The Lionesses semi-final line-up. 26th July 2022. Photo credit: Lionesses via Twitter.
Another summer, another tournament to cheer on the Lionesses and this time it’s against the world!
I’m sure you are all familiar with the squad which has been announced, personally I’m fully in support of it! However we are here to talk about the absentees and who could step up to the plate to keep that ever so impressive momentum going.
The notable absentees of captain Leah Williamson, ‘forever a danger’ Fran Kirby and last years joint Euros top scorer Beth Mead, are a concern which may worry some fans. The England injuries may worry fans; However, I’m here to give some optimism back by talking about some new players who can step up to fill those boots.
Firstly, how could we replace a leader and captain at the back? In comes Millie Bright, a part of the back line which won the Euros impressively. She has had plenty of experience throughout her career and has learnt many leadership skills for club and country, playing alongside some of the best leaders in football… Magdalena Eriksson for club and the already mentioned Leah Williamson for country! She has amassed more winning success than many in her position and has the desire to put her body on the line. Millie has achieved the most clean sheets in Women’s Super League history with 71, evidence that our defence should be impressive and well organised.
Fran Kirby can’t necessarily be directly replaced, due to her play style. She is a player who can shift the ball with both feet and has a low centre of gravity. She has been called the ‘Messi of Women’s football’ before, and deservedly so. She will be greatly missed.
However, we do have one of the most likeable and hardworking young midfielders deserving of a starting spot this summer. After having great affect with the minutes she got given in the Euros win, I present to you, Ella Toone. One of the most impressive things about Ella is her link up and relationship with others, particularly Alessia Russo, a weapon that can be utilised whenever Alessia gets minutes. Alessia may not be a starter, so Ella’s maturity and friendship with others could be beneficial. Ella’s stats keep up with those of Fran, she likes to get on the ball as much as possible, creates many chances per game and they tend to have the quality which result in assists. Alongside creative prowess, Ella is brilliant at being in the right place in the box when the ball falls to a dangerous area and more often than not it ends up in the back of the net. She can finish superbly with both feet. Ella also has the quality to strike from outside of the box, making her a superb, young replacement for Fran, who surely can only get even better.
Lastly, how do you replace a player who caused so much havoc that she became joint top scorer at the Euros? I give you someone who is so unpredictable with both feet, so direct and an excitement to watch, Lauren James. Lauren has a talent not many others have, her brother Reece James once said ‘She’s technically better than some Prem players’ when referring to players of the men’s game. Since re-joining Chelsea from Manchester United in July 2021, Lauren has gone from strength to strength. In the last season, under the guidance of Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, Lauren has become one of the most technically talented and most exciting players to watch in Europe, a quality that could be unleashed for the Lionesses this summer. Although Beth may have had better stats, it’s worth remembering Lauren is young and still definitely knows where the net is, a number of brilliant strikes last season proved that. 7 goal contributions in 18 Women Super League matches is not a bad return, especially for someone so young. Lauren has the mentality to give any defender nightmares and her direct dribbling will be a joy to watch.
It’s worth remembering that many Euro winners are in the squad for this upcoming tournament, with both the relationships and mentality within the group being really impressive. Despite the England injuries, it’s important that we have faith in our selected squad and continue to show support throughout the tournament, whatever the outcome.
We can’t wait to watch the Lionesses this summer and hopefully you can’t either!
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