England’s 23-player squad features some stalwarts of the Lionesses mixed with plenty of players experiencing their first World Cup or even major tournament. Here are five players to look out for.
Mary Earps
England’s number one, Mary Earps has some of the safest hands in the world. The past 12-months have been transformative for the Manchester United keeper. Earps had a very successful Euros and continued that form into the domestic season, winning the WSL Golden Glove. The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper 2022 was also awarded to Earps, beating Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Chile’s Christiane Endler.
Earps will also take on a leadership role. Not only is she a more senior player within the side but in the absence of the Lionesses’ captain, Leah Williamson, she has been handed the vice-captaincy. Millie Bright, who Sarina Wiegman named as the skipper for the tournament, has been returning from a knee injury and in England’s recent friendly against Portugal, Earps led the side in Milton Keynes.
Keira Walsh
Keira Walsh has been a talent player for a number of seasons, but her ability was demonstrated during England’s successful Euros campaign. Walsh was named in the 2022 Euros team of the Tournament and just weeks later signed for Barcelona for a record transfer fee – estimated at around £400,000.
The Rochdale-born midfielder has adapted quickly to Barcelona’s style of play and has helped the team to the successes of winning Liga F and the prestigious UEFA Women’s Champions League. Walsh anchors the midfield for England and despite only being 26, is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable Lionesses.
Millie Bright
Millie Bright has been an England regular since her debut in 2016. The Chelsea defender has been given the armband for the 2023 Women’s World Cup with usual captain Leah Williamson missing through injury. Bright was also on the sidelines for the back end of the season and did not feature in England’s send off game against Portugal. Manager, Sarina Wiegman, has urged that Bright’s injury is not a concern for England and that rehabilitation is ahead of schedule.
However, whenever Bright does featured, she is a collected and assured presence in the back line and has been described as a ‘brick wall’. Millie has also led England on a few occasions and has captained her Club side Chelsea when Magdalena Eriksson has been unavailable.
Lauren James
At 21, Lauren James is one of England’s exciting, young players making their World Cup debut. James has excelled at Chelsea and although she struggled towards the back end of the season, she performed well for England against Portugal.
Only signing for her London side in 2021, James scored 8 goals and 4 assists in their successful 2022/23 season and made a name for herself on the international stage. Although there is plenty of competition for a place up front, James is rapid and has linked up well with Lucy Bronze both in training and matches.
The World Cup will by no means be James’ best performance she will ever have in an England shirt but given her youth, there will be plenty more major tournaments for Lauren to enjoy.
Rachel Daly
Rachel Daly has made a big move from starting at left-back for England to donning the number nine shirt in the upcoming World Cup. After a long stint in the NWSL, Daly signed for Aston Villa in September 2022 in what was to be one of the best signings of the window. Villa manager, Carla Ward, played Daly in the number nine role, a decision which paid off and helped Daly to become the WSL Golden Boot winner.
The 31-year-old scored 22 WSL goals which equalled the league’s record set by star striker Vivianne Miedema. Over a third of Daly’s international goals have been scored the past 12 months and it seems that Wiegman is favouring Daly upfront, particularly with Beth Mead injured.
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