In May 2009, Williams was one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by the Football Association. At the time she was the only uncapped player to be awarded a contract. Her debut for the England senior side came in July 2009 when she came on as a substitute for Alex Scott in the 2–0 defeat at home to Iceland. She missed out on a place in the Women's Euro 2009 Squad, but was picked by head coach Hope Powell for England's squad to face Malta in the first qualifying game for the 2011 Women's World Cup. Despite excellent form at club level, Williams was overlooked for the 2011 World Cup squad.