Lioness Leah Williamson’s hug for best pal Alex Scott: Friends enjoy a glass of fizz in the sunshine just 48 hours before injury that wrecked her World Cup dream
She has rarely been off our television screens recently, but sports presenter Alex Scott managed to find time for a glass of fizz in the sunshine, joined by her best friend Leah Williamson.
Clutching two glasses of prosecco, Ms Scott was seen giggling with another pal before the England women’s football captain joined them on Monday afternoon.
Dressed in a lime-green Michael Kors three-piece suit and Nike Air Jordan trainers, the Football Focus host called over to Lioness Ms Williamson before hugging her excitedly as she arrived at the Princess of Wales pub in Primrose Hill, North London.
Friends of the three women said that they decided to have an ‘impromptu’ drink while the sun shone.
While Ms Scott was seen sipping Prosecco, Ms Williamson did not.
Meanwhile an onlooker said: ‘Alex was having a right laugh soaking up the sunshine with her friend, and then Leah arrived.
Warm hello: Football pundit Alex Scott leans in for a hug with close friend Leah Williamson
Leah was pictured enjoying herself in Primrose Hill just hours before sustaining an injury that has ruled her out for this summer’s World Cup
Drinks in style: The Football Focus host rocked a lime-green Michael Kors three-piece suit and Nike Air Jordan trainers
Alex and a pal were spotted enjoying the sunshine at the Prince of Wales pub in Primrose Hill
‘Alex was delighted, she put her hand in the air and beckoned her over. It certainly looked like fun in the sun.’
But their happiness was short-lived, because just over 48 hours later, the England captain’s World Cup dream was in tatters after tearing the ligaments in her knee playing for Arsenal in a Women’s Super League clash with Manchester United on Wednesday.
The injury has ruled her out of this summer’s World Cup in Australia, which kicks off on July 20.
Writing on social media, Ms Williamson said: ‘I had my tears and made my peace with it the night it happened, and since then I have been following the steps I’m told to, in order to best help myself in the short and long term.
‘Ultimately, I think it’s just my time. In the past couple of years alone I have watched team-mates beat serious illnesses and adversity with the biggest of smiles on their faces.
‘I also hold perspective that globally there are much greater difficulties and therefore my circumstances right now are just that, circumstantial, and I’ve seen a lot worse.’
Ms Scott, 38, and Ms Williamson, 26, have been best friends for more than two years after meeting on the women’s football circuit.
They are regularly seen out at showbusiness events together, including the Brits in February and the GQ awards in November.
And last summer, following England’s semi-final win at the Euros, Ms Williamson – who was hailed one of the best players in the tournament which the Lionesses went on to win – and Ms Scott were seen blowing kisses at one another while the television presenter was working as a pundit for the BBC.
Ms Williamson signed a major deal with Italian fashion house Gucci last year, and is regularly seen wearing the label at showbusiness parties.
She also has a lucrative endorsement contract with Nike and previously with Pepsi, and earlier this year released her ‘life guide’ book, You Have The Power.