Arsenal Women centre-back Leah Williamson will captain England Women for this year's European Championships, the Lionesses have confirmed.

The 25-year-old has donned the armband for the national team while Steph Houghton works her way back from a long-term injury and led the team to victory in the Arnold Clark Cup last month.

Williamson's season was disrupted by a "significant" hamstring injury back in November, but the defender has since recovered and is "honoured" to be named Lionesses skipper for the upcoming Euros.

"This is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family and I'm honoured to be asked to lead us at the EUROs," Williamson told englandfootball.com.

"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'm 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."

Manager Sarina Wiegman added: "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. The main thing is we are ready for our World Cup qualifiers and then the EURO this summer."

England will face Austria, Northern Ireland and Norway in Euro 2022 Group A, and Wiegman's side will kick their tournament off against the former at Old Trafford on July 6. body check tags ::