Former England Women’s midfielder Fara Williams has told us that the Lionesses can win this summer’s European Championship, while she’s backing Lauren Hemp to star during the tournament.
Capped over 170 times for her country, Williams, speaking at a William Hill preview event ahead of the tournament, is hoping England manager Sarina Wiegman’s experience will see them home.
She said: “I really think England are going to win the Euros this summer. I think the manager, Sarina Wiegman, will be a massive factor with her previous experience of winning it with Netherlands and I think she’ll bring that to England.”
Williams admits it’s a very open tournament this year, but feels Norway, with the addition of Ada Hegerberg after five years out of the side, could be the team that England face in the final.
She said: “I’m excited to see Hegerberg again. She smashed the Champions League this year with Lyon and I think she strengthens their team massively. I think Norway are a bit of a dark horse and if they can keep their starting 11 fit through the tournament, we could see an England-Norway final.”
Many have been impressed by PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp and Williams is no different, backing the Manchester City forward to thrive at this summer’s tournament.
She said: “She’s got me excited in every game that I’ve been a pundit at this season. She’s just exciting and fearless and in football we always love those players that go one-on-one with defenders. She’s the type of player that gets you off your seat.”
Williams added: “Lauren has been man of the match in virtually every game I’ve seen her play in which shows her consistency levels and, in all honesty, I can’t see anyone standing out more than her during the tournament.”
Wiegman made the big call to leave out captain Steph Houghton from her squad for the Euros, but it was a decision that Williams wasn’t surprised by.
“There’s pros and cons to whether she should have gone or not,” Williams said. “She’s been captain for seven years and has been fantastic every time she’s put the shirt on, but she’s been injured for a while now and hasn’t played a game.
“When I played, if Kelly Smith or I had an injury ahead of a major tournament we’d still go and play half-fit. I just think the game has moved on so much since we played you can’t get away with it and you get found out.”
And while Williams accepts Houghton will be a big loss to the Lionesses, she thinks Leah Williamson will be a great captain for England.
“For somebody so young, Leah Williamson’s maturity levels are just crazy,” she said. “Not just off the pitch when you speak to her but on it too – she plays well above her years. She’s very likeable and gets on with everyone.
“Her communication is fantastic, both with the players and the manager, and those are the types of people that you need as a captain. Those that can liaise with the players and the staff and be the sort of teacher’s pet. I think it’s a good appointment and the perfect one for this England team moving forward.”
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