'Everybody knew what they were part of' - Williamson on Euro 2022

England defender Leah Williamson has told BBC reporter Kelly Somers that every member of the Lionesses squad recognised the magnitude of last summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 triumph, saying everybody involved understood the wider significance of the tournament success.

Speaking on The Football Interview, the Arsenal centre-back reflected on the shared sense of purpose that underpinned England’s run to the trophy, which was clinched with a 2-1 victory over Germany in front of a record crowd at Wembley.

Williamson, who captained the side throughout the competition, emphasised that the awareness stretched beyond the pitch. “Everybody knew what they were part of,” she said, highlighting how the collective mindset contributed to both the on-field performances and the off-field impact on women’s football in the United Kingdom.

The interview, conducted by Somers for the BBC’s dedicated football discussion programme, offered a rare insight into the squad’s mentality during a landmark month for the sport. Williamson’s comments underline the deliberate effort by players and staff to harness the momentum of home advantage and convert it into a legacy that would extend well beyond the final whistle.

While the conversation covered the tactical and emotional demands of leading a host nation to its first major women’s title, the defender repeatedly returned to the theme of unity, crediting the cohesion inside the camp for enabling the players to thrive under intense scrutiny.

The full discussion is available on The Football Interview, providing fans with further context on how the Lionesses navigated pressure, expectations and history to secure England’s first senior European Championship.