Fara Williams will head to Germany next week having already won a major battle to recover from the injury she thought had wrecked her World Cup.

A knee injury sustained in Everton's Super League clash with Lincoln at the end of April sparked fears Williams would miss out on a place in Hope Powell's 21-strong squad.

It would have been a blow to the Three Lionesses' chances of making an impact on the greatest stage, just weeks after they had catapulted themselves amongst the favourites by recording a shock win over the United States.

"I suffered the same injury on my other leg a few years ago, so I knew exactly what it was," said the 27-year-old.

"I was hesitant in the tackle, ended up being too late getting there and got myself hurt.

"I was really concerned. It was six weeks until selection and I knew the injury would take between six and eight weeks to heal."

Williams began her recovery immediately and by the time she went to Bisham Abbey a fortnight ago, knew she would be fit.

Yet she still recognised Powell might judge selecting a player who would not have stepped into a competitive game for almost two months by the time England open their campaign against Mexico on June 27 too much of a risk.


"I am grateful she didn't think it was a problem. To receive the call was such a relief," she said.

"I don't have to prove anything to myself or to Hope but people on the outside might be looking at it and thinking she has taken a risk.

"It is a lot of pressure. But I am ready for that pressure. I will prove it was not a mistake."