Leah Williamson: 'We have the capabilities to do better'

England women’s senior team captain Leah Williamson spoke of her disappointment after the Lionesses fell to a 2-1 defeat against Spain in their final game of UEFA Women’s Nations League group stage.

Sarina Wiegman’s team struck first but the world champions turned it around in the second period and Williamson reflected on a game of two halves.

“I think in the second half they pressed a bit higher, we struggled, we couldn’t keep the ball as well as we had done in the first half, and we didn’t really have any real threat,” said Williamson.

“Under that much pressure with a top side, sometimes that is what happens – they get two and they win the game.”

The defender pinpointed areas of improvement for England, insisting that the Lionesses can and will step up their levels with EURO 2025 right around the corner.

“I think we just have to be a bit better on the ball, find solutions quicker,” continued Williamson. “A great lesson, I know we say that all the time, but it is a great lesson.

“I think that has maybe been an inconsistency through the campaign, maybe us on the ball and defensively as well. It is something we have to work on, but we have the capabilities to do better.

“The game changes constantly, teams change constantly and we have to be able to adapt a bit quicker. But it is a different mindset now, we have time to build and push ourselves to be ready for the start of the tournament.”

Nevertheless, the Lionesses skipper was pleased with the first 45 minutes as England defended their early lead.

However, as Williamson explained, it means England exit the Nations League – a competition they were eager to progress in, with the fixtures also helping Wiegman’s side gear up for this summer’s major tournament.

“I think especially first half, it was a great display,” commented Williamson. “I thought for the most part we looked solid and it felt solid.

“We feel good. There are just tweaks that need to be made and it is disappointing because that is a competitive fixture and that is an important campaign for us going forward with rankings and seedings and all of that.

“But I think you saw maybe the best of us in the previous game and just slightly off it today.”