, when she and her club lifted the Champions League trophy.
A subtle nod to her roots, and to how far she’s come.
As she took her seat, Williamson exchanged friendly smiles with familiar faces, including former teammate Jen Beattie. Then it was time to speak.
“Peaking at the Right Time? That Was Always the Plan”
When asked about Lauren James’ role in the squad, she kept it balanced and inclusive: “Lauren brings something different, just like the others,” she said warmly.
But the room lit up when she was asked if the Lionesses had timed their rise perfectly for the final.
With a playful grin, she quipped, “Yeah, it was all part of the plan.
We’ve just been making sure fans got their money’s worth.”
The laughter that followed wasn’t just polite—it was genuine. This wasn’t a tense, tight-lipped captain.
This was a leader enjoying the moment.
Redemption After Watching from the Sidelines
This final hits differently for Williamson. Two years ago, she had to watch the same opponent from the stands, sidelined by injury as England’s World Cup dreams slipped away.
That helpless feeling stuck with her.
“Once you’ve been part of a team, you know how much it takes out of you.
And when you’re not on the pitch, you see what families go through, too,” she reflected.
“It makes me look back and realize we haven’t been very kind to them this time around.”
That emotional distance made this tournament all the more personal.
She’s not taking a single second for granted.
No Pain, No Problem
Despite a scare in the quarter-final when she rolled her ankle, Williamson came back strong.
She played 85 minutes in the semi-final and is now fully fit for the showdown.
And if anyone on the team is nursing knocks or aches? Don’t expect them to slow down.
“I can speak for every single member of the squad when I say we’ll play through absolutely anything to be out there,” she said firmly.
England will leave nothing in the tank.
Facing the Best, Without Fear
Spain come into the final with the stats in their favor—more goals scored, fewer conceded, and commanding possession.
The odds say they’re the favorites.
But Williamson isn’t buying into the underdog narrative.
“We’re playing the world champions. They’ve proven themselves again and again, and they play incredible football,” she acknowledged.
“But we’re pretty good too. To beat them, we’ll have to be at our best.
And they’ll have to be at theirs to beat us.”
Her respect for the Spanish side is clear, but so is her belief in her own squad. She’s not here to be underestimated.
Eyes on the Now
She was quick to remind everyone that past results don’t decide finals.
“You can’t get too caught up in the last game—good or bad.
We’ve watched Spain closely, just like I’m sure they’ve watched us.
But tomorrow is a new game.”
For Leah Williamson, that new game represents more than just a shot at another trophy.
It’s a return to the pitch she once watched from the sidelines.
And this time, she’s in control of her story.
