England are on the brink of reaching the Women’s World Cup knockout rounds but must avoid defeat against China in their final group game to be assured of their place in the last 16.
The Lionesses have struggled to get out of first gear so far at this tournament and were dealt another huge blow when Keira Walsh was stretchered off during the win over Denmark.
The Barcelona midfielder has avoided an ACL injury but will not be available for this game and her potential return remains unclear for the time being. That will mean a slight midfield reshuffle for manager Sarina Wiegman, who had already made two changes between facing Haiti and Denmark.
The last time the Dutch coach made two changes to a team during a tournament was back at Euro 2017 with the Netherlands. Will she make more than just an enforced swap again?
GK: Mary Earps – Yet to concede a goal at this World Cup and has played an active part in that achievement, rather than being a spectator.
RB: Lucy Bronze – Defensively solid so far and remains no stranger to getting forward in attack, having had four attempts on goal against Denmark alone.
CB: Millie Bright (c) – Building her match fitness with each game and growing into the role as stand-in England captain in Leah Williamson’s absence.
CB: Alex Greenwood – It was a better fit for Greenwood back in the centre of defence last time out, having been used on the left against Haiti.
LB: Rachel Daly – Left-back isn’t the position Daly excelled in at club level throughout the 2022/23 season, but Wiegman clearly trusts her in the role.
CM: Georgia Stanway – Set to play as a deeper ‘number six’ in the absence of Walsh and is relishing the challenge of filling in for her best friend.
CM: Laura Coombs – The veteran replaced Walsh off the bench against Denmark to make her World Cup debut at the age of 32. Now, she gets her chance to start.
RM: Chloe Kelly – Kept her place in the reshuffle that surprisingly claimed Lauren Hemp and will look to give more in order to stay in the XI as the tournament progresses.
AM: Ella Toone – The Manchester United star will often drift in and out of the middle of the pitch, making it difficult for defenders to pick her up while creating space for others.
LM: Lauren James – Made all the difference against Haiti with her effortless brilliance and all eyes will be on her to produce in the big moment again.
ST: Alessia Russo – Still searching for her first World Cup goal after netting four times off the bench at Euro 2022 last summer.
WATCH THE LATEST WORLD CUP EDITION OF 90MIN TALKS
Shebahn Aherne is joined by Girls on the Ball, Lizzy Becherano and 90min BR’s Maria Victoria Poli to analyse the second games of the group stage. They discuss how Sarina Weigman will need to rethink the Lionesses’ tactics after Keira Walsh’s knee injury and look ahead at the final round’s fixtures of the group stage. If you can’t see the embed, click here to watch the full show.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
