The challenge facing the Republic of Ireland when they take on reigning European champions England tomorrow night just got a little bit bigger, with Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman confirming Leah Williamson will start in Dublin after a year's absence from the international stage.
Williamson suffered an ACL injury in April 2023, missing out on her country's march to the World Cup final, where they lost to Spain.
As had been anticipated, the classy centre-half will make her long-awaited return at the Aviva Stadium.
England drew with Sweden last Friday, and though they possess a squad packed with quality, they looked a little vulnerable at Wembley.
They will hope Williamson steadies them. The Arsenal star is relishing her comeback, reserving lots of praise for her clubmate Katie McCabe, and indeed Ireland generally, ahead of this international derby.
"Katie is a big personality, someone who is very proud of where she comes from and has been authentic with that with the fans, so a lot of people connect to her in that way," said Williamson.
"She knows her strengths and she has those strengths that can be game-changing as well. She is someone who has raised the profile of the game, her game, and subsequently Arsenal. She has been an important player for us over the last couple of years."
Williamson and Wiegman sang off the same hymn sheet when appraising Ireland. Respect, albeit wrapped around familiar cliches, was in bountiful supply.
"I'm expecting them to be really disciplined in the way that they defend," Williamson said. "I saw the 1-0 result against France. I think it's going to be a test for us to move the ball, move them, you can see the battles.
"They have got key players up top but also a strong defensive line as well. I know all those girls really well so it’s going to be a good one."
Wiegman described Gleeson's side as being "very compact, very physical, very well-organised and disciplined", adding: "They are dangerous on the counter attack too, and if they do get some space, they can come out and attack and create some chances.
"They look like a very strong team together, and they have had quite a journey, making the World Cup, winning their Nations League group and now being here. It is a team, it is their togetherness and they have a strict plan and can be physical too."
Meanwhile, McCabe remains in the dark over a potential trip to Australia with Arsenal just a week before a crunch Euro 2025 qualifier against Sweden, but admitted she may be obliged to make the journey.
The Women's Super League giants will face an A League Allstars selection at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday 24 May. Seven days later, Ireland host the Swedes at the Aviva Stadium.
It would be a gruelling turnaround for McCabe; but given she is one of the most popular and recognisable players in the team, it's difficult to imagine her not being asked to travel.
"I've no idea," she said when asked about the post-season trip. "Obviously Arsenal have committed to a trip Down Under in Melbourne and as far as I know, nothing has been set in stone yet in terms of squad and stuff.
"Myself and my team-mates are all in the same position, we all have qualifiers post the Australian trip. I’m an Arsenal player, I’m contracted to play for Arsenal and of course if they need to play, then I’ll be playing for them."
Last month Wiegman said the fixture in Australia would be "not good" for the players and revealed she'd be in dialogue with the Gunners over a compromise. On the same night Ireland face Sweden, England play France at St James's Park.
On Monday, Wiegman shut down questions about the friendly, saying: Weigman: "Of course, I have heard there is plans to go. But this is not the moment to talk about it. We have a game tomorrow and just want to prepare for that."
Watch Republic of Ireland v England in Euro 2025 qualifying on Tuesday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on 2fm's Game On
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