CUBS CAN ROAR

Skipper Williamson insists young Lionesses ready to step up

- FROM TOM VICTOR in Zurich

LEAH WILLIAMSON is ready to lead by example as one of the senior stars in an England squad packed with young talent but claims the next generation are already ahead of the curve.

The Lionesses have lost some key players in the lead-up to this summer's European Championship in Switzerland, but there are also some exciting youngsters ready to step up after the retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby and the withdrawal of Millie Bright.

Young Chelsea striker Aggie Beever-Jones (circle, top) scored a hat-trick against Portugal in the lead-up to the tournament, while Arsenal teenager Michelle Agyemang (circle, bottom) scored on her international debut after an impressive campaign on loan at Brighton.