Sarina Wiegman: Leah Williamson captaincy shows England can adapt without Jill Scott & Ellen White
By Ali Rampling
Sarina Wiegman believes Leah Williamson's performance as England captain during Euro 2022 can act as an example as to how England will fill the leadership void left by the retiring Jill Scott and Ellen White.
The duo both announced their retirement from professional football this week, removing 274 caps worth of experience from the England squad.
Williamson captained England to Euro 2022 glory in July at the age of just 25, despite never having started a match at a major tournament prior to the European Championships. Wiegman highlighted the manner in which the Arsenal defender stepped into her role at the Euros as evidence that there are many other members of the squad capable of shouldering leadership roles.
"We'll absolutely miss them [White and Scott] because they're such big personalities and they have such an impact on the team," Wiegman said. "But I do think that's what we already saw during the summer with Leah as captain, that she grew in her role so well and she collaborated with the whole team and also of course with Jill, with Ellen, with the other more experienced leaders in the team.
"So I do think now the dynamics of the team will change a little bit, that's normal, we will absolutely miss those two, but we will stabilise over the next camps, because it also gives opportunity to other players to step up and become more [of] a leader in the team. But I do think we already have some, that's what we showed during the summer too."
White and Scott both bowed out in style, with the Euro 2022 final at Wembley the final match of their professional careers - and Wiegman paid tribute to the impact the pair have had on the game.
"It's hard to describe in words how much impact they had," the England boss added. "First of all they have been with the team for such a long time, so they have impacted the game with the national team and with [their] club teams in England so much. And their personalities too.
"I've only worked with them for a year so I'm a little disappointed I can't work longer with them, but I totally understand their decision and respect that too. But just their impact on the game, on everything in women's football in England. But I also think further than England.
"It's just incredible, we're so proud of them and so thankful for everything they've brought to the game. And I just hope that they stick with the game, if not as a player then some kind of other role."