England women’s football captain Leah Williamson has revealed what inspired her to become a footballer.
The 25-year-old led the Lionesses to victory in the Women’s Euro 2022 tournament last month as they beat Germany 2-1 in a nailbiting final at Wembley Stadium.
Williamson revealed that Texas’s Inner Smile was her favorite track during an episode of My Sounds on BBC Sounds. She said the song reminds Williamson of why she wants to be a professional footballer.
Bend It Like Beckham, (Alamy/PA).
Williamson stated: “I’ve chosen it because I grew up watching Bend It Like Beckham, I wanted to be a footballer because of that film and this takes me back there.”
The film follows teenage girls Jesminder and Juliette, known as Jess and Jules, as they battle against their parents’ wishes to pursue careers in professional football.
During the programme, released as part of a series to celebrate the BBC’s centenary, Williamson also chose songs including Picture Of You by Boyzone, Adele’s Hold On and Thinking Of You by Sister Sledge.
She described her selections as “a wonderful experience.” “hand-picked playlist of songs that make me feel calm, composed and energised”.
Williamson also chose Vanessa Amorosi’s 2000 track Absolutely Everybody, saying: “It’s a feelgood tune and it reminds me of my teammates.”
Also on the Arsenal star’s playlist was Drive And Disconnect by NAO, Jocelyn Brown’s Somebody Else’s Guy and Bring It All Back by S Club 7.
The My Sounds series features personalized music mixes by names like Jodie Whittaker and Stephen Fry.
Celebrity curators have created a mix that suits their moods and features music that is unique to them. They also explore the stories behind their favorite songs.
Williamson described her selection as “music that gets me in the zone, removing distractions so I can focus on the game”, and ended with Does Your Mother Known By Abba and Afraid to Feel by LF System. This chart is currently at number one.
Williamson’s episode of My Sounds is available now on BBC Sounds.