England captain Leah Williamson revealed that her endometriosis flare-up nearly caused her to miss their victorious Euro 2022 campaign. In the middle of the defence, the 25-year-old Arsenal defender led the Lionesses to victory at the Euros, taking over as captain of the squad from Steph Houghton just before the competition. However, Williamson nearly had to withdraw from the competition owing to excruciating discomfort. Williamson was just diagnosed with endometriosis after experiencing excruciating period symptoms, and her ability to compete in the Euros was put in jeopardy by a concussion. Williamson participated in every minute of the competition, and the Lionesses allowed just two goals overall.
“My concussion before the Euros was severe, like, really bad, and they say it can significantly affect your following period,” England captain Leah Williamson said. “You know when you’re on the floor of the restroom and are genuinely saying, ‘I can’t move’. when it’s too late to take the pills because I’m already experiencing the symptoms. I thought, ‘It can’t happen’. I won’t be able to play, for instance. When you arrive at a competition without any injuries, [an endometriosis flare-up] is a major concern. Now, I don’t really alter anything around [my cycle]. Unless I’m lying down. I declare: ‘I won’t make it today’ after that. Since I’m a professional athlete, I’ve always said, ‘Let’s get started.'”
In her reflection on the summer that changed women’s football, Sarina Wiegman looks back on the five months since the Lionesses made history by winning the Euros. Captain Williamson referred to Wiegman as the “missing component” the Lionesses required to win their first major competition. What has that illustrious win left in its wake so far? What has changed in women’s football and what would it mean to win the World Cup in 2023? At the stadium where they made history, Sky Sports News spoke with the England women’s team head coach.
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