Alex Greenwood has backed Leah Williamson to be a success as England Women captain after she was named as Steph Houghton’s successor ahead of this summer’s Euros.
Williamson had been wearing the armband in the absence of the injured Houghton, who first captained England herself in January 2014 before being confirmed in the role in April that year.
The 25-year-old Arsenal defender led the team to success in the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup last month featuring Spain, Canada and Germany and has been capped 27 times in total, scoring two goals.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Leah. She’s a young player still with so much experience. It feels like she’s been here forever,” Manchester City full-back Greenwood told Sky Sports News.
“She leads by example on and off the field. She’s a great person, a great footballer and I’m so proud of her. I wish her all the best with the captaincy and I’m sure she’ll fulfil it in every way she can.
“She’s someone who very much values her opinions. She’ll never change for anyone and that’s something we respect and I respect.
“Whether Leah’s got the armband on or not, you don’t see a difference in her. It’s a great moment for her and her family and I’m sure she’ll lead the country out with great honour.”
Former captain Houghton had been wearing her country’s armband for eight years but is facing a race to be fit for the Euros after undergoing Achilles surgery.
Reacting to the news on Tuesday, the 33-year-old Manchester City defender described Williamson as a “very deserving and driven leader”.
Greenwood added: “Steph’s been an unbelievable captain, not just for country but for club as well. She’s still my captain at club. She’s someone I have so much respect for. She lives and breathes football and she’s an iconic figure in the women’s game.
“When the time’s right I’m sure she’ll reflect on the years she spent as captain and be very proud of what she’s achieved. That’s not to say that she’s not an England international, because me knowing Steph, she definitely is and she’ll do everything she can to put on the England shirt again.”
England are preparing for the forthcoming away FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia on Friday, April 8 (7pm kick-off) and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, April 12 (7.55pm kick-off).
Women’s Euro 2022
The groups…
Group A: England, Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland
Group B: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland
Group C: Netherlands, Sweden, C3*, Switzerland
Group D: France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland
Russia suspended until further notice