Everything you need to know about this summers tournament
Image by James Whitehead
This year is the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup to date and is hosted by both Australia + New Zealand with the teams split between the two domains within the play-offs. The beautiful mix of venues include Lang Park, Eden Park and the gorgeous Stadium Australia that boasts an impressive 83,500 capacity, just under that of Wembley's 90,000.
In England’s first match this year, they will face debuting team Haiti, with games against China and Denmark waiting for them within the group stage, all of which England have never faced within a Tournament. China hosts some great talent including Tottenham striker Tang Jiali scoring in every tournament she has attended making her a sure pick for the World Cup team. Denmark also have some great players who are likely to be in their squad such as Arsenal midfielder Katherine Kühl and Reading’s Sanne Troelsgaard who has 176 caps and 55 goals under her belt.
Image by Canada Soccer.
Past this stage, our biggest competitors lie in the likes of 2-time previous World Cup winners USA who I’m sure are ready to make that 3-time this year. This year FIFA ranked them #1 in the world with England only ranking #4. Germany ranked number #2; a team who have shown that they can be dangerous, especially when players such as Popp are around, who missed the final of the Euros last year due to an Injury but still tied as top goal scorer of the tournament alongside England’s Beth Mead. 3rd ranked was Sweden who may want to seek vengeance after Farah Williams’ pre-match prophecy came true last year with England beating them 4-0.
Image by James Whitehead
All eyes are on the Lionesses this year however as fans are eager for them to continue their Tournament winning streak with their overall 30-game winning streak coming to an end during a friendly earlier this month when they faced hosts Australia. Fans are also apprehensive as after Arsenal faced Manchester United last week in the WSL title battle, Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the England World Cup line up due to an ACL injury joining Beth Mead on the side lines. Mead was a huge part of the euro squad last year scoring a record-breaking 6 goals in the tournament. Williamson played an integral role in leading the lionesses to victory, captaining the team with 56 balls recovered overall.
Image by James Whitehead
However, we know Serina is bound to pull a stellar squad out of the bag that can create magical moments and show ‘em what England can do. Mary Earps is likely to be returning as keeper after conceding only 2 goals in the whole of the euros. Manchester United duo Ella Toone + Alessia Russo are bound to be back on the pitch whether that be in the starting 11 or coming on in the latter half to work their magic. After her performance in the WSL this season, Lauren James deserves her place within the squad and hopefully in some of the starting 11’s. Newby Jess Park has also demonstrated some great talent, scoring the final goal in England’s friendly against Japan in less than 2 minutes of being on the pitch with a run on par with the likes of Chloe Kelly.
With less than 3 months to go, we’re getting closer and closer to the main event. With huge clubs and world class players, this summer should be one that’s unforgettable.
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