01 August 2023 , 14:19
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Leah Williamson says she “took control” and decided to “dip out” the Lioness’ WhatsApp group – but isn't happy legend Beth Mead got the boot.
After leading her team to victory in the 2022 European Championship, she was all set to captain England again at the Women's World Cup currently taking place in Australia and New Zealand. But injury has robbed her of the chance, so she decided to leave them to it.
But she says says her team-mate Beth being sidelined on the app is “not a funny situation” as she appeared on Capital FM this morning before the team took on China in their final group game. That ended in an convincing 6-1 win as they stormed through to top the group in style.
Goals from Lauren James, Lauren Hemp, Rachel Daly, Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly made sure the Lionesses cemented themselves into the round of 16. They will face Nigeria on Monday August 7 at 8.30am back at Brisbane Stadium.
Leah Williamson says she desperately misses her team-mates as the go into battle at the World Cup (Getty Images)Leah is right behind the girls' bid for history but she told Roman Kemp, Sian Welby and Chris Stark why she made a big decision. Chris asked: "We had your fellow Gunner and Lioness Beth Mead on the show. And this sounds really brutal. She was explaining how she got kicked out the Lioness WhatsApp group... savage! Has this happened to you as well?," Leah stopped him in his tracks, saying she decided to take a step back after her injury.
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She explained why she's 'dipped out' of the team WhatsApp group (Capital)
She was quizzed by Chris Stark before England battered China (Capital)She said: "That's not a funny situation, by the way, just to clarify. No, I think I was in for a while. And then it got to a point where obviously I was in until April. So then they started doing all prep, and I was like.. probably time for me to just leave now."
Chris then probed: "So did you leave?" before Leah told him: "I'm gonna say I took control and was like, 'am I needed for anything? Or can I just dip out now, thank you'."
Football fan Roman then asked: "It's gutting not being out there with the girls right now, isn't it?," and she responded: "Yeah, it's not easy. It's not easy. It's more like they're my mates you know, I want to be out there having a good time.... obviously I miss the football."
Roman then wanted to know how she was dealing with watching this time and not playing. "It's hard, we're on the outside. I don't want to get in too much but at the same time, it's them. They're like my family. So it's nice just watching and being proud of them. But I'd much rather be involved."