Leah Leads The Field (Leah Williamson interview)

Arsenal’s Leah Williamson, fresh from the England Under-19 penalty retake that made global headlines, collects the PFA Young Player of the Year award and says it was the first time she felt the women were on a par with the men and celebrated just as much. The difference lay in small things: the women’s trophy being identical to the men’s, and their table sitting beside the Chelsea men’s rather than at the back of the room. She snuck a photograph with Steven Gerrard. Reflecting on a debut season played out of position at centre back, she says there were no expectations on her but that knowing what she can do now, she was disappointed not to make more impact. She puts her standing among peers down to trying to be a nuisance.