Arsenal defender Leah Williamson will captain England at this summer's Women's Euros

Arsenal defender Leah Williamson will captain England at the Women’s Euros this summer.

Williamson has captained the Lionesses in the absence of Steph Houghton, who has missed the last nine games with an achilles injury.

Chelsea’s Millie Bright has been named as vice-captain while record goalscorer Ellen White is third in line.

Williamson, who led the Lionesses success in the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup last month featuring Spain, Canada and Germany, said: ‘This is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family and I am honoured to be asked to lead us at the Euros.

‘Steph Houghton is one of this country’s all-time greats and to follow in her footsteps – and all of those special names who have led the team in the past - means so much.

‘Although I will be wearing the armband, I know we have a squad full of leaders who share my pride and passion in playing for our country. Whether I am captain or not, I will never take anything for granted and will always do my best for England every time I pull on the shirt.’

England are undefeated under Wiegman, with seven wins and two draws in her nine games in charge. They could seal qualification for the 2023 World Cup if they beat North Macedonia and Northern Ireland in their upcoming qualifiers and Northern Ireland draw with Austria.

Houghton, who has been captain since 2014, has not played for England since February 2021 and is in a race against time to be fit for this summer’s home tournament. Wiegman is set to give the Manchester City captain extra time to prove her fitness but believes the captaincy needed addressing in advance of the summer.

‘This decision gives us continuity at this important final period as we build towards the tournament. It is important we give everyone clarity at this stage,’ Wiegman said.

‘Leah has been a great leader for us and I know she will continue to set the example we need in her work on and off the pitch. While I know this is significant news for our fans, for me the most important thing is that we work hard in training and perform to the best we can in our matches as a team.

'The main thing is we are ready for our World Cup qualifiers and then the EURO this summer.

‘She joins a proud list of England captains and will be following in the footsteps of the likes of the first captain Sheila Parker but also her predecessor Steph Houghton who have all been integral for the women’s game.’