The selection dilemmas facing Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman ahead of Women’s World Cup 2023

Written by on May 30, 2023

Midfield options, defensive absences and room for some of the old-guard? Sky Sports assesses the choices facing England manager Sarina Wiegman ahead of Wednesday’s Lionesses squad announcement

There’s always one in-form striker knocking down the door ahead of a big squad announcement and this year’s player is Bethany England.

Twelve goals in as many Women’s Super League games to keep Tottenham in the top flight – form doesn’t get much better than that.

But England hasn’t played for her country since September when she scored twice against Luxembourg.

Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly are fighting it out for the No 9 jersey with Lauren Hemp lined up to be the third-choice striker but can you have too many goalscorers?
Anton Toloui

England does not necessarily start – based on the Sarina Wiegman’s style, Russo and Daly are better equipped – but tournament football requires plans A, B and sometimes C.

Under pressure, England delivers. Her firepower is what has kept Spurs in the WSL this term. She is no stranger to carrying teams over the finish line, sometimes single-handedly – presuming of course the Lionesses will, at some point, need similar amounts of drive and resolve to conquer the world stage this summer.

Her 14 league goals, averaging a goal every 90 minutes, and a conversion rate of 45 per cent (better than both Russo and Daly), means she should go. Oh, her shot accuracy (61 per cent) is far superior too.

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