Leah Williamson makes Lionesses squad admission after key player retirements before Women's Euros

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson has acknowledged that England's squad for the upcoming European Championship might lack the level of experience boasted by the 2022 title-winners but is quick to stress that their high standards remain intact.

Following goalkeeper Mary Earps and playmaker Fran Kirby retiring from international duty, along with defender Millie Bright stepping back to focus on her mental health, the Lionesses have experienced a period of significant change.

The squad now has seven players who are participating in their first major tournament - Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, Khiara Keating, Maya le Tissier, Anna Moorhouse, and Jess Park, adding a new dimension to Sarina Wiegman's team.

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With preparations in full swing as the team get set to defend their European crown, starting against France on July 5, Williamson described the atmosphere within the camp. She said: "Everyone has a good attitude towards the job. This week is graft and then next week you start really focusing and honing in on the tournament.

"It's a fresh team in that sense. We probably carry less as a team now in terms of the experiences people have had, but I also see a group that is focused and wants to be better all the time.

"The standards are high, the standards from the more experienced players. It was a great session today and then it gets a bit more exciting, come Monday."

Williamson was a pivotal figure in England's Euro 2022 triumph but heartbreakingly missed the World Cup journey two years prior, where the Lionesses advanced to the final only to be defeated by Spain.

The 28-year=old faced a major setback just three months out from the tournament when she sustained an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

But her determination shines through as she rejoins the squad with anticipation.

Williamson added: "Personally, it's been a rocky period of time, like highest of highs and lowest of lows. I try and put that aside and I think it's a very different scenario now.

"I feel my age, if that makes sense, like I've definitely aged in the last couple of years for good and bad reasons. But it does feel slightly different. It's slightly different vibes, but I'm so excited to be back.

"I'm still keeping my head down and focusing on staying healthy and being in a good place. But I missed the last time and I'm very, very grateful to be here again."

Coming off a stellar season with Arsenal that saw them clinch the Champions League title with a 1-0 victory against Barcelona last month, the taste of success has left Williamson craving even more achievements.

The Lionesses skipper said: "I think one of the greatest things about being an athlete is that when you think you're done, you always have that extra part of yourself that you can tap into.

"You win and you think you want to just bathe in that euphoria. But there's always something else coming, and the best feeling in the world is being hungry for it, and I'm wanting to go again, winning in the summer.

"Being reminded of what that feels like (the Champions League win), I can't wait for the next challenge."