When Ella Morris stepped onto the pitch at Kingsmeadow, it signalled her return from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury – a moment she described as 'a long time coming'.
Just under a year ago, in May, 2025, the young defender received a maiden call-up to the England senior squad after her impressive performances at the backend of the 2024/25 campaign but suffered the serious injury in training on day one of the camp that would keep her out for a long spell.
Sustaining a second ACL injury of her career, the 23-year-old knew the mental and physical battle in her rehabilitation but, with the support of staff and the team-mates around her throughout the journey, she progressed through every step.
Then, 331 days after her injury with the Lionesses, Ella was back on the pitch in Lilywhite as she came on for the final 20 minutes of our Women’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Chelsea on Monday.
“Really exciting for me,” Ella replied, as she reflected on the special moment. “It's been something that's felt like a long time coming, so I’m just delighted to get back out there with the girls.
“I wasn't necessarily expecting to get any minutes, so to hear my name being called was good, especially with the state of the game, so I was excited to get on to try and push for a win for us. Unfortunately, it fell short but delighted for me. But now it's about pushing on with the girls and getting more results and pushing on, developing as we are.”
Talking about her support in her journey, she told us: “I have to give huge credit to Ben [Sheath], Ellie [Jewiss], Jodie [Southby] and then A’Ameer [Kstantin] as well, who left us. All four of them have been fantastic throughout my rehab and I wouldn't have got through it without those four, especially. I've got an amazing staff group here and honestly, they've been incredible, so thanks to them."
Being involved in her very first matchday squad this season, every time her name was called out on the tannoy at Kingsmeadow, it was met by a loud cheer from our away end – something that the full-back recognised from the very first minute.
“It was really nice, even in the warm-up when I came over or at half-time when I walked past and just hearing that, it was really nice,” she added.
“I appreciate all their support and some of the people have given me some really nice messages of support as well. So, big shout out to them and thanks for supporting the team, but also me today.”