England and Arsenal defender Leah Williamson has expressed renewed determination to return to the pitch after being honoured with an OBE at Windsor Castle. 

England and Arsenal defender Leah Williamson has said she “is more focused than ever to be back on the pitch” after being made an OBE at Windsor Castle.

 

 

England and Arsenal defender Leah Williamson has expressed renewed determination to return to the pitch after being honoured with an OBE at Windsor Castle.

Williamson, 26, suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in April, which ruled her out of the recent Women’s World Cup. Despite the setback, she told the PA news agency that her rehabilitation has progressed well: “I’ve made some good steps. I’m running again now. We are in a great place.”

Receiving the OBE was clearly a proud moment. Williamson said it was a day she could celebrate with her family — but she made it clear that her focus remains firmly ahead: “I am more focused than ever to be back on the pitch.”

She admitted she still has “a long way to go” before she’s fully back, but she’s optimistic about returning later in the year, perhaps after Christmas. Interestingly, she likened her return to being “a new signing” for Arsenal once she’s fully recovered.

Off the field, Williamson has remained active in her role as a public figure. She recently met with the Prince of Wales after a previous encounter at the United Nations, where she made history as the first England women’s footballer to address the UN during the Sustainable Development Goals Summit. Her time away from playing hasn’t stopped her from making an impact: “While I’m not out … I want to still try and have an impact … just in a different way.”

Williamson also spoke passionately about the future of the women’s game, urging for more matches in major stadiums. She warned that the hectic match schedules are pushing players to their physical limits, saying: “We’re running ourselves into the ground … it’s our bodies on the line.”

In short, Leah Williamson’s OBE is a celebration of her achievements — but even on that special day, her mind is clearly on recovery, return, and making an even bigger contribution to her team.