Leah Williamson says England are aiming to complete their task after the Euro 2022 hosts secured a place in Sunday’s final. The England captain, who has played every game after just eight minutes of football at the 2019 World Cup, will lead the team out at Wembley in front of a sell-out crowd.
After goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby saw them power to a 4-0 semi-final win over Sweden at Bramall Lane, the Lionesses are in their first major tournament final since the Euro 2009.
Either Germany or France will be the opponents, as they seek to get into the hands of major platforms for the first time in their history.
Asked about the development of English women’s football and working towards a moment like Sunday, Williamson said: “We started a journey and people have changed the game. That’s the likes of [former England skipper] Carol Thomas, Jill Scott, Ellen White, who I looked up to and was inspired by when I was younger.
“And now it’s about doing our job on the field. That’s the most powerful thing, the biggest way to contribute, and that’s what we’re focusing on.
“I know I have a job to do, but who says I can’t enjoy these moments and the team can’t enjoy these moments? That’s what I hope, that we’re giving off that vibe. It is genuine and people can enjoy it with us. I hope the crowd at Wembley have as much fun as we did, because I promise you we will.
“We have a bit of preparation to do, we don’t even know who we’re playing yet. But for me, walking out on that field tonight was an amazing feeling and I can imagine the weekend will be amazing as well.
“I have a scarf around my neck that says, ‘Home is where the heart is’ and to have our families on this journey, to go out to Wembley, I think it’s something we really have to embrace. I want to appreciate it for which it is, but I have a job to do and that will be the most important thing.”
In a semi-final full of remarkable performances, Williamson singled out goalkeeper Mary Earps, who made an important save after 20 seconds and another to put the Lionesses up 2-0.
“I’m going to talk about one person, because Mary made a save at a key time in the game, which was an incredible turning point for us,” Williamson said of the last save. “Then we went up the other end and scored. It’s when you talk about a team, that’s what the team is about because at opposite ends of the pitch everyone makes it count.
“That moment deserves a shout out. Everyone was absolutely amazing today and delivered what they needed to deliver and here we go again on Sunday.”
Alessia Russo’s audacious backheel through the legs of an unsuspecting Hedvig Lindahl stole the show but the striker admitted she “could have made things easier” as she spoiled a missed effort moments earlier .
Running through his mind after Sweden’s goalkeeper saved his effort from distance was one thing: “What’s the fastest way for me to put this ball in the back of the net?” Russo added: “I missed the first one to be honest, we were actually working on cuts in training the other day. I should have scored first so I got him a foot spin and to luckily, it hit the back of the net.”
Russo was well aware of the importance of the goal, England’s third. “Scoring in a semi-final and going through to the final is a great moment in my career. I don’t usually wear heels and I don’t think you’ll see any of that again,” she said.
It was not lost on a global audience watching the match. Former USA World Cup winner Abby Wambach, who scored 184 goals in 255 games, said: “All my life I dreamed of scoring a goal like that. It never happened. Alessia Russo takes a bow. Let’s go in England”.
Australia and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, who won the WSL Golden Boot last season, said: “I’m not going to lie, that was lit from Russo.”
Russo has shone in the late substitute role, scoring four goals in England’s five games, but he doesn’t mind being labeled a super substitute. “I’ll take the moment I can play for England,” he said. “It has been incredible. If that’s the role, I’ll take it for sure. Ellen [White] he does a great job of wearing everybody down, as does the whole team, we’re right up there in terms of physicality. Whenever there’s an opportunity, I’ll take it.”
Alessia Russo improvises to score England’s third goal against Sweden. Photograph: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
That Russo even attempted the back heel reflects his confidence in his current form. “When you’re enjoying your football you play your best,” he added.