Lionesses captain Leah Williamson issues rallying cry as Sarina Wiegman’s side aim to retain Euros title and avenge World Cup heartbreak by Spain

Leah Williamson has promised that England will play without fear as they prepare to face world champions Spain in this evening’s European Championship final at the St Jakob-Park Stadium.

The Lionesses have had a rocky run to the final here in Switzerland, beating Sweden on penalties after being 2-0 down and then needing a stoppage-time leveller on the way to seeing off Italy.

They now have the chance to set the record straight, seeking revenge for their 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final in Australia two years ago.

‘I don’t think we’re a team fearful of losing,’ said captain Williamson. ‘In football anything can happen. There’s so much out of your control so we focus on being the best people we can to each other, performing the best we can and hopefully that gives the result we want.

‘The opportunity of what’s on offer is the best thing in football. We don’t necessarily carry the weight of how much it means to people, but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us.

The Lionesses have endured a rocky run to the final, becoming the first team in Euros history to reach it after coming from behind in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals

Williamson refused to call England underdogs despite their 2023 World Cup final loss vs Spain

‘You grow in a tournament and we’re aware of that. We have to stay in it as long as possible until we take advantage of it and hopefully the saying is true, that the best is yet to come.’

Williamson refused to label England as underdogs despite their defeat in 2023 and Spain going into the match as favourites.

‘We need to be at our best to beat Spain. I think they need to be at their best to beat us too,’ she added. ‘There is a lot of respect between the two teams. I would be hesitant to say there’s an underdog.’

All 23 players trained yesterday including Lauren James, who has been an injury doubt. England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed that if James recovers well, she will be available.