Leah Williamson has been named in the England squad for next month’s Euro 2025 qualifiers against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

Last month the Lionesses captain was forced to withdraw from her first England squad since April after injuring her hamstring, but the Arsenal defender has since recovered to be included in the 23-player squad.

The 26-year-old, who was captain for England’s Euro 2022 triumph, missed last summer’s World Cup after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept her out for nine months.

But Williamson’s inclusion for the start of England’s European Championship title defence raises hopes she will make her first Lionesses appearance since April 11, 2023.

Manchester United defender Millie Turner, who replaced Williamson in last month’s squad, keeps her place but team-mate Maya Le Tissier misses out.

Sarina Wiegman’s side face Sweden in their opening qualifier on April 5 at Wembley, the scene of their famous Euro 2022 final victory, before playing the Republic of Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium four days later on April 9.